spilling the beans

New Brews: Craft Beer Scene Explodes in Michiana

Photography By Katie Eberts | Last Updated December 15, 2014

How times have changed! According to local craft beer pioneer Chuck Krcilek, when he started Back Road Brewery in LaPorte, Indiana in 1996, there was only one other craft brewery in Michiana—Mishawaka Brewing Company, which closed in 2008. (The Mishawaka Brewing building is now home to Evil Czech Brewery’s Mishawaka location.) At the time, Krcilek says, opening a small brewery was “uncharted territory.” Today, however, thanks to trendsetters like Krcilek, Michiana is home to a veritable craft beer explosion, with over a dozen new breweries in the last four years and at least six more on the way.

Look out for these new craft breweries:

Crooked Ewe Brewery and Ale House

Why We Love It: A joint venture of two home-brewers, Crooked Ewe Brewery and Ale House opened in 2015. In addition to serving their beer, the St. Joe River location features cider, mead and wine plus a full menu of...

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|1047 Lincoln Way E, South Bend , IN, us

| Website

Cultivate Brewing

Why We Love It: This brewery resides in the middle of Southwest Michigan wine country for a reason. It raises the ante on locally sourced ingredients by having it's own on-site hops yard and barley plot. Since...

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|961 E. Shawnee Rd, Berrien Springs, MI, us

|269.422.1324

| Website

Goshen Brewing Company

Why We Love It: Goshen Brewing Company is a family-friendly brewpub that recently expanded. The seven-barrel pub offers farm-to-table craft beers and a regional American menu that emphasizes local and organic...

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|315 W Washington St, Goshen , IN, us

|843.469.0314

| Website

New Paradigm Brewing Company

Why We Love It: Burgers and brews are at the heart of this craft brewery and pub. They have been front and center since the idea to go public was born back in the brewmaster’s garage. In May 2015, after a long wait...

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|600 S. Main St, Elkhart , IN, us

|574.295.8882

| Website

North Pier Brewing Company

Why We Love It: In Benton Harbor across the street from an historic old inn and bar sits a brand new brewery. It's nestled on the front corner of a new development between two sections of Harbor Shores golf course....

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|670 N Shore Dr , Benton Harbor, MI, us

|1-269-757-7163

| Website

Silver Harbor Brewing Company

Why We Love It: Opened in Spring of 2016, this vital addition to St Joe's downtown features a well-rounded selection of delicious handcrafted beers (there were 10 on tap along with a hickory smoke-infused option when...

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|721 Pleasant Street , Saint Joseph, MI, us

|269.281.7100

| Website

Transient Artisan Ales

Why We Love It: This new Bridgman brewery is a cozy venue with a built-for-regulars feel. The name reflects the intent to regularly rotate offerings, not that the brewery moves around. The day’s eight-brew menu...

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| 4229 Lake St, Bridgman, MI, us

| Website

Wedgewood Brewing Co.

From Wedgewood's Facebook page: "Wedgewood Brewing Co. is a nano-brewery and tap house located downtown Middlebury, IN." More info soon!

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|106 S Main St, Middlebury , IN, us

|574.358.0265

| Website

Watermark Brewing Co.

Why We Love It: Opened in July 2016, Stevensville's only brewery brings a welcome addition of hipness, creativity and good times to the town's once-sleepy business area. The spacious taproom, which tastefully employs...

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|5781 St. Joseph Ave. , Stevensville, MI, us

| Website