Brews on the Lakeshore

Origins of Archival Brewing

What I ordered: Aegir’s Barrel

Following the Grand River North from the heart of Grand Rapids, through the scores of breweries in Beer City USA, is Archival Brewing in nearby Belmont. Passing suburb after suburb with a man-made lake or two thrown in, Archival looks like an expansive lodge between cookie-cutter houses. 

The origins of Archival Brewing are picturesque—a married couple’s dream brought to life driven by a passion for craft beer. Not a passion for brewing just any beer, reviving ancient recipes to craft historic style. Though just outside the city renowned for its craft beer culture, Archival Brewing has made a significant mark on the greater Grand Rapids brewing scene.

Exploring Archival’s Unique Brews

The name of the brewery becomes effective when looking at the unique tap list Archival holds. Aegir’s Barrel, a BA Sahti, originally brewed in Finland and credited to be the oldest style of beer, is waiting on tap. The BA Sahti was also featured during a home-hosted Historic Brew Day, where experts taught how to brew the ancient beer at Archival. A rye malt flavored with juniper, Aegir’s Barrel, and its relative, Aegir’s Wreath (both brewed with no hops) are must-tries. 

Archival Brewing features an array of other intriguing beers on tap, including Blue Fox, a refreshing blueberry cream ale, and Krystal Grist, a crystal-clear brew crafted entirely from barley and wheat with a few fruity notes. In addition to its beer selection, Archival offers several mead options, a variety of wine flavors, and an extensive cocktail list. 

The food menu is elevated, showcasing a range of fish and sandwich dishes at a slightly higher price point. The dining area at Archival Brewing is spacious and elegant, with a glossy rustic bar serving as the centerpiece of the indoor space. Wooden chairs with a polished finish surround the bar, and the soft glow of dim, hanging lights makes the room warm, almost as if there should be a fireplace nearby. Before you leave, don’t miss the chance to craft your own six-pack featuring some of their most popular brews to take home. However, the real highlight of Archival Brewing is its Biergarten.

The Allure of the Biergarten

In the evening, the Biergarten comes alive as Archival transforms into an inviting outdoor dining space. Tables line the Biergarten on both the upper and lower levels, offering guests a peaceful view of the brewery and fields behind. 

Classic garage doors open into a covered area, providing a cozy spot for beer lovers to gather, regardless of the weather. The Biergarten is adorned with hanging lights, long communal tables, and decorative barrels, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Outside, stone-lined fire pits surrounded by Adirondack chairs offer a perfect spot to relax, with rustic boulders providing additional seating nearby.

Archival Brewing takes full advantage of its spacious Biergarten by hosting live music every Friday and a variety of events on Saturdays. In addition to celebrating Historic Brew Day, Archival organizes its own beer festivals, continually expanding their menu and pushing the boundaries of craft brewing. They also actively participate in outside beer festivals, sharing their unique flavors and creations with Beer City, USA.

Beyond Small-Town Vibes

Behind Archival Brewing fields of grass stretch out to dense woods. Suburbs line both sides, with businesses across the street and a distillery just a few miles down the road. Whether you enjoy the ambiance under the lights in the Biergarten or lounge on a boulder by the fire, it’s easy to feel enveloped by your surroundings, or like another face in the crowd. While Archival may lack the small-town intimacy some brewery-goers seek, it offers a glamorous atmosphere perfect for an afternoon spent sampling unique beers. Archival is more North than most Breweries in Beer City USA, but it is worth a try during a brewery-hop