Newaygo Beer Turns Two Eric, Krista, and Nick Looman are ecstatic to announce that April 28-30 Newaygo Brewing Company will be celebrating two years of beer, food, and community at their historic Newaygo, Michigan location. The weekend will feature one-off cask ales, a new NEIPA, a new Ginger Saison, and the launch of their 2017-2018 Mug Club. The weekend schedule features evening music from renowned bluegrass quartet Fauxgrass (GR) and varietal rockers The Jetts (Muskegon) on Friday and Saturday night respectively. All of West Michigan has been invited to imbibe in unique beers, enjoy the musical acts, and rub shoulders with... ...the greater Grand Rapids brewing community. Additionally, the Loomans are using the milestone to launch three new bottled beers to market. "The industry is in a weird place right now," says Brewmaster Nick from his unfinished office space above the brew house. Somewhere below, patrons are cheering and laughing. The gentle thumping of lounge music can be heard from the taproom and Nick comments, "I love working here on busy nights." About the new beers, Looman continues, "We wanted to put beer out that is representative of our brewing skill but also was approachable by the Newaygo community [a community that calls themselves Brewaygo]." "New beer receives a lot of attention. With the explosive brewery growth we see around us, new beers are going to market every week. How do we stand out? How do we remain true to ourselves?" asks Looman. He describes the bottled beers as naturally conditioned, specialty, spiced ales which can be enjoyed fresh or cellared for up to a year. According to the company's website, Riverhouse Saison is a Norwegian farmhouse ale made with fresh Juniper. Himalayan Gose is a German style sour ale with spice and fruit, and Death Rye is a heavily dry hopped rye ale. "Death Rye shows off how bold aromatic hops can complement spices. We brew this beer with cracked peppercorn," says Nick, drinking something dark and frothy. "Uncommon Espresso Stout!" He says excitedly, taking another sip. "The first impression many people have of our company will be these bottles. I am very proud of them and excited to see West Michigan's response." Nick and Krista, originally from Grand Rapids, moved to Newaygo in 2014. Having sold their worldly possessions, including their home, the couple rented in the Newaygo area while getting their business off the ground. They have since made Newaygo home, living a few blocks from the brewery, working alongside their staff of 35 to promote the 100 seat restaurant and beer bar. On the cusp of their third year of business, Newaygo Brewing Co. is still discovering who they are. Owner and HR manager, Krista states, "It is unique in the service industry to have such a loyal crew with powerful, personal drive. Over the last couple years our young staff have promoted themselves in our company and become pillars of our community " She says her "Brew Crew" promote craft beer in Newaygo while also upholding a progressive culture focused on community and inclusion. "We all believe we are here for a reason," Krista continues. "I am so proud of them." Nick says, "Driving the direction of craft beer, fresh food, and arts in a beer-centric up-North town...I can't ask for anything else at this point in my life." Residents have come to consider Brewaygo2017 the unofficial kickoff of summer in Newaygo County. Eric, the company's CFO states, "River Country reshapes itself every summer with its outrageous tourism boom. I am excited to see our third summer unfold. It's a great time to be doing what we do." The Loomans say the store and restaurant locations for their bottled beer will be announced in conjunction with their anniversary celebration. The information will be available on their website. For additional information about hours of operation, upcoming events, food and beer menu, and more visit their website at www.newaygobrewing.com. Comments are closed.
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February 2025
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