USA, MI: Big Lake Brewing opens in Holland Township on July, 5

Big Lake Brewing owners: Nic Winsemius, Greg Mackeller, Travis Prueter prepare for the big opening of their brewery on July, 5 in Holland Township, mlive.com reported on June, 5.

Big Lake Brewing is a partnership between a trio of Lakeshore engineers who have pooled their savings and invested sweat equity in the new microbrewery/winery project since forming a partnership four years ago.

“We want to create a fun place where people can come and enjoy a good beer,” said Nicholas Winsemius, an engineer for the Grand Haven Board of Light and Power.

Winsemius and partners Gregory MacKeller and Travis Prueter, both engineers for Gentex Corp., have spent the past month stocking beer for the July opening since getting their final liquor license approval by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.

The trio signed a lease with landlord Sundowner last August, but have been delayed about 8 months due to complications with licensing a brewery in the plaza where they located, which housed an event space with a retail liquor license.

Big Lake Brewing sought a manufacturing license that would allow for beer distribution, but was initially denied by state regulators due to the retail license already in use at the commercial plaza, said Winsemius.

When the doors open, patrons will find a beer menu with traditional styles, including a porter, strong ale, IPA, and a wheat ale brewed on a 3-barrel nano system.

The reliance on traditional styles reflects the beer preferences of the three partners, who will be the brewery’s only employees to begin with.

“We love trying beers with exotic or surprising ingredients and flavours — what some brewers come up with is pretty innovative,” said Prueter. “But what we want to contribute to the microbrew scene is extremely well-made traditional styles. We’ve spent the past few years testing and refining recipes.”

For now, Big Lake will focus on brewing for the taproom, but Winsemius said they are interested in distributing keg beer in the future if demand warrants.

Initial hours are 5 p.m. to close on Friday, and noon to close on Saturday and Sunday. Weekday hours may be added down the line.

06 June, 2013