Scooter's Bar Journal » Winery/Vineyard

Gary’s Brewery & Biergarten / Wandering Oaks Winery

scooterj — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 18:11:00 +0000

(Pensacola, FL)

Scooter’s 1856th bar, first visited in 2025.

This was just a couple of blocks over from Rocky’s Bar so it was a no-brainer making this our next stop.

As newbies we parked in front of the home brew supply store, realizing only after we left we could have parked a lot closer.

All of the seating is outdoors, with a large pavilion providing rain cover got a good chunk of the area.

Some of our group had wine, some had ciders, some had beer. I chose the Dark Helmet (Schwarzbier).

208 Newman Ave
Pensacola, FL 32507
US
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+18502660858
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Cooper’s Hawk

scooterj — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:10:00 +0000

(Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1851st bar, first visited in 2025.

We had been to the Plaza location for a meal a few years ago, then went to this location a few months ago for another meal. This time we decided to join the wine club. This counted for inclusion as of the first date that we went there specifically to sit at the bar for drinks, rather than going to the dining area for a meal.

1900 NW Tiffany Spgs Rd
Kansas City, MO 64154
US
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+18163988100
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Historic Weston Orchard & Vineyard

scooterj — Sat, 13 Sep 2025 17:10:00 +0000

(Weston, MO )

Scooter’s 1845th bar, first visited in 2025.

Came across this place while out for an afternoon drive during a camping trip. They make theirt own wines and ciders on site. I tried four of each and bought several wines and ciders to-go.

18545 Hwy H
Weston, MO 64098
US
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+18166404013
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Van Till Family Farm Winery

scooterj — Sat, 19 Jul 2025 17:10:00 +0000

(Rayville, MO )

Scooter’s 1844th bar, first visited in 2025.

This winery has been on our list for a while, as we had been to its former satellite location in downtown Excelsior Springs a few times before it closed. We finally decided to make the long-ish drive out to it.

Wine tastings are done inside, dining (including wood-fired pizzas on weekends) is in a separate greenhouse-like setting.

We had a few different pizzas and tasted pretty much every wine they had available, before buying several bottles of the sparkling and still versions of their rosé.

13986 State Hwy C
Rayville, MO 64084
US
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+18167762720
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Clad & Cordon Vineyard

scooterj — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 17:10:00 +0000

(Creal Springs, IL)

Scooter’s 1839th bar, first visited in 2025.

We stayed on their RV campground on the first night of a 9-day vacation. We tried pretty much all of their wines as well as had a pizza, then spent some time hanging out on their grounds with our dog.

755 Parker City Rd.
Creal Springs, IL 62922
US
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+17798753666
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Mackinaw Trail Winery, Brewery & Bistro

scooterj — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 17:11:00 +0000

(Petoskey, MI)

Scooter’s 1822nd bar, first visited in 2024.

This winery / brewery is a few miles south of Petoskey. I’d originally planned to do a wine tasting or have a wine flight, but then I noticed a beer with an amazing name that sounded absolutely delicious (and it was). Unfortunately it had a high enough ABV that I had to be responsible and just have the one glass.

I had a Jesus Should Have Made Beer (imperial stout) by Mackinaw Trail Brewing Company

3423 US Hwy 131
Petoskey, MI 49770
US
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+1 (231) 487-1910
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Covert Artisan Ales & Cellars

scooterj — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Sioux Falls, SD)

Scooter’s 1787th bar, first visited in 2024.

After turning in the rental car and getting checked into my AirBNB, I began a long evening of walking all over Sioux Falls’ surprisingly beautiful downtown area. This started with a walk across the Big Sioux River to a brewery several blocks southeast.

Trivia was getting going so the place was pretty busy, and I got a little extra entertainment watching the staff try to deal with the POS system somehow getting switched to Chinese and trying to figure out how to get it back to English.

I had a Barrel Aged Cake Actually (German chocolate cake rye barrel aged stout).

434 E 8th St
Sioux Falls, SD 57103
US
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+1 (605) 389-5954
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Railway Winery & Butler Creek Distilling

scooterj — Sat, 10 Aug 2024 17:10:00 +0000

(Eureka Springs, AR)

Scooter’s 1759th bar, first visited in 2024.

Technically closer to the town of Beaver than to Eureka Springs, we had driven by this place many times in recent years before finally stopping in this past weekend.

There is a small amount of indoor seating, with considerably more seating outdoors under three covered areas. Due to state licensing requirements one of these outdoor seating areas is where you must sit if you plan to order from the distillery menu, but the entire complex is available for wine service. They also serve a handful of brews from Bentonville Brewing.

The patios are dog friendly and water bowls are provided. There is no food, but crackers and popcorn are available to cleanse the palate.

I sampled all of the wines except the Strawberry Trainwreck (I don’t like strawberry) and in a rare situation for me when it comes to wine, I liked nearly all of them. I also had the complete distillery flight, and finished off with a pour of the Hills and Hollers amber lager from Bentonville Brewing.

We bought 5 bottles of wine to take home, and when we asked about a good place nearby to get firewood the owner directed us to a tree he’d recently cut down behind the vineyard and had us load up whatever we wanted.

We’ll definitely be back!

4937 State Hwy 187
Eureka Springs, AR 72631
US
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+14792447798
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Fence Stile Vineyards, Winery & Distillery

scooterj — Sat, 13 Jul 2024 17:11:00 +0000

(Excelsior Springs, MO)

Scooter’s 1757th bar, first visited in 2024.

This was out next stop of tastings during our camping weekend at Watkins Mill. We both did wine tastings here, but since the list was quite long and nothing was written down (you just say what you want to try next after you finish each sample) I can’t remember what all we tried. But we did find would be both really liked that we bought a bottle of.

31010 W 124th St
Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
US
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+18165006465
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Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery

scooterj — Sat, 13 Jul 2024 17:10:00 +0000

(Excelsior Springs, MO)

Scooter’s 1756th bar, first visited in 2024.

We came here for a wine tasting and some appetizers during a weekend camping trip at Watkins Mill.

I had a wine flight with what I think was a moscato (I can’t auite make it out in my photo of the menu), the Sunday Ride Viognier, the Odd-Dry Rosé, and the Shack Creek Red — which we liked enough to buy a bottle of. They also brew their own beer, so I had the Riley’s Stout.

Though thisplace has a lot of outdoor seating, I would hesitate to call it dog-friendly because the dogs who live here roam the grounds freely and spend a lot of their time moving from table to table for pets.

12300 Shoemaker Rd
Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
US
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+18163772313
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Prairie Berry Winery

scooterj — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 17:11:00 +0000

(Hill City, SD)

Scooter’s 1752nd bar, first visited in 2024.

We continued over to Prairie Berry, home of their flagship Red Ass Rhubarb wine that had come highly recommended to us by friends. I don’t recall exactly what wines I sampled (7 total) but the Red Ass Rhubarb was definitely among them and we bought some bottles to bring home.

23837 US-385
Hill City, SD 57745
US
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+18772269453
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Sick N Twisted Brewing / Naughti Wines

scooterj — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 17:10:00 +0000

(Hill City, SD)

Scooter’s 1751st bar, first visited in 2024.

We stopped in here after spending an afternoon at Sylvan Lake.

From the brewery side of things, I had the Hot Mama (pepper beer) and the Panty Dropper Porter. On the wine side I tried several varieries including the Erotic White, Cherry Fantasy, Burlesque Blackberry, and Cougar.

23851 US-385
Hill City, SD 57745
US
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+16055749200
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Primitive Olde Crow Winery

scooterj — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 17:10:00 +0000

(Clinton, MO)

Scooter’s 1747th bar, first visited in 2024.

This winery, located behind an associated highway-facing general store, is dog-friendly (dogs even allowed inside) and serves wood fired pizza in a separate dining area from the wine bar. There is also an ice cream stand and a gift shop, while the general store around front has a wider array of ice cream, fudge, desserts, hot sandwiches, and many more items for purchase. There’s also a dog park next to the general store.

We both had wine tasting flights, which included generous samples of all of the wines on their menu.

32 SE Hwy AA
Clinton, MO 64735
US
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+16608852051
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Bent Tree Tasting Room at Old Mill Vineyard

scooterj — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 18:10:00 +0000

(Metamora, IL)

Scooter’s 1733rd bar, first visited in 2023.

We decided to begin the next day by driving out into the countryside to visit a winery. We picked this one to start because it was in the best starting position for visiting the other two wineries in the region if we decided to. (Our plan was to go to at least two, but that would get changed by new information we learned here.)

This is a place you have to know is there and keep your eyes peeled in order to find, because even with GPS taking us straight to the driveway it still took us a moment to find it.

The spacious tasting room is surrounded by grounds with several outdoor seating areas, some overlooking a well-kept pond.

For my tasting I had the Cyndi Ros&eacture;, the Five-05 (a sweet white), the Sunset Red (sweet red), and the Winterzauber (a seasonal cabernet infused with chocolate and raspberries). We ended up buying a bottle of the Winterzauber.

700 Coon Creek Rd
Metamora, IL 61548
US
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+13092589952
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Walnut Creek Winery

scooterj — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 17:10:00 +0000

(Holt, MO)

Scooter’s 1691st bar, first visited in 2023.

A pretty massive winery in an old metal barn. In addition to wine they also serve pizza and beer from a nan brewery called Muddy Fork. (I’m unsure whether the beer is brewed on-site or elsewhere.)

I had two different types of pizza, the Arrow Head Stout (Muddy Fork Brewing), a wine flight, and at least one additional glass of wine.

90 Main St
Holt, MO 64048
US
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+18167768847
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Adam Puchta Winery

scooterj — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 17:12:00 +0000

(Hermann, MO)

Scooter’s 1684th bar, first visited in 2023.

Numerous people had told us not to miss this winery, so we made sure to get over here before we ran out of time.

This is the oldest winery in Missouri to be continuously run by the same family.

We enjoyed our tastings very much and bought several bottles to bring home.

It was pouring down rain rather hard for our entire visit, but there was plenty of covered outdoor seating for us. Various cats roam the grounds and three came to see us.

I don’t remember what all I tasted, but it was quite a bit of things.

After here we headed back to Stone Creek to do the tasting we didn’t have time for yesterday.

No idea who Luke is but we left him alone.

1947 Frene Creek Rd
Hermann, MO 65041
US
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+15734865596
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G. Husmann Wine Company

scooterj — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Hermann, MO)

Scooter’s 1683rd bar, first visited in 2023.

After we dropped our luggage off at the train station lockers, we wandered over to the first place we found that offered tastings. I believe that we thought we were heading to Black Shire Distilling, but found ourselves in G. Husmann Wine Company instead and decided to run wit it. (The winery is the building on the left in the main photo, the distillery – which we ended up not visiting – is the building on the right.)

There’s a large courtyard that most business share, and though it was raining there was a small covered area that we decided to sit at.

I tried everything on both the red and white flight lists.

302 E. 1st St.
Hermann, MO 65041
US
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+15734862677
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Stone Hill Winery

scooterj — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 17:15:00 +0000

(Hermann, MO)

Scooter’s 1678th bar, first visited in 2023.

We got here a little too close to closing time and needed a meal, so we actually had to split this visit across two days.

In the restaurant, with our meal of German and German-inspired food, I had a glass of wine that I can’t remember — when we returned the next day we shared tasting flights I tried probably 2/3 of what was available to choose from, followed by a glass from a bottle we bought to drink on-site.

1110 Stone Hill Hwy
Hermann, MO 65041
US
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+15734862221
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Reserve Cellars

scooterj — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 17:13:00 +0000

(Hermann, MO)

Scooter’s 1677th bar, first visited in 2023.

Our next stop was a winery, in a cave-like cellar located in a building a short hike up a hill from the parking area. (The restrooms were in another building a short hike down the other wide of that hill.)

By virtue of my wife and I both getting different flights and then sharing, I tried their But Sekt (sparkling); Flume Blanc, Chardonnay Reserve, Weinberg Julius Ruediger Reserve, & Golden Deer (white); the Ros&eactute;; and the Elevation & Synergy (both red).

34 Reserve Cellars Ln
Hermann, MO 65041
US
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+15734863320
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OakGlenn Vineyards & Winery

scooterj — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 17:11:00 +0000

(Hermann, MO)

Scooter’s 1675th bar, first visited in 2023.

Our first winery stop of the day seems to actually be known for its sangria more than its wines — multiple people told us to get the sangria so that’s what we did. It’s also well known for its view of the Missouri River so is a popular event venue for that reason.

During out stay we got to witness a surprise proposal, though even the guests not part of that group also got wind of what was going to happen so all eyes were on the about-to-be bride-to-be when she finally arrived. As we were waiting we played a game of “Guess the Groom” based upon which guy of 20s-30s age looked the most nervous. (We ended up guessing wrong.)

I had two glasses of sangria, and also had a glass of the 2021 Temptation just so I could say I’ve had their wine.

1104 Oak Glenn Pl.
Hermann, MO 65041
United States
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+15734865057
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Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery

scooterj — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 17:13:00 +0000

(Old Mission Peninsula, Traverse City, MI)

Scooter’s 1668th bar, first visited in 2023.

This winery was highly recommended to us by the people back at 2 Lads, so we made sure to include it as a stop. Unfortunately a wedding had almost the entire facility reserved, so the general public was relegated to and area of tents and tables set up on the lawn.

I didn’t get to stay here long because I needed to go back into town to pick up the dogs from the kennel they’d spent a couple of nights at. I had a glass of the the Signature Rosé.

3309 Blue Water Rd
Traverse City, MI 49686
United States
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+12312239303
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Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn

scooterj — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 17:12:00 +0000

(Old Mission Peninsula, Traverse City, MI)

Scooter’s 1667th bar, first visited in 2023.

This stunning winery featured viewed of both the West and East Arms of the Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan.

The system here is a bit weird, before entering you pre-pay foir your first round which can either be a wine flight, a glass of wine, or a cocktail. After that you return to the bar normally (waiting in line until you are called).

There is a massive amount of beautiful indoor seating areas, but it was just too nice for us to not take our drinks outside.

Unfortunately I forgot to take note of what I had in my wine flight, and I can’t make out enough detail in my photos to re-identify them.

15900 Rue Devin
Traverse City, MI 49686
United States
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+12312234110
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2 Lads Winery

scooterj — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 17:10:00 +0000

(Old Mission Peninsula, Traverse City, MI)

44.93428459187982, -85.4960756492465

Scooter’s 1666th bar, first visited in 2023.

We decided to spend the afternoon winery-hopping on the Old Mission Peninsula. We started with the northernmost one we could find, a modern building with a spectacular view.

I had a wine flight consisting of the 2018 Sparkling Rosé, the Rola Red, and the 2022 LKate Harvest Riesling. I also sampled 2021 Crisp Sparkling. We bought a few bottles to being home.

16985 Smokey Hollow Rd
Traverse City, MI 49686
United States
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+12312237722
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Stonehaus Farms Winery

scooterj — Sat, 27 May 2023 17:10:00 +0000

(Lee’s Summit, MO)

Scooter’s 1659th bar, first visited in 2023.

We were attending a graduation party at a nearby park, and afterward decided to scratch this place off our list since it was so close to where we were.

We purchased a bottle of their Moscato and took it out on the lawn to drink, where a very friendly resident dog briefly visited us before it headed over to the pond for a swim.

24607 NE Colbern Rd
Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
United States
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+18165548800
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Mallinson Vineyard and Hall

scooterj — Sat, 20 May 2023 17:12:00 +0000

(Sugar Creek, MO)

Scooter’s 1658th bar, first visited in 2023.

After bunch we came to this local vineyard and event space for a tasting and then to enjoy some wine out on the patio among the vineyards.

We sampled all 8 of their wines, after which I got a glass of Citrine (sweet white) to drink on-site. Before we left I bought a bottle of Ravishing (smoky red).

3029 N River Blvd
Sugar Creek, MO 64050
United States
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+18168965744
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Fountain City Winery

scooterj — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Kansas City, MO)

Scooter’s 1570th bar, first visited in 2022.

We were out for some Saturday afternoon bar hopping and stumbled across this place, that we’d never even heard of, while on our way to a different bar.

We ended up both having wine flights and then buying a couple of bottles to take home. All of their wines are inspired by Kansas City fountains.

There’s a large seating area in the front and a cozier area toward the back with leather sofas. There’s also event space.

I had he wines with checkmarks by them in my flight card photo. The one called “Pour les Jeunes” is what we bought two bottles of.

1409 W. 11th St.
Kansas City, MO 64101
United States
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+18164428893
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Jowler Creek Vineyard & Winery

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 17:15:00 +0000

(Platte City, MO)

Scooter’s 1537th bar, first visited in 2022.

The last stop of the day was this winery several miles north of Platte City. (Despite the Platte City address, it’s actually just outside the ton of Camden Point.)

Indoor seating was a bit limited, but there was a wide expanse of outdoor seating options and nearby everybody was outside this evening.

We did a wine tasting here, consisting of everything listed in the second photo below. We were also treated to a bonus taste of a wine not on the list, though sadly I don’t remember what it was.

You don’t see EV charging stations at places like this too often, but I think it will become more common especially at establishments that are this far out in the country.

16905 Jowler Creek Rd
Platte City, MO 64079
United States
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+18168585528
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Riverwood Winery

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 17:14:00 +0000

(Rushville, MO)

Scooter’s 1536th bar, first visited in 2022.

Part winery, part distillery. I decided to stick with just the wine side of things since I was starting to get buzzed. Unfortunately I didn’t remember to take a picture of the wine list so I don’t remember what wines were in my tasting, nor what wine I bought a glass of after the tasting.

On a personal note, I had an incredible sense of dÃ©jÃ -vu here. The entire layout of the building, down to the position and shape of each room, the arrangement and shape of the tables, the positions of items mounted on the walls — all of it was very strongly familiar. I am absolutely certain I had never been here before, but I cannot explain it. I have even had dreams set in this building. It is all very bizarre.

The emergency pomade in the men’s room was nice touch that more establishments should take note of.

22200 MO-45 N, Rushville, MO 64484
Rushville, MO 64484
United States
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+18165799797
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Pirtle Winery

scooterj — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 17:12:00 +0000

(Weston, MO)

Scooter’s 1534th bar, first visited in 2022.

This winery tasting room is located on the second (main) level of an old church. There’s outdoor seating on a deck around back.

We did a wine tasting. For my tasting I had the Weston Bend Rosé, Effervescent Blueberry, Blackberry Mead, Raspberry Mead, and Premium Port.

505 Spring St
Weston, MO 64098
United States
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+18166405728
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St. Ambrose Cellars

scooterj — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 17:10:00 +0000

(Beulah, MI)

Scooter’s 1505th bar, first visited in 2021.

We decided to spend an afternoon hanging out at a winery, which turned out to also have mead and their own craft beer. After out drinks we walked over to the flower garden and spend about half an hour hanging out with all the bees.

I had the Sparkle Beach (fizzy cider with glitter), Rhythm & Blues (currant-blueberry mead), Grateful Head (mango-habanero mead), Double Punk Monk IPA by Brose Brewing (their partner in-house brewery), and a John Lemon (lemon mead).

841 S Pioneer Rd
Beulah, MI 49617
United States
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+12313834262
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Kuhnhenn Brewery & Winery

scooterj — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 17:12:00 +0000

(Warren, MI)

Scooter’s 1364th bar, first visited in 2019.

When we first pulled up I was a little worried, It looked like potentially a slightly dicey neighborhood, and the building could just as easily be a dive bar (and may have even been at one time for all I know). But the beer contained within is some of the best I’ve found in the wild.

I had The Fluffer: Session IPA, Blueberry DRIPA, Penetration Porter, American Barleywine, Imperial Créme Brûlèe Java Stout. I even ended up buying some more beer to-go.

I unbderstand this place is also known as “Conference Room K”, but I won’t way why so no one gets in trouble.

5919 Chicago Rd
Warren, MI 48092
US
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(586) 983-8362
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