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46°32′49″N 87°23′40″W / 46.546937°N 87.394563°W / 46.546937; -87.394563
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Blackrocks Brewery
Industry Brewery
Founded2010; 14 years ago (2010)
Founders
  • David Manson
  • Andy Langlois
Headquarters
Marquette, Michigan
,
United States

Blackrocks Brewery is a craft brewery in Marquette, Michigan. Taking the name from a local landmark, David Manson and Andy Langlois opened Blackrocks in 2010 as a nanobrewery within a Victorian-style house. As of 2020, Blackrocks is the tenth-largest brewery in Michigan with sales across the state's Upper and Lower Peninsulas and into the adjoining state of Wisconsin.

History

David Manson and Andy Langlois founded Blackrocks Brewery in Marquette, Michigan, and opened its doors on December 28, 2010. Both were former pharmaceutical salesmen who were laid off in company downsizings during the late 2000s Great Recession. [1] [2] [3] [4] In need of work, they started a nanobrewery off of what was a homebrewing hobby and retirement dream. [5]

The brewery, which takes its name from a set of rocks in Marquette's Presque Isle Park from which people jump into Lake Superior, began life in a 2,100 square feet (200 m2) former Victorian-style residential home. The first floor serving as an area for patrons and the basement hosting a small one-barrel brewing system. [1] [2] [6] [7] Manson and Langlois would sell their product until it ran out, which happened on the first day they opened and quickly became a frequent occurrence. As a result, they expanded to a three-barrel system and added a patio to expand the small customer serving area of the establishment. [8] [9]

In 2013, Blackrocks expanded again into a purchased 9,000 square feet (840 m2) former Coca-Cola bottling plant. [8] [10] [11] They installed a twenty-barrel system in the building, which allowed the brewery to expand production to 4,500 barrels per year, [8] [9] and begin canning its beer. [12] [13] After a rapid growth in demand and a 25% increase in revenue in 2017, [14] the company constructed a 24-by-24-foot (7.3 m × 7.3 m) addition on the northern side of the former bottling plant in 2018, [15] and installed solar panels on the building's roof in 2019. [16] In May 2020, Blackrocks added two 120-barrel fermentors. [4]

Production and distribution

In 2015 and 2016, Blackrocks expanded its production and started selling its products across Michigan's Lower Peninsula and in the neighboring state of Wisconsin. [17] [18] [19] As of 2021, Blackrocks was the ninth-largest brewery in Michigan by total production, rising 17% from the COVID-affected year prior. [20] That was up from tenth a few years earlier. [21] Its 2021 production made it the second largest brewery in the Upper Peninsula behind the Keweenaw Brewing Company. [20]

Blackrocks produced about 9,000 barrels of beer in 2020. [5] That was up from 7,500 barrels sold in 2018, 6,595 in 2017, [22] and 5,066 in 2016. [23]

Mug club

Early in its existence, Blackrocks opened a "mug club" that gave patrons a custom large ceramic mug which are hung in the taproom and able to be used with every beer purchase. The mugs held a greater quantity of beer that would be sold at the regular price. The initial membership was limited to 50 people at US$40 apiece, and the brewery found that it had to continually expand the program to meet demand. [24] By 2013, the number of mugs reached 1,100. [2] The brewery eventually ran out of space to store additional on-site mugs, and as of 2015 the club was limited to about 1,400 patrons. [8] [24] As of 2022, chances to join are rare and require an individual to find a "golden ticket" on public land during a designated period. [25] [26] [27]

Location

Blackrocks Brewery's original house and entrance (left) and expansion (right)
Blackrocks Brewery's 2020s expansion and new entrance

The customer-facing location of the Blackrocks Brewery is, as of 2020, located in a former residential home at 424 North Third Street in Marquette, Michigan. [6] Described by the Star Tribune as looking like an "out-of-place ski chalet," it contains two floors for customers and a large patio available year-round, with fire pits installed for use during the winter. [1] [6] [2] [28] The patio, which has proven to be controversial within the mostly residential neighborhood, [29] was expanded in 2017. [30] In winter, the establishment erects temporary igloo-shaped structures for customers to drink inside. [4] A fence running along the edge of the taproom's property line incorporates used skis, some donated by patrons of the brewery. [1] [28]

In February 2020, the brewery announced that it had purchased a taproom-adjacent property at 420 North Third Street. [31] [32] [33] They plan to use the space for events and to expand their limited amount of indoor seating; [34] [35] although the structure was once a house, it would more than double the brewery's available indoor space. [5] The interior of the new property opened over the 2022 New Year's weekend, and as of that time the brewery planned to open a rooftop deck in the spring. [5] [36]

Recognition and beer

In 2013, Blackrocks was ranked by regional publication MLive as one of the best new breweries in the state of Michigan. [37] In 2020 and 2021, the same outlet named their Honey Lav beer "beer of the week" and their Mykiss IPA as one of the ten best beers in Michigan. [4] [38] The Detroit Free Press added that Blackrocks' Mykiss IPA "might be one of the best IPAs in the state" of Michigan. [6] In 2022, the drinks-focused publication VinePair ranked the brewery as one of the 25 best in the United States. [39] [40]

As of 2019, 51K IPA is Blackrocks' most popular beer. [6] When the brewery started canning in 2013, they had three mainstay beers that were regularly canned: the 51K IPA, Grand Rabbits Cream Ale, and Coconut Brown Ale. [12] As of November 2022, 51K and Grand Rabbits were still being canned year-round alongside the Mykiss IPA. Seven other beers, including the Coconut Brown, were being canned seasonally. [41]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d Magnaghi (2015), p. 94.
  2. ^ a b c d Klug, Fritz (September 12, 2013). "Michigan's Best Brewery: Blackrocks Brewery offers 'second home' with rotating selection of beer". MLive. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  3. ^ McMillan, Erica (April 2, 2014). "Blackrocks Brews Up a Passion For Beer". Marquette Magazine. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  4. ^ a b c d Sherman, Amy (May 29, 2020). "Beer of the Week: A summer beer with flowers and honey straight from the U.P." MLive. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
  5. ^ a b c d Sherman, Amy (January 28, 2022). "Michigan brewery expands in an uncommon way". Huron Daily Tribune. Archived from the original on February 5, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
  6. ^ a b c d e Manzullo, Brian (July 24, 2019). "Michigan's Upper Peninsula: The top 7 breweries you must visit". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
  7. ^ Sherman, Amy (July 12, 2018). "The ultimate road trip across Michigan's Upper Peninsula". MLive. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 18, 2020.
  8. ^ a b c d Magnaghi (2015), pp. 94–95.
  9. ^ a b Bleck, Christie (September 29, 2013). "Blackrocks Brewery opens canning facility". The Mining Journal. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  10. ^ Editorial (October 5, 2013). "Blackrocks Brewery expansion a project that refreshes". The Mining Journal. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
  11. ^ Whitney, Kyle (June 1, 2013). "Popular Marquette craft brewery plans to add bottling plant". The Mining Journal. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
  12. ^ a b Martucci, Brian (October 2, 2013). "Why You Should Care That Marquette, Michigan's Blackrocks Brewery Just Started Canning Its Brews". The Growler. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  13. ^ Sicotte, Jon (September 26, 2014). "Blackrocks Brewery Claims the Great Lake State". Brewer's Magazine. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
  14. ^ Cabell, Brian (December 1, 2017). "Contrast Considering Ishpeming ..." Word on the Street. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  15. ^ Depew, Jaymie (January 18, 2018). "Blackrocks expansion". The Mining Journal. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
  16. ^ Superior Watershed Partnerships (October 4, 2019). "UP brewery, trail organization benefit from state energy efficiency, renewable energy award" (Press release). Upper Michigan's Source. Negaunee, Michigan: WLUC-TV. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
  17. ^ Marietti, Justin (May 23, 2015). "Blackrocks Boost". The Mining Journal. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
  18. ^ Taylor, Jerry (June 2, 2016). "From basement brewers to regional success – the story of Blackrocks Brewery". WBUP. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  19. ^ Horn, Amos (October 25, 2017). "Blackrocks Brewery: Beers for Mountain Bikers". Bike Mag. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  20. ^ a b Frank, John; Frank, Annalise (September 19, 2022). "Michigan's top craft breweries see resurgence". Axios. Archived from the original on January 16, 2023. Retrieved January 16, 2023.
  21. ^ Walsh, Dustin (August 25, 2019). "Is Michigan's brewing industry all tapped out?". Crain's Detroit Business. Archived from the original on June 29, 2020. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  22. ^ Mack, Julie (September 19, 2019). "Michigan's top 50 beer brewers, based on 2018 in-state sales". MLive. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  23. ^ Mack, Julie (July 12, 2018). "Michigan's top 50 beer brewers, based on 2017 in-state sales". MLive. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 18, 2020.
  24. ^ a b Terpstra, Kevin (February 20, 2014). "Thirsty Thursday: Blackrocks Brewery". WBUP. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 17, 2020. (See also WBUP's accompanying video Archived June 12, 2020, at the Wayback Machine with the same name and date, via YouTube.)
  25. ^ Modic, John (July 12, 2018). "Blackrocks Brewery announces golden ticket promotion". Upper Michigan's Source. Negaunee, Michigan: WLUC-TV. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  26. ^ Borden, Elissa (July 12, 2022). "Blackrocks Brewery hides golden tickets at Forestville Festival". Upper Michigan's Source. Negaunee, Michigan: WLUC-TV. Archived from the original on September 28, 2022. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
  27. ^ Duly, Maggie (July 13, 2022). "Find your 'golden ticket' into Blackrocks' Mug Club". Upper Michigan's Source. Negaunee, Michigan: WLUC-TV. Archived from the original on September 28, 2022. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
  28. ^ a b Lederman, Noah (March 20, 2020). "Midwest Traveler: Why Marquette, Mich., is your base for fun on the Upper Peninsula". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
  29. ^ Cabell, Brian (September 2, 2015). "Blackrocks, Cambensy, and a Battle over Beer and Noise". Word on the Street. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  30. ^ Wardell, Mary (July 12, 2017). "Blackrocks to expand outdoor patio". The Mining Journal. Marquette, Michigan. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
  31. ^ Carey, Trinity (March 7, 2020). "Blackrocks Brewery Expansion". The Mining Journal. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
  32. ^ "Blackrocks Brewery announces pub expansion". Upper Michigan's Source. Negaunee, Michigan: WLUC-TV. February 27, 2020. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  33. ^ Cabell, Brian (March 1, 2020). "The Ever Changing Landscape on Third Street; Brewery buys its next door neighbor". Word on the Street. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  34. ^ Price, Matt (December 31, 2020). "Updates on Marquette craft beer businesses". Upper Michigan's Source. Negaunee, Michigan: WLUC-TV. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
  35. ^ Manzullo, Brian (July 18, 2021). "Top 5 underrated beer destinations in Michigan". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  36. ^ "Marquette brewery opens expansion for the new year". Upper Michigan's Source. Negaunee, Michigan: WLUC-TV. January 9, 2022. Archived from the original on January 9, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
  37. ^ Gonzalez, John (September 24, 2013). "Michigan's Best Brewery: Our Top 10 list, plus the best newcomers, and more". MLive. Archived from the original on September 10, 2018. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  38. ^ Sherman, Amy (January 9, 2021). "Amy's Top 10 Michigan beers of 2020". MLive. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
  39. ^ Krommydas, Niko (December 6, 2022). "The 25 Best Breweries in the Country Right Now, According to Beer Bars". VinePair. Archived from the original on January 16, 2023. Retrieved January 16, 2023.
  40. ^ Crouch, Randy. "Blackrocks named one of nation's best breweries". The Mining Journal. Archived from the original on January 16, 2023. Retrieved January 16, 2023.
  41. ^ "Beers". Blackrocks Brewery. Archived from the original on November 15, 2022.

Bibliography

  • Magnaghi, Russell (2015). Upper Peninsula Beer: A History of Brewing Above the Bridge. Charleston, SC: American Palate/The History Press. ISBN  978-1-62619-568-4.

External links


46°32′49″N 87°23′40″W / 46.546937°N 87.394563°W / 46.546937; -87.394563

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