Big Buck Brewery (Grayling, MI)

[Moondoggy]

I was coming back from northern Michigan and happened by Big Buck Brewery in Grayling, MI.

I stopped in for a sixer and of course they didn't sell bottled beer but they did sell party pigs.

Since we were extremely pressed for time and the staff was not very knowledgeable about the beer.

Actually, told me they were just there to collect the money!

I purchased a party pig of "Naked" without even giving it a taste.

It is a one-time use party pig with a crimped on cap and dispenser but other that it looks identical to the party pigs we all know.

The cost was $26.00.

Anyone have any insight to this beer or brewery.

[Beaver]

I went to the one in Auburn Hills once a couple of years ago. From what I recall some of their beers were pretty good.

[steveh]

Interesting that they have 2 pubs in Michigan...and one in Texas..?
http://www.bigbuck.com/

S.

[Moondoggy]

Licking my wounds from a disappointing purchase.

1) The staff at Big buck Brewery was not trained in the items they sell.

2) The beer I bought was labeled as "Naked." I discovered that it actually is "Naked Light"


3) I am angry at myself for not performing proper due diligence prior to the purchase.

4) Taste test: The beer taste like Bud Light and it cost 3-times as much!

[Beaver]

Ouch! I hate it when brewpubs / microbreweries have a BMC clone.

[chazwicke]

I agree and it seems most do and that is usually a big seller for them too. Shame.

[steveh]

That's a shame, Moondog. AFA BL clones, the most local brew-pub to me makes great beer, but they still sell Bud and Miller Lite at their bar - it pains me to sit down for a nice Oatmeal Stout and look over to see a table full of gen-Xers tipping long-necks of Bud Light - blech. Why go to a brew-pub to drink swill?

S.

[Beaver]

I think it hurts even more when the brewer makes the BMC clone. That tank space could've been used for something really yummy!

[steveh]

Originally posted by Beaver I think it hurts even more when the brewer makes the BMC clone.

No doubt, I can't even fathom the brainstorm that spawned that concept. As bad as the home-brewer trying to duplicate A/B Budweiser. :P~~~

S.

[Beaver]

Originally posted by steveh
No doubt, I can't even fathom the brainstorm that spawned that concept. As bad as the home-brewer trying to duplicate A/B Budweiser. :P~~~

S.

I guess they could be shooting for transitional beers. But most I've tasted aren't a transition, just the same old macro taste. So more of a substitute than a transition.

[Moondoggy]

So I sent an email to the head brewer and told him my tale of woe.

He responded very nicely and said that when I get back up that way he'll put a pig in the cooler for me; of something good.

I found out today that good service does still exist as long as the approach to resolve the issue is sincere.

[Beaver]

That's pretty cool of him! It kind of implies that he know some of the stuff is crap though.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Beaver
That's pretty cool of him!

Yep, very cool. I've said it here before, beer people are the best (no, there's nothing in the mail from Brewmonkey or Stod...yet!). ;)

S.

[Beaver]

Originally posted by steveh
Yep, very cool. I've said it here before, beer people are the best (no, there's nothing in the mail from Brewmonkey or Stod...yet!). ;

S.

I'll drink to that! :D

[Doug123]

In addition to the one in Texas, Big Buck has places in Gaylord and Auburn Hills (Michigan). They used to have one in Grand Rapids as well, but it closed. I believe they filed for bankrupcy a year or two back.

I've been to both the one in Gaylord and Auburn Hills. Their beers are pretty good. The one you purchased (Naked Light) is not one of their better ones. Try their ESB next time...with a big steak. Their food is well worth trying.

[hops99]

I used to stop at the one in Grand Rapids once in a while on business. The beers were geared more towards the BMC crowd IMO, but they had a few good ones too. I remember a pretty good stout, and an ale (redbird ale, I think?) that was ok. The thing that always amused me about this particular Big Buck was the "northwoods-hunting-lodge-taxidermist on drugs" atmosphere, as it was located right next door to a huge car dealership in the middle of a dense commercial strip (28th street). Authentic? No.

BTW, Naked Light reminded me of a soup from a book I read when I was a kid: "Subtraction Stew". I'd be hard-pressed to call Naked light an actual beer - it's just water, man.

[Pike]

Someone please explain to a new fish what BMC & IMO & all the other funky acronyms that are used here mean please. I feel like a tool for asking but please help me.

[hops99]

Someone please explain to a new fish what BMC & IMO & all the other funky acronyms that are used here mean please. I feel like a tool for asking but please help me.

BMC - Bud/Miller/Coors

IMO - In my opinion


Cheers!

[steveh]

Originally posted by Pike
I feel like a tool for asking...

Nah - how ya gonna learn without askin'? You'll find this community pretty easy going, we only get vehement over beer! ;)

S.