Tag Archives: South Lyon

Witch’s Hat Brewing to host Grand Opening at New Location

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SOUTH LYON – On Saturday, November 15th, Witch’s Hat Brewing officially began calling 601 S. Lafayette Street its new home, thus closing the doors on their original location.  The Grand Opening is scheduled for Friday December 26th, which coincides with the brewery’s 3rd anniversary.

In January 2014, Witch’s Hat Brewing announced that it had secured a new brewery location within its hometown of South Lyon.  The announcement promised a larger taproom for their customers, and more importantly, the ability to make significantly more of their popular beers.  Now just over ten months later, the new facility is officially open to the public.

The original brewery and taproom at 22235 Pontiac Trail closed up shop on Sunday November 9th, a finale which was commemorated with a heartfelt farewell toast by owners Erin and Ryan Cottongim.  During the ensuing week, Witch’s Hat hosted a series of “soft openings” to members of their mug-club, which afforded the opportunity to come see the new place up-close and personal before the general public.

Visitors to the new facility will find a much larger brewing space, which was designed to be the building’s centerpiece.  The new taproom is roughly three-times as large as the old location, and features a large L-shaped bar, a decorative wall to display the mug club’s unique glassware, and a picturesque view of the brewery’s namesake – the century-old Witch’s Hat train depot, located across the street.

With the brewery’s additional capacity, Witch’s Hat says initial focus will be placed upon their flagship beers – Train Hopper India Pale Ale, Edward’s Portly Brown Ale, Three Kord Kolsch, and Big Doedish Double India Pale Ale.  The company views this as a crucial part of their plan for an increased presence in southeast Michigan, specifically at bars and restaurants that support craft beer.  Witch’s Hat expects to boost production over the next 18 months by 5 fold, estimating new capacity at 2500 barrels per year.

HISTORY:

Witch’s Hat Brewing Company opened in December 2011 as a community-focused brewery in South Lyon, Michigan.  Witch’s Hat has been voted one of the “Best Michigan Breweries” by the readers of MLive.com, and also garnished the MISBTDC 2012 Best Small Business award and 2013 Main StreetUSA award.  The brewery and its owners have also been featured on the local Fox affiliate’s “Made in Michigan” TV show.  In 2012, Witch’s Hat produced 350 barrels of beer, and this number increased to nearly 550 barrels in 2013.

Yes There’s a Jet’s Pizza Serving Craft Beer

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When folks first hear about a Jet’s Pizza tap takeover, the common response is “Wait, did you say JET’S Pizza?” followed immediately by “There’s a Jet’s Pizza that serves BEER?”  The answer is very definitely YES.

But wait, it gets better.

They just don’t serve beer, they serve CRAFT beer.  Think of it like a more amazing redux of the way Pizza Hut used to be back in the day…you know, before people realized you could get a pizza that tasted just as good but with half the grease and at half the price.

Nevertheless, the magical beer-serving Jet’s Pizza we’re talking about is the one in Chelsea at 506 N. Main Street.  This past Thursday April 10th, South Lyon’s Witch’s Hat Brewing was the participant in Jet’s most recent tap takeover, so it seemed the perfect opportunity to come see this incredible place in person.

Jet's Chalkboard

Sure as shootin’, the second you walk through the door you’re greeted by nicely-sized bar and a boatload of taps.  Then there’s the dining area, which is large and offers both tables and booths in a number of configurations.

The menu is the same as you’d find at your local Jet’s Pizza delivery & carry-out store, but that’s where the similarities stop.  Chelsea’s version has music, friendly staff, a spectacular Star Wars-themed restroom, and of course the aforementioned Michigan craft beer.

This ain’t yer daddy’s Pizza Hut, kids.

It’s better.

Big Growth In The Works for Witch’s Hat Brewing

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Larger production capacity, taproom planned for 2014.

SOUTH LYON – Barely two weeks into 2014, there’s already big craft beer news coming from the little town of South Lyon.

Witch’s Hat Brewing is announcing that they have secured a new home within South Lyon, resulting in a larger taproom and the ability to make even more of their popular beers.  Brewing is expected to begin at 601 S. Lafayette Street in August 2014, with the new taproom opening four months later in December 2014.

WH_Sign 

Witch’s Hat Brewing initially opened its doors in December 2011, and success quickly followed.  The community-focused brewery has established itself as a favorite among South Lyon residents, and the beers have developed a strong reputation such that customers come from across Michigan to try them.  This past year, further validation came in the form of readers voting Witch’s Hat one of the “Best Michigan Breweries” via MLive.com. 

 But recognition has not been limited to the craft beer community.  The brewery also garnished the MISBTDC 2012 Best Small Business and 2013 Main Street USA Awards, and even received a feature on the local Fox affiliate’s “Made in Michigan” TV show.

 “Our first 2 years in the current location for the brewery have been nothing short of amazing,” owners Ryan and Erin Cottongim stated.  “We never expected the response we have received or the demand for the product that has been created. “

WH_taproom

The search for a newer, larger facility began once it became apparent that maximum production capacity at the brewery’s current location at 22235 Pontiac Trail was no longer sufficient to satisfy demand.  In 2012, Witch’s Hat produced 350 barrels of beer, and this number ballooned to nearly 550 barrels in 2013.  With the new brew-house, Witch’s Hat expects to increase production over the next 18 months by 5 fold, estimating new capacity to be 2500 barrels per year. 

 With the added capacity, Witch’s Hat says initial focus will be placed upon their flagship beers – Train Hopper India Pale Ale, Edward’s Portly Brown Ale, Three Kord Kolsch, and Big Doedish Double India Pale Ale.  Increased flagship production will be crucial to the company’s plans to increase their presence in southeast Michigan, most notably through those bars and restaurants that support craft beer.

 Outside of their flagships, the brewery will also be able to continue introducing seasonals and special releases.  To date, beers like the Night Fury Imperial Stout, Tuscan Coffee Stout, Royal Rumble Double Red Ale, and 1908 Smoked Wheat have been limited to the brewery’s taproom.  Witch’s Hat anticipates the additional capacity will afford the opportunity to introduce these specialty beers into the market, and also begin distribution of their popular barrel-aged beers and meads.