Perrin Brewery
Slay(don) Style
By: Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon
Exploring Perrin Brewery
Originally published in the December 19, 2024 Issue of the Rockford Squire
Living in Michigan, we’re fortunate to be surrounded by incredible businesses. One of my favorite pastimes is touring these local gems and learning about their unique company cultures. So, when the opportunity arose to tour Perrin Brewery and enjoy an off-the-menu experience curated by General Manager Alan Riehl and his awesome culinary team, I jumped at the chance!
Riehl is as warm and generous as they come. A veteran of the hospitality industry, he has perfected the art of going above and beyond for his guests, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone.
The tour began the way any brewery tour should—with a beverage in hand! Jake and I were joined by two other couples we love spending time with, setting the perfect vibe for the evening.
Fun Facts I Learned
● Perrin offers 36 beers on tap, with most being small-batch brews available exclusively in their taproom.
● They have a canning machine that fills one can per second.
● A small but mighty team of nine brewers produces all that beer.
● Myth busted: When beer “skunks,” it’s not from fluctuating temperatures (as I’d thought)
but due to oxygen trapped in the can.
A Culinary Masterpiece
The meal prepared was nothing short of incredible, with each course paired with a “shorty” beer for a full sensory experience. Here’s what we enjoyed:
1. Pumpkin bisque with prosciutto and candied nuts.
2. A decadent crab cake.
3. The most melt-in-your-mouth beef tips with rice.
4. For dessert, a warm and delicious apple pie crumble/bake.
Each bite was exceptional, and the pairings were spot on! Even my friends who aren’t beer drinkers enjoyed them.
Why Perrin Stands Out
We’re so lucky to have Perrin Brewery as part of our North Kent community, especially under Riehl’s leadership. If you haven’t visited Perrin in a while, I highly recommend it. Their commitment to quality and creativity makes it a standout destination.
Have you had a unique experience at Perrin or another local business? I’d love to hear about it! jes@swiftprinting.com