p6261335-550?v=1

All About the Community

Griffin Claw Brewing Company continues to grow thanks to community support.

Griffin Claw Brewing Company found its home in a Birmingham neighborhood off Eton Street in 2013. Owned by Mary Nicholson and Bonnie LePage, Griffin Claw prides itself on having a culture of growth, and with only its seven-year anniversary approaching next month, no one can deny it. 

Whether at Birmingham’s taproom or Rochester’s production facility, Griffin Claw is always striving for greatness, something Griffin Claw's Director Scott LePage said is possible to achieve because of the amazing community.

+ Birmingham’s Taproom

Dan Rogers, Griffin Claw’s brewmaster, has been brewing since 1991, but it was not until 2004 when Rogers began working “his magic” at Big Rock Chophouse in Birmingham that the unofficial start of Griffin Claw took place.

Guests at Big Rock, specifically Michigan’s beer enthusiasts, began noticing his beers, and a few years later, he earned several Great American Beer Festival awards, as well as two World Beer Cup medals: a silver for Bonnie’s Raggedy Ass (Griffin Claw’s Imperial IPA that was on tap this year in March and April) and a gold for Norm’s Raggedy Ass (a year-round IPA offered at Griffin Claw).

Griffin Claw’s other year-round beers on tap include Mr. Blue Sky, an American Wheat Ale; Pilsner By Default, a Pilsner; El Rojo, a Red Ale; You Figure It Out, a Coconut Vanilla Milk Stout; and Haze Force, an Intergalactic Hazy IPA. However, this summer, Griffin Claw guests can also expect the draft El Ligero, a Mexican Lager with Lime; Mr. Blue Sky Raspberry, a Wheat Ale; and Flying Buffalo Raspberry Chocolate, as well. 

As of January this year, Griffin Claw actually launched its first ever seltzer line, adding a local option to the seemingly ever-growing seltzer market. Griffin Claw’s Marketing Director Christopher Lasher said Rogers experimented and perfected the seltzer recipe for about a year and after extensive sampling, landed on a variety of flavors.

“Different from the rest of the seltzer market, our cans are 16-ounces versus 12-ounces,” Lasher explained. “Since we competitively priced them with existing brands already on the market, you’re really getting more seltzer for the price you’re paying. Plus, they’re the perfect size.”

In addition to the beer, Lasher said there is always a seltzer on draft at the taproom, as well as a variety of ciders and meads made by Ian Radogost-Givens, who joined the Griffin Claw team in August of 2019.

“In addition to food and beer, we’re here to offer a variety of drink types that all kinds of people would want,” Lasher said. “All of our spirits, cider, mead and seltzer are made in-house.”

Griffin Claw’s wines include Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Red Blend, Riesling, Rose and Zinfandel and are carefully crafted from the vineyards of Northern Michigan exclusively for Griffin Claw.

+ Rochester’s Production Facility 

Referred to by Scott LePage as the “Think Tank,” Griffin Claw’s production facility in Rochester is where most of the specialty beers and ciders/meads are made, as well as spirits, including Griffin Claw’s Grain Vodka, Potato Vodka, Gin, Rum, Whiskey, Schnapps and more.

Amidst the coronavirus outbreak in the spring, hand sanitizer was actually made in this production facility, too. Griffin Claw started using its distilled spirits to make hand sanitizer in order to keep their employees working; later, they decided to also give away a two-ounce bottle with every take-out order in addition to frontline workers in need.

As of now, the Rochester facility, which is twice the size of the Birmingham location, is just used for production; however, Lasher said they would like to add a tasting room in Rochester Hills one day, as well. 

+ Supportive Community

Located in Birmingham’s emerging rail district, Griffin Claw’s traditional outdoor biergarten is not only attracting locals.  

“We’re really a good meeting point for both our neighbors and the surrounding communities,” Scott LePage said. “The environment is always friendly, even kid-friendly.”

Griffin Claw Brewing Company in Birmingham is located at 575 South Eton Street. For more information about this Michigan microbrewery or to check out the food menu, visit griffinclawbrewingcompany.com or call (248)-712-4050.

“Our path to get where we are has been a quick one, but it’s because of our people,” Griffin Claw’s website reads. “We are centered around young, hungry, active beer enthusiasts– with a foundation of grizzled vets. Our love for this Great Beer State is increased as the days go on, and we love the industry that we’re in.”

Businesses Featured in this Article

Related Businesses

Nothing Bundt Cakes (Atlanta)

Desserts

Nothing Bundt Cakes (Atlanta)

Alpharetta, GA

Our Bundt Cakes are handcrafted in every bakery in a variety of delicious flavors and sizes. To top it all off, our bakeries...

Chandlers Prime Steaks and Fine Seafood

Gluten-Free

Chandlers Prime Steaks and Fine Seafood

Boise, ID

Chandler's is a locally-owned, upscale dinner house specializing in prime steaks and jet-fresh seafood. Enjoy a craft...

Parkhill's Liquors & Wine South

Beer Wine + Spirits

Parkhill's Liquors & Wine South

Tulsa, OK

A beautiful modern store providing a unique shopping experience offering South Tulsa's largest selection of wine, spirits and...

See More

Related Articles

See More