Tastemakers: mackinaw Brewing Smokehouse Sampler/Fletcher Street Brewery‘s Pioneer maple Porter

March 9, 2008

Mackinaw Brewing Company Smokehouse Sampler
Eating at a brewery is quite the sensory experience. The aromas of the brewhouse colliding with those from the kitchen create an aromatic bouquet that intensifies the anticipation of the meal and brews to come. This is particularly true at Mackinaw Brewing Company in downtown Traverse City, since they have a full line-up of smokehouse offerings.
For those who have an appreciation for “smoked” foods, Mackinaw offers several options. A great way to start is with the Smokehouse Sampler appetizer, though the plate is loaded and easily could pass for dinner. But if you are out with a group of friends, order it as an appetizer and then make your entrée selection from there. The slow-cooked ribs are tender, as is this brisket, and the sausage is some of the best you will find anywhere. If you prefer things sloppier, grab the bottle of sauce on the table and have at it. If smoke-flavored foods are not your thing, Mackinaw Brewing Company offers a full menu with walleye, and the Bay Burger (smothered with guacamole) is definitely worth checking out.
Brewmaster Mike Dwyer has several food friendly brews on tap, including a wonderful Imperial Vanilla Stout (seasonal tap) that pairs perfectly with any of the smokehouse offerings. This stout is also perfect for an after-dinner drink (it is served in a snifter as the alcohol content is almost 9%) and could be considered a dessert itself, but certainly pairswell with anything chocolate in it.
For additional details on the Mackinaw Brewing Company brews or to see their menu, check out mackinawbrewing.com

Fletcher Street Brewery’s Pioneer Maple Porter
Fletcher Street Brewery in Alpena was a multi-medal winner at the 2007 World Expo of Beer Competition, taking home a Gold, two Silvers and a Bronze along with an Honorable Mention.
Now, unlike wine competitions where there are multiple medal winners (more than one Gold in the same category), the World Expo of Beer Competition is like the Olympics; just one of each medal is awarded. Fletcher Street’s strong showing has a lot to do with the passion of its brewer Nick Fairbanks and his stellar lineup of brews. His Lumber Lager Red took a Gold medal, finishing ahead of Sam Adams in the European Amber Lager category, and his Fletcher Helles took Silver, losing out to Miller Lite but finishing ahead of Labatt’s in the Light Lager category.
Another brew that caught the judge’s palate was the Pioneer Maple Porter that took home Silver in the Porter category. Made with Grade A Michigan Maple Syrup, along with a combination of English chocolate and Black Patent malts, hopped with Northern Brewer and East Kent Goldings, this brew has all the characteristics of a world-class porter. The maple syrup adds a hint of sweetness but is not overpowering, and Fairbanks balanced it perfectly to highlight the malts. Pair this Porter with cherry burgers from Pleva’s, BBQ ribs or planked whitefish.
A visit to Fletcher Street Brewery is definitely in order. Alpena is a community on the move with a lot happening. The Brewery is located in what was once a famous paper mill and is next door to the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (established to protect a nationally significant collection of over 100 shipwrecks on the Great Lakes) that is fun for kids and adults alike. Plus there is a great winery (Stoney Acres) nearby and a really cool wine and martini bar (The Cork and Olive) downtown.
Fletcher Street is family-friendly as well with its award-winning collection of sodas - be sure to try the Ripsaw Root Beer. Nick hosts a “meet the brewer” on the first and third Tuesday of each month and gives an educational and fun perspective of the brewing process. Fletcher Street brews and sodas are available throughout Northern Michigan; check out details online at fletcherstreetbrewing.com