Blackrocks Brewery

Coordinates: 46°32′49″N 87°23′40″W / 46.546937°N 87.394563°W / 46.546937; -87.394563
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Blackrocks Brewery
IndustryBrewery
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, former pharmaceutical salesmen David Manson and Andy Langlois opened Blackrocks in 2010 as a nanobrewery within a Victorian-style house. They started with a one-barrel brewing system in the house's basement, and high demand for their beer quickly led them to expand their brewing capacity with larger systems and by purchasing a former Coca-Cola bottling plant. They also expanded the brewery's taproom into an adjacent property in the early 2020s, which doubled their available indoor area.

As of 2021, Blackrocks is the ninth-largest brewery in Michigan with sales across the state's Upper and Lower Peninsulas and into the adjoining state of Wisconsin. Their most popular beer is 51K, an American IPA.

History[edit]

Creation[edit]

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] The two were passionate home brewers, and they had dreamed about turning that hobby into a craft brewery after retirement. Once they lost their jobs and income, they moved up those dreams and opened Blackrocks.[5]

The brewery took its name from a set of rocks in Marquette's Presque Isle Park from which people jump into Lake Superior. Manson later said that the name was also an analogy for the two men's "leap of faith" in starting a brewery with little prior experience in the industry.[6]

Location[edit]

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

Blackrocks Brewery's customer-facing location is located in two former residential homes at 420 and 424 North Third Street in Marquette, Michigan.[7] A fence running along the back edge of the taproom's property line incorporates used skis, including some donated by patrons of the brewery.[1][8]

Blackrocks started in 424 North Third Street, a 2,100-square-foot (200 m2) Victorian-style former residential home that was over a hundred years old at the time the brewery opened.[1][2][9][10] It was described by the Star Tribune in 2020 as looking like an "out-of-place ski chalet".[8] The location featured two floors for customers and a large patio available year-round, with fire pits installed for use during Marquette's cold winters.[1][2][9]

On Blackrocks' first day of operation, Manson and Langlois sold through all of the beer they had brewed. That soon became a common occurrence, and the two soon expanded Blackrocks' brewing capacity and added a patio to expand the small customer serving area of the establishment.[11] In 2017, they expanded that patio to 37 feet (11 m) by 28 feet (8.5 m).[12][13] In wintertime, the establishment erected temporary igloo-shaped outdoor structures to increase its available seating.[4] This practice expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, when people were forbidden from congregating indoors, to campfires and tents.[14]

As Blackrocks' popularity grew, the taproom's small size limited the brewery's patronage, particularly in winter.[5] In February 2020, Blackrocks announced that it had purchased the taproom-adjacent property at 420 North Third Street. The mixed-use building previously hosted apartments and three businesses.[7][15] Blackrocks planned to use the additional space for events and to expand their limited amount of indoor seating,[16][17] as the new house had two floors and doubled their available indoor area. They also built in a proper stage for musical acts, a second bar, and a fireplace.[5]

Blackrocks had hoped to open the new building by December 2020,[18] but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March significantly disrupted their plans.[19] Instead, the interior of the new location opened on the last day of 2021,[5][20] and an upper patio space followed later in 2022.[6] The city commission required Blackrocks to add noise dampening around that patio.[21]

Operation[edit]

Blackrocks' first one-barrel brewing system was located in the basement of its original location.[1] Due to the high demand for their beer, Blackrocks soon expanded to a three-barrel system.[11][22] In 2013, Blackrocks expanded again into a purchased 9,000 square feet (840 m2) former Coca-Cola bottling plant.[11][23][24] They installed a twenty-barrel system in the building, which allowed the brewery to expand production to 4,500 barrels per year,[11][22] and begin canning its beer.[25][26] After continuing rapid growth in demand, 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,[27] and installed solar panels on the building's roof in 2019.[28] In May 2020, Blackrocks added two 120-barrel fermentors.[4]

Mug club[edit]

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.[29] 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.[11][29] As of 2022, chances to join are rare and require an individual to find a "golden ticket" on public land during a designated period.[30][31][32]

Beer[edit]

As of April 2024, Blackrocks has three mainstay beers that they can and sell all year: 51K IPA, Grand Rabbits cream ale, and Mykiss IPA.[6] Of the fifteen other beers that they release on a seasonal basis,[33] regional publication MLive called out Honey Lav, which is brewed with honey and lavender, as a summertime consumer favorite.[4][6] As of 2019, 51K IPA is Blackrocks' most popular beer.[9] It was one of the first beers Blackrocks ever canned, alongside the Grand Rabbits cream ale and the since-discontinued Coconut Brown.[25][26][34]

Notable Blackrocks beers[6][9]
Name Style ABV IBU Notes Citation
51K American IPA 7% 68 Year-round [35]
Grand Rabbits Dry-hopped cream ale 5.5% 16 Year-round [36]
Mykiss American IPA 7.5% 60 Year-round [37]
Honey Lav Wheat ale with honey and lavender 5.2% 17 May–August [38]
Ray's Fiesta Lager Mexican light lager 4.8% April–June [39]
Float Copper Amber 5% 20 February–April [40]
Phloform Hazy pale ale 6% February–April [41]
Super Deluxe Helles 4.8% 17 May–July [42]
Presque Ale Summer ale 5.5% 32 May–July [43]
Coconut Brown Brown ale 6% 18 Discontinued [44]

Recognition[edit]

In 2013, Blackrocks was ranked by MLive as one of the best new breweries in the state of Michigan.[45] In 2020 and 2021, the same outlet named their Honey Lav its "beer of the week" and Mykiss as one of the ten best beers in Michigan.[4][46] The Detroit Free Press added that Blackrocks' Mykiss "might be one of the best IPAs in the state" of Michigan.[9] In 2022, the drinks-focused publication VinePair ranked the brewery as one of the 25 best in the United States.[47][48]

Production and distribution[edit]

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.[49][50][51][52] As of 2021, Blackrocks was the ninth-largest brewery in Michigan by total production, rising 17% from the COVID-affected year prior.[53] Its production that year made it the second largest brewery in the Upper Peninsula behind the Keweenaw Brewing Company,[53] and raised them up from tenth place a few years earlier.[54]

Blackrocks produced about 11,000 barrels of beer in 2023.[6] That was up from 9,000 barrels of beer in 2020,[5] 7,500 barrels sold in 2018, 6,595 in 2017,[55] and 5,066 in 2016.[56]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e 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 e 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 e 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 f Bissell, Joel (March 1, 2024). "'Leap of faith' turns into success for Blackrocks, a U.P. brewery". MLive. Archived from the original on April 30, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  7. ^ a b Carey, Trinity (March 7, 2020). "Blackrocks Brewery Expansion". The Mining Journal. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
  8. ^ 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.
  9. ^ 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.
  10. ^ 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.
  11. ^ a b c d e Magnaghi (2015), pp. 94–95.
  12. ^ 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.
  13. ^ Buchmann, Nicole (August 1, 2017). "Blackrocks Brewery to debut new patio this month". Upper Michigan's Source. WLUC-TV. Archived from the original on August 2, 2017. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  14. ^ "Blackrocks Brewery continues operations outdoors". Upper Michigan's Source. WLUC-TV. February 11, 2021. Archived from the original on May 1, 2024. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  15. ^ "Blackrocks Brewery announces pub expansion". Upper Michigan's Source. WLUC-TV. February 27, 2020. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  16. ^ Price, Matt (December 31, 2020). "Updates on Marquette craft beer businesses". Upper Michigan's Source. WLUC-TV. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
  17. ^ 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.
  18. ^ "Blackrocks Brewery looking to expand after requisition of more space". ABC 10/CW5. February 27, 2020. Archived from the original on May 1, 2024. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  19. ^ Simmons, Lily (May 25, 2021). "Blackrocks Brewery prepares for eased capacity limits in June". Upper Michigan's Source. WLUC-TV. Archived from the original on May 1, 2024. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  20. ^ "Marquette brewery opens expansion for the new year". Upper Michigan's Source. WLUC-TV. January 9, 2022. Archived from the original on January 9, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
  21. ^ Via, Vinny La (July 19, 2023). "Marquette City Planning Commission approves expansion to Blackrocks Brewery". Upper Michigan's Source. WLUC-TV. Archived from the original on May 1, 2024. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  22. ^ 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.
  23. ^ 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.
  24. ^ 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.
  25. ^ 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.
  26. ^ a b Sicotte, Jon (September 26, 2014). "Blackrocks Brewery Claims the Great Lake State". The Brewer's Magazine. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
  27. ^ Depew, Jaymie (January 18, 2018). "Blackrocks expansion". The Mining Journal. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
  28. ^ Superior Watershed Partnerships (October 4, 2019). "UP brewery, trail organization benefit from state energy efficiency, renewable energy award" (Press release). Upper Michigan's Source. WLUC-TV. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
  29. ^ 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 videom archived with the same name and date, via YouTube.)
  30. ^ Modic, John (July 12, 2018). "Blackrocks Brewery announces golden ticket promotion". Upper Michigan's Source. WLUC-TV. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  31. ^ Borden, Elissa (July 12, 2022). "Blackrocks Brewery hides golden tickets at Forestville Festival". Upper Michigan's Source. WLUC-TV. Archived from the original on September 28, 2022. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
  32. ^ Duly, Maggie (July 13, 2022). "Find your 'golden ticket' into Blackrocks' Mug Club". Upper Michigan's Source. WLUC-TV. Archived from the original on September 28, 2022. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
  33. ^ "Beers". Blackrocks Brewery. Archived from the original on April 30, 2024.
  34. ^ DeLadurantaye, Stephen (October 6, 2023). "Blackrocks Brewery stops Coconut Brown production". Upper Michigan's Source. WLUC-TV. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  35. ^ "51K IPA". Blackrocks Brewery. Archived from the original on April 30, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  36. ^ "Grand Rabbits". Blackrocks Brewery. Archived from the original on April 30, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  37. ^ "Mykiss IPA". Blackrocks Brewery. Archived from the original on April 30, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  38. ^ "Honey Lav". Blackrocks Brewery. Archived from the original on March 17, 2023. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  39. ^ "Ray's Fiesta Time". Blackrocks Brewery. Archived from the original on April 30, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  40. ^ "Float Copper". Blackrocks Brewery. Archived from the original on November 15, 2022. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  41. ^ "Phloform". Blackrocks Brewery. Archived from the original on April 30, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  42. ^ "Super Deluxe". Blackrocks Brewery. Archived from the original on April 30, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  43. ^ "Presque Ale". Blackrocks Brewery. Archived from the original on April 30, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  44. ^ "Coconut Brown". Blackrocks Brewery. Archived from the original on November 15, 2022. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  45. ^ 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.
  46. ^ 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.
  47. ^ 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.
  48. ^ 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.
  49. ^ Marietti, Justin (May 23, 2015). "Blackrocks Boost". The Mining Journal. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
  50. ^ 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.
  51. ^ Horn, Amos (October 25, 2017). "Blackrocks Brewery: Beers for Mountain Bikers". Bike Magazine. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  52. ^ Thekan, Molly (May 20, 2016). "Blackrock's Brewery expanding distribution". Upper Michigan's Source. WLUC-TV. Archived from the original on April 30, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  53. ^ a b Frank, John; Frank, Annalise (September 19, 2022). "Michigan's top craft breweries see resurgence". Axios Detroit. Archived from the original on January 16, 2023. Retrieved January 16, 2023.
  54. ^ 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.
  55. ^ 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.
  56. ^ 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.

Bibliography[edit]

  • 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.

Further reading[edit]

External links[edit]


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

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