August 2017: Odd Side Ale’s Dirty Dank Juice

Cloudy, hazy and a tiny foam cresting the top with a golden finish.

Grand Haven pier hazy
(photo credit: Elyse Merritt)

While that sounds like a late fall day on the south pier in Grand Haven on the shores of Lake Michigan, to us it’s the perfect portrayal of what the offseason hoops and hops should be.

Ladies and gentlemen, let us introduce you to Odd Side Ale’s Dirty Dank Juice. It’s their take on a New England IPA, the second consecutive month the staff here at BeerCityHoops has chosen the Nor’easter-style brew (following Old Nation’s M-43 in July). As Odd Side’s website describes it, “low bitterness gives way to juicy hops and a smooth, creamy, hazy beer.”

We, in fact, were enveloped by the the orange, citrus and other fruity tones as the Dank poured freely from our first cans into the suggested tulip glasses at the Dirty Water Tavern, our “meeting room” of choice here at the office. Dirty Dank Juice has a 7% ABV and 55 IBUs.

The Dirty Dank Juice rates in at an 87 on BeerAdvocate.com and a 92 on RateBeer.com, with an overall 3.8 out of 5.0 in 12 ratings.

While many on the beer rating sites claim this may or may not be a “true” New England, we’ve come to believe that if you believe, you can call it what you want. The mellow finishing notes hide the overall feel of being bitter, playing soft and medium in the end.

Medium in body, kind of sticky in texture, and above average in carbonation.

The Dank Collection

The Odd Side Ales Dank collection includes renditions in Pink Guava, Mango, Passion, Amarillo, Pineapple (which hit stores in early August) and Mosaic.

At the brewery, located at 41 Washington Ave. in downtown Grand Haven, Odd Sides works with Electric Hero Sandwich Shop, which will deliver lunch or dinner right to you while you experience the odd side of Coast Guard City, USA.

Last year, North Peak Brewing out of Traverse City, MI took home the Hoops’ 2016 offseason title.

Rex Reed Roundball Ruckus honors late teacher from Kenowa Hills

Samuel Reed is a local hip-hop musician who not only preaches, but teaches his love of God, family and friends.

Every summer since 2010, he’s put on an annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament, the Roundball Ruckus, honoring his late father, Rex Reed, a former educator and coach in the Kenowa Hills school district. This year’s tournament was held at his “International Office of Creativity” near Walker Ave. and 4 Mile Road on July 16th.

“It all started with my dad, Rex J Reed, who inspired me in and through the game of basketball (among other things), as well as many of my friends.”

After his dad’s passing in 2009, the younger Reed wanted to honor the man who taught him so much about life through the basketball court. So he decided to start this annual tournament to remember him by, as well as keep some of the close friends “in touch”.

Samuel told us that many of the people who loved to be out on the court with Rex had stopped playing as much since then. He also noticed a decline in outdoor play as a whole, which he blames more on the internet, generational changes and the availability of cost-efficient indoor courts.

Reed spoke of his desire to “be all about REAL outdoor three on three backyard basketball.”

A jack of many trades, Samuel makes most of the trophy hardware by hand and prints the t-shirts in his own shop.

“We have always given at least $100 to the winners, and two years ago we gave $200, since we had a better turn out.” 2016 saw the rains come in early in the day and wash out most of the competition. This year was much different with the clouds opening up and the sun shining down on the court.

July 2017: M-43 N.E. IPA from Old Nation Brewing

Our July choice for Beer of the Month, M-43 New England IPA, is from Old Nation Brewing’s “New Orthodox” IPA series.

M-43 off the tap at HopCat in Grand Rapids. (July 9, 2017)

Last week, we were at HopCat in Grand Rapids on our “best burger and beer combo” tour and had the opportunity to do some taste testing out of both a can and off the tap.  While we enjoy a great can of beer, especially in one of our koozies, the M-43 tends to settle a bit near the bottom and we recommend having them pour you a draft when possible.

M-43 is a juicy IPA made using a slightly different process than the normal IPAs we’re familiar with. The brewers use oats to secure the juiciness near the end of the beer. It is also dry-hopped during fermentation.

This beer is hazy and cloudy in features. M-43 gets its haze “not from yeast, but rather from an interplay of lipids from the malted oat and oils and acids which naturally occur in the hand selected Dry hops”, according to the Old Nation website.

M-43 uses a combo of Calypso, Amarillo, Citra and Simcoe hops for it’s 6.8% ABV and 65 IBUs.

BeerAdvocate.com rates it as a “world class” 96. With 242 ratings on their website, M-43 brings home a 4.45 average on a scale of 5.

Old Nation Brewing is located in Williamston, MI, about 90 miles east of Beer City, USA.

From the Old Nation website:

“The First release in Old Nation’s “New Orthodox” IPA series, M-43 is designed to accentuate the deep and complex character from the combination of Calypso, Simcoe, Citra and Amarillo hops. Citrus and Tropical notes of Pineapple, Mango and Grapefruit come through in the huge, yet surprisingly delicate aroma. The flavor backs these aromas with a soft, pillowy mouthfeel. Hop bitterness is not particularly intense, which leads to a very drinkable, New England IPA even non-IPA fans love. The Haze is not from yeast, but rather from an interplay of lipids from the malted oat and oils and acids which naturally occur in the hand selected Dry hops. This beer is a perfect interplay between top grade malt and hops, MI water and brewing technique which cannot be faked.

Hops aren’t cheap, but M-43 is worth every penny!”

We agree.

June 2017: Cascading Into Darkness from City Built Brewing

Looks like porter, taste like hops

What can’t we say about our June 2017 Beer of the Month from the newest brewery to open up in Beer City, USA?

City Built Brewing, located at 820 Monroe NW near the Grand River just north of the Sixth Street bridge, serves up a pretty mean 6.66% ABV Nordic-inspired black IPA made with juniper and cardamom.

Cascading Into Darkness (pictured at left) is a black/Cascadian dark ale that hits like a rainstorm in Seattle and causes the same facial expression your dad gave you after describing the third change in your college major back in sophomore year. “Damn!?!”

Yes, it looks like a porter, dark and deep. But it finishes like an IPA, floral and hoppy. If you know the Hoops crew, (if not, just follow along with our Beer of the Month blog) IPA’s are our deal. And this beer is a big one in our books.

With 110 check-ins on untapped.com, it’s 91 ratings average out to a 3.78 overall score for the 65 IBU concoction from brewmaster/co-owner Dan Petroelje.

With the honor of knowing co-owner Ed Collazo beforehand, our group experienced a great night on the town in the former Sackner Products building now run by 616 Development that also houses the 616 Lofts, Beer City Barre, Fido & Stitch and Field & Fire.

The menu is Puerto Rican-inspired delicacy, prepared for the local Grand Rapidian or any weary traveler, including this dedicated writer, pen hoarder and inspiration of ours.

GET THE TACOS! It doesn’t matter what kind you would order, (pork, shrimp, chicken, cheeses or veggie) you must try them all. The Hoops crew also got a bit cheesy by ordering the Queservesa, a warm housemade beer cheese with sofrito and cheddar jack, which is served hot with house tortilla chips. Then, order another round of food and drinks.

Congrats, City Built Brewing!

The BeerCityHoops Beer of the Month for June 2017 is Cascading Into Darkness!

Tweet at us using the hashtag, #IAmBeerCity

  Don’t forget to check out the City Built online store for all your swag!

Classic podcast: Steve Scheffler interview on The 3-Point Turn

This week’s The 3-Point Turn podcast is a re-airing of a classic interview with Grand Rapids’ own Steve Scheffler, who played in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics and Boston Celtics among others.

Scheffler and GC talk about the NBA Finals, going 1-on-1 with Larry Bird and more.

Subscribe to the podcast free on iTunes! 

Scheffler starred at Forest Hills Northern HS here in Beer City, USA before a stellar collegiate career playing for the legendary Gene Keady at Purdue University.

Scheffler was named #6 in GR’s Top 10 Hoopers from Beer City, put together by our staff.

 

 

May 2017: Wheezin’ The Juice IPA – Grand Armory Brewing

Hey, bud-dy!

We’ve got a new bodacious beer of the month and we’re proud to announce that for May 2017 the crew will be Linc-ing up with Wheezin’ The Juice IPA from Grand Armory Brewing in Grand Haven, MI.

Whether you’re surfing the turf or shredding a mean wave on Michigan’s west coast, make sure to get yourself, Cashmere and Rajni over to the taproom. Housed in the 111-year-old Armory Building, located at 17 S. Second St. in the heart of Grand Haven’s downtown district, the Grand Armory is just blocks from the waterfront and Lake Michigan’s beaches. The taproom has 20 taps and offers many styles of ales, hand-crafted ciders, old-fashioned sodas and wine.

This 6.3% ABV, 37 IBU brew is represented as “a juicy IPA for nugs, chillin, and grindage. The Mosaic and Citra dry hop makes you feel like you’re in Encino, sneaking slushee pulls right off the machine”, this juicy IPA is an honorable tribute to the performance of a young duo named Pauly Shore and Brendan Fraser in the iconic stoner classic, Encino Man.

With a menu that satisfies without having to be microwaved in sneaky fashion, the Grand Armory kitchen boasts “huge & awesome sandwiches” including the ‘Merican and a spring specials menu.

Any way you look at it, “I’ll be back” for more.

April 2017: Hopsun from the B.O.B.

On April 17, Brewer John from The B.O.B.’s Brewery will release his summer favorite and our April Beer of the Month, Hopsun.

A perfect brew for the warm weather of summertime, this 4.6% ABV is an all Michigan-grown wheat beer. Made with a Belgian yeast and boasting 15 IBUs, Hopsun is a unique take on the classic summer wheat. This refreshing, spicy wit flavored-beer delivers at 20 Monroe NW in downtown Grand Rapids. MI.

 

The B.O.B.’s Brewery is part of the Gilmore Collection’s Big Old Building, a 70,000-square-foot, four-story, red brick building in the heart of Beer City, USA. After standing vacant for decades, the building was saved from demolition and now has five levels of entertainment, restaurants, nightlife, comedy club and the brewery. It now includes a concert space called 20 Monroe Live.

 

 

Grand Rapids Galaxy join ranks as Beer City USA’s first women’s semi-pro hoops team

There’s a new basketball team coming to Grand Rapids!

Owner/CEO William Kelly is bringing the Grand Rapids Galaxy, the first women’s semi-professional basketball team from West Michigan, right here to Beer City, USA in May.

Kelly is looking to expand the area’s interest in women’s basketball past the high school and colleges games and believes there is a market for his team. Kelly has reached an agreement with the DeltaPlex, home of the Grand Rapids Drive, to host the Galaxy for the upcoming 2017 season.

After experiencing setbacks while an account executive with the Kalamazoo Pure, a semi-pro men’s team in the American Basketball Association, Kelly set his sights on becoming a team owner. The Pure team was disbanded in 2016 just days before the ABA championship when owner Rico White abruptly left West Michigan for Las Vegas amid swirling rumors and questions about the authenticity of his organization. At the time, Kelly told Fox17 news they were “told the direction was to become the development team of the [Chicago] Bulls, which you know we found that was just, you know, one of many lies.”

Kelly knows the challenge is an uphill battle, but continues to strive toward making this dream into a successful reality. Co-owner of Joy Consulting and a partner with the WBCBL’s Battle Creek Blazers, Kelly hired Dan Thornton to coach the team. Thornton, a veteran AAU coach and assistant at Kalamazoo College, formerly coached girls basketball at Kalamazoo Central HS.

This past Saturday, Galaxy players, coaches and staff, along with members of the dance team, held a meet and greet for fans at Polished Nail & Spa, 4301 Kalamazoo SE, from 1-3 p.m. There was even a dance competition between players Dakiya Johnson and Jamilya Hardley, two of the Galaxy Girls dance team, and a group of young fans.

“It was great to see a group of ladies all different ages, sizes and races come together and have a great time. This is just a small display of what we are about by providing positive female role models in the community.” -Galaxy Facebook post.

Tryouts took place in June of 2016 at the Courthouse Athletic Center in Byron Center, MI. Players must be over 18 years old with two years of college playing experience preferred. Transportation, meals and insurance will all be provided on game days for players.

The 2017 season will run from April to August with the Galaxy open their schedule on May 6, 2017 on the road against the Detroit Dodgers. The home schedule opens June 4, 2017 when the Dodgers come to town. The game starts at 3 p.m. and doors open at 2 p.m.

Tickets will start at $10 for General Admission. Courtside seats are $20 and Suite table packages for six people are $210 ($260 with food packages).

March 2017: Founders’ KBS

It’s March Madness and that means its time for Founders Brewing’s KBS release!

Kentucky Breakfast Stout is one of the most sought after brews throughout Beer City and the rest of the USA.

Aged in bourbon barrels for a year in the cavernous underground beneath Grand Rapids, KBS is frequently included as one of the best beers in the world on numerous lists and has crashed the web servers in years past because folks wanted to figure out how to find it.

This year, KBS Week runs from March 6-11 and tickets for the 25 local tapping events sold out quickly. Founders held a first-come, first-serve event on March 11 in their Taproom.

It’s an imperial stout brewed with a massive amount of coffee and chocolates, then cave-aged in oak bourbon barrels for an entire year to make sure wonderful bourbon undertones come through in the finish.

It’s 11.8% ABV may be one of the reasons RateBeer gave it a ranking of 100.

You better be quick on the trigger, this rarity goes fast. And once it’s gone, it’s gone!

 

Bobby Kozminski charity basketball game to benefit KCSD’s Pavlovic family

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – On Saturday night at Kenowa Hills High School, the 10th Annual Robert Kozminski Memorial Games took place to benefit Hayden Pavlovic and his family with Childrens’ Hospital bills.

In 2007, GRPD Officer Robert “Bobby” Kozminski was killed in the line of duty. Every year since, a basketball game between the Kenowa Hills school’s teachers and local law enforcement to celebrate his life while raising money for a great cause.

Hayden, the son of Kent County Sheriff’s Department deputy Jeff Pavlovic, was born with Cri du Chat Syndrome and Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome. Both syndromes are rare. Hayden is the only child known to have both.

 

The first game was between local police and Kenowa Hills teachers.  The KHHS staff took an early lead behind Ross Hillock and Ken Fustian and never looked back. Kozminski’s son even got in on the action, scoring for the Kenowa Hills team in the second half, helping the KHHS team to a decisive win.

The KCSD had their K-9 Units, handlers and dogs both, in house meeting and greeting friends and family of both the Kozminski’s and Pavlov’s, as well as all local fans in attendance from throughout West Michigan. 

The second game was between Grand Rapids Police Department and KCSD. Local radio icon Bill “Huge” Simonson, who has been a big part of the Koz Classic Annual Golf Outing, threw on his basketball gear and played with the GRPD squad in the second game, promising to limit his game to only ten threes in the game.

It’s about Robert Kozminski, honoring his legacy. It’s about law enforcement, first responders…Kenowa giving back. Looks like one of the bigger crowds we’ve ever had nine years in on it. So, it’s for a great cause, a Kent County Sheriff’s Deputy’s family…It’s about West Michigan..so we respect law enforcement.

-Bill “HUGE” Simonsson, who promised to only take 10 three-point shots on the night

Cri du chat syndrome gets its name from the characteristic cry of affected infants, which is similar to that of a meowing kitten, due to problems with the larynx and nervous system. Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome characteristics include a distinct craniofacial phenotype (microcephaly, micrognathia, short philtrum, prominent glabella, ocular hypertelorism, dysplastic ears and periauricular tags), growth restriction, intellectual disability, muscle hypotonia, seizures, and congenital heart defects.