The Black Lotus Brewery

Bryon and I just got here, and met The Black Lotus' manager, Jason. The Samplers are being delivered and the taste testing will soon begin!!!

HEYYYYYY CHRIS RABIOR CAME OUT!!!!

The first drink up....The Pilsner. 5.0%

Bryon says it's a tasty, high quality version of Bud, with a clean finish. The taste goes in and out quickly and unfortunately...the sample glasses don't last long....a great everyday, all-purpose, all-American brew.

Next up..the Detroit Hip Hops (their IPA) 5.6%

OK, this ones going to take a bit to describe....

This brewskie was not what I expected. The first taste you recognize is black licorice. It took us a bit by surprise, but after a couple sips it became real smooth and creamy.

World Wide Wheat is next. 5.6%

This was a divide. Dave says "Not for me." Bryon says, "I like it. Subtle, Citrusy, and just a little bitter." (Dave doesn't agree, lol)

DetroitCity....we're stumped. I wouldn't probably order it because it tasted a wee bit watered down, but we would definitely say it's a sipper. Probably a perfect blend with some of the food here. (By the way, that should answer the question of whether they serve food here. Bryon says they're in the middle of remodeling their menu.

Just got confirmation on that menu thing. They're launching a new menu middle of October.

Red Tao Amber Lager 6%
This drink is a lighter version of Dos Equis Amber and seems to have a hint of lime.

Funkin A' Apricot Wheat 5.6%
This brew did not grew on us :) har har. Could have used a small amount of lemon or orange with it. Bryon says: "The apricot is extremely subtle. I was hoping for something a bit more dramatic. Typical fruit flavored brews, i.e. Rasberry Wheat's, usually have a strong representation of their namesake. This one didn't. "

We just learned a little bit of trivia. The reason why they call the jugs you can get filled "Growler" is because back in the day when you would come in to get your pail filled, they would drag it across the bar and it would make a "Growl" sound.

Enough with this learning, we must try the Monster Mash Pumpkin Ale 5.6%

Dude, that first sip changed flavors like 3 times in my mouth...crazy. This one lives up to the name sake says BRRRRRRYON. And since we have the unique privilege of trying one of the new dishes, the "Barbeque Chicken and Nachos" (AMMMAAAAZZING) this beer also is a great compliment to food.

Birthday Beer Cream Ale 5.0%

Bryon says: "Another smooth and subtle beer. Some initial zing in the middle of the tongue, finished real nice and clean."

And the end of the night here's the winners....

Dave: The Monster Mash Pumpkin Ale :)
Bryon: The People Mover :)



Overall the Black Lotus is a great hang. They have fantastic music every Tuesday and Wednesday night, the beers overall are just above average, and it's a pretty socially conscious establishment...which is always an additional reason to support a local business. In addition to beer, the Lotus also serves Free Trade Organic Tea, shows and sells local art off their walls, has vegetarian options on their small, but tasty, food menu (we had their BBQ Chicken Nachos and Grilled Chicken Panini), and something really special about this restaurant...it's a true neighborhood business. While inside the Lotus you can order out sushi from Noble Fish (located a few doors down) and it will get delivered to your table, and you can also order pizza from Green Lantern Pizza and they will also deliver to the Lotus. The staff is very laid back and help create and support the Lotus' relaxed, yet somewhat sophisticated (without being stuffy) atmosphere. Their slogan "Think Global, Drink Local" is a great mantra for all local beer lovers.