New Holland Brewing
History of New Holland Brewing Limited
New Holland Brewing Company was founded in 1997 in Holland, Michigan by Brett VanderKamp and Jason Spaulding. Both VanderKamp and Spaulding grew up together in Midland, Michigan and later attended Hope College. During their college years, they developed a passion for homebrewing, which eventually led them to establish New Holland Brewing after their graduation.
Founding and Early Days (1997-2007)
The initial vision for the company was to produce beers that were characteristically unique to Western Michigan. This vision was well-received, and by 2006, the company’s production had increased to over 5,000 US beer barrels. A year later, in 2007, production further increased to over 7,500 US beer barrels.
Expansion and Growth(2005-2008)
In 2005, New Holland expanded its product line to include distilling bourbon, whiskey, rum, gin, and vodka, which they started selling in 2008. This diversification of products contributed to New Holland Brewing becoming one of the leading craft breweries in Michigan.
Branding Change (2018)
New Holland Brewing underwent a significant branding change in 2018, particularly for its flagship product, Dragon’s Milk Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout. In 2023, they launched new Dragon’s Milk items, including Dragon’s Milk Crimson Keep BA Imperial Red Ale and Dragon’s Milk Tales of Gold BA Imperial Golden Ale.
Milestone (2022)
The company celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022, marking a milestone as the largest independent brewery in Michigan. This anniversary was commemorated with the tapping of Mad Hatter, one of their first-ever beers, at their Holland and Grand Rapids Brewpubs, followed by the release of other legacy and anniversary brews.
Whiskey Offerings
New Holland Brewing is not just known for its beer but also for its high-quality whiskeys. The distillery offers a range of whiskeys, including:
- Beer Barrel Bourbon: A unique bourbon aged in the same barrels used for their famous Dragon’s Milk stout.
- Dragon’s Milk Reserve: An extension of their popular stout, this line features bourbon-barrel-aged whiskey with unique flavor profiles.
- Zeppelin Bend: A straight malt whiskey, known for its smooth and rich character.
- Knickerbocker Gin: While not a whiskey, this gin is noteworthy for its bold, natural flavors and is a staple product of the distillery.
Community and Sustainability
New Holland Brewing is deeply rooted in its community and is committed to sustainability. The company has implemented various eco-friendly practices in its brewing and distilling processes. It also actively participates in community events and supports local initiatives, reinforcing its reputation as a socially responsible business.
Awards Won by New Holland Brewing Limited
- West Michigan and National Best and Brightest (2020 & 2021)
- Award: West Michigan and National Best and Brightest
- Years: 2020, 2021
- Category: Excellence in Human Resource and Employee Enrichment Practices
- Details: Recognized for their commitment to creating a positive work environment.
- Masters Medal for Beer Barrel Bourbon (2021)
- Award: Masters Medal in the American Whisky Masters Competition
- Year: 2021
- Category: Spirits – Bourbon
- Awarding Body: The Spirits Business
- Product: Beer Barrel Bourbon
- Recognition: Excellence in spirits production.
- US Open Beer Championships (2020)
- Award: US Open Beer Championships Medals
- Year: 2020
- Categories and Medals:
- Gold Medal for Dragon’s Milk White (Barrel Aged Pale Beer)
- Silver Medal for Hazy River IPA (Hazy Pale Ale)
- Bronze Medal for Dragon’s Milk Solera (Barrel Aged Strong Ale)
- Significance: Showcases their innovative approach to brewing across various beer styles.
- Double Gold at New York International Spirits Competition (2022)
- Award: Double Gold Medal
- Year: 2022
- Category: Spirits – Bourbon
- Event: New York International Spirits Competition
- Product: Dragon’s Milk Origin Small Batch Bourbon
- Additional Honor: Michigan Bourbon Distillery of the Year
- Details: Recognition for exceptional quality in bourbon distillation.
New Holland Brewing Limited Tour Information and Experience
The New Holland Brewing tour offers a comprehensive experience combining both brewery and distillery elements. This hour-and-fifteen-minute guided tour takes visitors through the northside New Holland Production space. Highlights of the tour include insights into the 50-barrel brewhouse, fermentation cellar, post-prohibition pot-still, Dragon’s Milk Cellar, and the spirit aging room.
What’s Included
- Tasting: Participants get the chance to sample both beer and spirits produced by New Holland Brewing.
- Souvenir: Tour attendees receive a New Holland pint glass to take home.
- Group Size: Tours are capped at 25 people, ensuring a personalized experience.
Booking and Schedule
- Reservations: Visitors are advised to book their spots through New Holland Brewing’s website, as tickets are no longer available at the pub.
- Availability: Tours are available on Saturdays, with winter months offering one tour at 12 noon. Starting May 25, there are three tour times: 12pm, 1:45pm, and 3:15pm.
- Special Note: It’s recommended to wear closed-toe shoes since the tour includes navigating through active production areas.
Additional Offerings
- Weekly Specials: New Holland Brewing also offers weekly specials like growler fills, stein fills, and a Bloody Mary Bar.
- Contact Information: Visitors can contact New Holland Brewing at (616) 355-6422 for more details or inquiries.
Location and Hours
- Address: 66 East 8th Street, Holland, Michigan
- Operating Hours: The Brewpub operates Sunday to Saturday, with varying opening hours across the week.
Flask & Barrel Review of New Holland Brewing Limited
As a seasoned whiskey collector who’s been on numerous distillery tours, I recently had the pleasure of visiting New Holland Brewing, and I must say, it was quite the experience. I’d rate it a solid 4.7 out of 5.
Firstly, the tour itself was a standout. It lasted about an hour and fifteen minutes, blending an in-depth look at both their brewery and distillery operations. What struck me was the insightful peek into their 50-barrel brewhouse and fermentation cellar. But, as a whiskey enthusiast, the post-prohibition pot-still and the spirit aging room were the real highlights for me. It’s one thing to taste a fine whiskey, but seeing where and how it’s crafted adds a whole new layer of appreciation.
The tasting session was another highlight. Sampling both their beer and spirits, I got a real sense of the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle. The Beer Barrel Bourbon was particularly memorable with its unique profile – a testament to their innovative approach to spirit-making. And, the bonus of taking home a pint glass was a nice touch.
As for the ambiance and customer service, both were top-notch. The staff was knowledgeable and passionate, which made the experience all the more engaging. Their enthusiasm for craft brewing and distilling was infectious.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say the only downside was the limited availability of tour times, especially during the winter months. But, making a reservation was easy and well worth the effort.
What To Do Nearby New Holland Brewing Limited
Tunnel Park: Just a short drive from the brewery, this 22-acre park boasts a unique tunnel leading to a beautiful Lake Michigan beachfront, perfect for a day of relaxation and sunbathing.
Kirk Park: Ideal for family outings, including pets, Kirk Park features a Lake Michigan beach, hiking trails, and an off-leash dog beach.
Holland Princess Cruise: Enjoy a scenic paddle-wheel riverboat cruise on Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan, complete with meal options.
Windmill Island Gardens: Visit this picturesque location to see a 250-year-old working Dutch windmill and stunning flower displays, especially vibrant during tulip season.
Nelis Dutch Village: A family-friendly attraction replicating a traditional Dutch village, complete with rides, animals, and educational presentations on Dutch heritage.
Tulip Time Festival: Celebrate Dutch heritage in spring with over six million blooming tulips throughout Holland.
Veldheer Tulip Garden: A garden lover’s paradise with millions of tulips and other perennials, open for visits from late April to mid-May and then from June to mid-October.
Holland Farmers Market: A vibrant market offering local produce, flowers, and artisan goods, operating on select Saturdays during the off-season.
Holland Museum: Delve into Holland’s history and Dutch roots with a collection of over 90,000 artifacts.
Outdoor Discovery Center: A 160-acre nature preserve offering trails, fishing, and a nature-inspired play park, perfect for exploring the outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are near New Holland Brewing Limited?
Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can contact them at +16163960600. Their address is 216 Van Raalte Ave. It’s a waterside eatery with outdoor seating.
Beechwood Grill: This restaurant has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can contact them at +16163962355. It is located at 380 Douglas Ave and is known for its rustic, casual American eats.
Havana Grill: With a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps, Havana Grill can be reached at +16163993466. It’s located at 12059 Felch St #1 and is a popular Cuban restaurant.
What hotels are near New Holland Brewing Limited?
Tulyp, Tapestry Collection by Hilton: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +16167962100. Their address is 61 E 7th St, Holland, MI 49423, United States. This hotel isl known for its chic rooms and locally-focused dining.
Hampton Inn Holland: This hotel also has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. The specific contact number and address are not mentioned, but it is a 3-star modern hotel offering free breakfast and Wi-Fi.
White Pines Inn & Suites of Holland: With a rating of 4.1 stars on Google Maps, this 3-star hotel offers a low-key setting with free breakfast. Contact details are +16169940400 and the address is 2888 W Shr Dr, Holland, MI 49424, United States.