HopCat, Grand Rapids, MI

HopCat, visited on 10/10  (http://www.hopcatgr.com/main/About.aspx)

HopCat, essentially a beer-bar that also brews some of its own beers, was rated as the #3 such thing (a beer-bar, duh) by Beer Advocate. That's some seriously lofty praise, but we were intrigued. While attempts were made to actually try HopCat's beer, the tap list is pretty amazing and enough so to return the next time we're in Michigan. The location appears to be an old and restored street corner in downtown GR...it's a great location with ample street parking available and cobblestone streets in all directions.

The decor in HopCat is pretty neat, with a stamped reference to the building being used for transporting ghosts or something...I can't quite recall and I didn't take notes...I was having a fun day instead. HopCat is only about three blocks from Founders, so one could theoretically hoof it to two of GR's finest beer drinking establishments. The rustic-chic feel inside the bar is comfortable without being stuffy, although I can't say the same for the wait staff...we both got that 'too cool for school' vibe from our female attendee. There is lots of cool wood and art work inside, including the montage of band and actor wall-paper in the bathrooms. I could drink here all day...there were multiple students in here posted up for prolonged periods of time.

Here's what we tried:

Kwintel - 8.5%abv; imperial brown ale with Michigan maple syrup; heavy brown in color; solid head; moderate to heavy lacing that remind generally consistent; slightly sweet on the nose; boozy too; moderate sweet on the tongue; passive maple flavor; solid and well-balanced brown; not overly nuanced but certainly a solid take on a brown with local flavors instilled.

Hoppopotomous IPA - 6.3%abv; clear copper; light head; strong lacing throughout consumption; solid citrus on the nose; perfect up-front flavor balance; moderately hoppy; very solid sessionable beer all-in-all; slightly bitter on the back end.

We are intrigued enough to come back, and will at some point in the future. It may require an overnight stay in GR however.

Not only is she my beer-drinking buddy, but she's also my wife. Hairclub for Mike!