USA, MI: Northern Wind Brewing set to open in Wyandotte in spring 2025

In 2017, Daniel Shock gathered his family and friends and placed a few unlabeled glasses of beer in front of them. Most of the options were store-bought, but there was one he brewed in his own home. After blindly testing all of the options, the group unanimously voted that the homemade beer was the best one, The News Herald reported on October 4.

Now, seven years later, Shock is spending his time crafting a brick wall at 3353 Third Street in Wyandotte where his new brewery, Northern Wind Brewing, is set to open in spring 2025. He’s opening the brewery alongside a longtime friend, Keith Smith, and his son, Martin Shock.

Before stepping into the brewery business, Shock did some research, which showed one existing brewery per 250,000 people Downriver. Other regions, like Detroit’s east side, showed 11 breweries or one brewery per 48,000 people.

Since Shock and Smith started crafting their own beers at home, they’ve received several levels of confirmation that their beers are enjoyed by more than just Shock’s family and friend’s blind tasting from 2017.

The two have won several beer-making contests. In 2022, the pair won the Urbanrest Brewing contest and were awarded by being able to brew their beers on the brewery’s 14-barrel brewing system and then sell them at the brewery.

Smith also began bringing his beers to Wyandotte Beer Company and eventually, the owners liked it so much they offered him a collaboration. So, three years ago, Smith started making paczki beer for the beer company on Fat Tuesday. His brew sold out within a few weeks that first year.

“Each year it sold out quicker,” Shock said. “This past year for Fat Tuesday, it sold out in about six days.”

Northern Wind Brewing will feature a beer selection appealing to a wide range of craft beer drinkers, including those who enjoy full-flavored hoppy beers such as New England IPAs and pale ales to easy-drinking wheat beers, fruit beers and lagers.

While the menu is still in formation, patrons can expect traditional bar food, pizza, grilled cheese sandwiches, grilled steak subs and fresh salads.

As the two continue to craft and enjoy their homemade beers, they are also spending time at their new space for the brewery. Shock said he anticipates a March 2025 opening.

“There’s a lot of work that has to be done to convert this space from just a retail dollar store into a beer production facility,” Shock said.

Plans for the brewery include a 1100 square foot brewhouse and a 92-seat tap room that features a 37 ft. “U” shaped bar.

“The brewery style will be a cross between an industrial warehouse and an old-style British pub,” said Shari Stein, owner and Principal Interior Designer for DesignTeam Plus. The design will include brick, dark ceilings, a tap wall and tables made from distressed oak.

04 October, 2024