**HOW DID I NOT KNOW THIS WAS HERE?!**
Apparently they've been making cider for **five years** and have been at this location for three--and somehow this place has stayed completely off my radar. That needs to change, because Saginaw has a seriously cool little cider destination hiding in plain sight.
First, this isn't somebody pouring mass-produced cider from a distributor and calling themselves a taproom. Owner **Couey is a legitimate master brewer** with experience brewing for Martin House, and that background absolutely comes through. There's thought, technique, and creativity behind what you're drinking.
If your idea of hard cider is simply "really sweet apple juice with alcohol," this is where you need to expand your education.
Try a flight. That's half the fun.
You can explore the different styles, find out what you actually like, and discover how much variation cider can have. It's a great place for someone who already loves cider, but I think it may be even MORE fun to bring someone who claims they don't like cider. Give Couey a chance to change their mind!
And then there's the food situation, which I actually love.
They don't need a giant kitchen because they've basically created their own little neighborhood ecosystem. Mr. Jim's Pizza is right next door, and you're welcome to bring food in.
But here's my recommendation: **Eagle's Point 5 Star Dive Bar is only about three doors down.**
Order your food to-go (and apparently delivery is sometimes an option), walk down and grab it, then bring it back and enjoy it with your cider. They make some seriously good food, and the combination makes for a fantastic casual night out. It's almost like these businesses accidentally created their own little Saginaw entertainment district.
The atmosphere here is another big win. This isn't some giant, corporate-feeling taproom where you're just another credit card at the bar. It's relaxed, welcoming, local, and the kind of place where you can actually talk to the person responsible for what's in your glass.
That's becoming increasingly rare.
And that's really why I'm writing such a long review: **places like this only become "local institutions" when locals actually know they exist.**
So, Saginaw, here's your notice.
You've got a locally owned cidery that's been quietly doing its thing for FIVE YEARS, run by someone with serious brewing credentials, serving interesting ciders in a relaxed taproom where you can bring in great food from practically next door.
Why are we not talking about this place more?!
Skip the same old chain restaurant one night. Grab some friends. Order some food from down the street. Come in, get a flight, talk to Couey, find your favorite cider, and hang out for a while.
**This is exactly the kind of small local business I want to see packed on a Friday or Saturday night.**
Five enthusiastic stars--and I'm already looking forward to going back. read more