If you have been under a rock this past year, then you most certainly missed that Grand Rapids tied for first place with Asheville, NC as Beer City USA 2012 (Beer Examiner).
A host of elected officials, including Mayor Heartwell and our city commissioners, stopped by Harmony Brewing Company this summer to raise a toast with community members as they welcomed the award at this new Eastown watering hole.
And it is not just any ol’ watering hole, but a true example of the teamwork that our local brewers bestow on each other as they support this community by welcoming others who are serious about brewing to join their ranks, making sure we keep this title for years to come.
“When Grand Rapids got the title of Beer City USA earlier this year, all of the brewers of this area got together and formed the Grand Rapids S.O.B.s (Society Of Brewers),” said Heather Van Dyke, who co-owns this bar with two of her brothers. “These S.O.B.s even worked collaboratively to formulate and brew the Beer City Pale Ale to celebrate the win.”
Harmony Brewing Company is the first craft brewery to not only open within a few steps of East Grand Rapids, but it is also a brewpub within walking and biking distance of the owners as well as many of the staff. The beer, combined with their excellent food offerings, has made Harmony a community favorite in a very short period of time.
Part of the ambiance is their neighborhood feel. They've kept things small, but spacious through good design, and invite folks to gather and banter between tables.
But on the occasion of their first official party since opening in February of this year, the My PA Fest promises a wild 14 hours of fun as open two full hours earlier to let their taps be taken over by a series of favorite and brand new IPAs. And every beer fan knows IPA’s are best consumed at the source of production, so get in line early before they run dry!
And what a list it is: Falconer (Belgian IPA), Fiddlestix (IPA), Crossroads (RyePA), Battle Cat (White IPA), Alien Abduction (Black IPA), Groot Piers (Double IPA) and a Grapefruit Moon (Grapefruit Shandy).
And should you need something to soak it up before venturing off into the day or night, their pizza is by far one of the very best in town. And unlike other places where a $14 personal pizza might seem excessive (and it is), Harmony’s pies are perfect for sharing. And, when you see the variety of toppings, you will soon agree that these wood-fired pizzas are hard to beat.
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