Excellent beer. Nice atmosphere. Have to park in front on the street. Friendly bartender. Highly recommend for interesting well brewed beers. Some good merch too. Will be back. Love the vinyl vacation, mi fuzz and the corallite(only in cans). Only suggestion would be for the QR code menu to work better- so hard to read the beer selection. read more

See all

This felt like a true microbrew. Super small with brewery equipment surrounding the tables. Staff was incredibly friendly and helpful for us first time visitors. Draft list is very unwise with lots of sours and options for those who don't like beer. Loved the open garage door for fresh air and board games available while you visit. Over awesome spot with a chill, laid back vibe. Friday night music from 9-11! We'll be back often. read more

Speciation Artisan Ales - Wineries Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

See all

In the land of IPAs, hiding behind several buildings, you'll find a sour lovers haven. It's name Speciation Artisan Ales. It's specialty... mouth puckering, salivation inspiring pours. We went with 4 selections, and while none were bad, 2 were fantastic. The staff were able to answer flavor profile questions, tell us their favorites & why. Plus, they checked in afterwards to see what we thought. If I lived in the area, I'd be here frequently. Stop #34 on our Hundreds of Hops self-guided US Hop Passport Tour read more

See all

Pucker up, buttercup! Speciation deserves five stars not only for their sours, but also because they make their own non-alcoholic hop water and bubbly too...and they're crafted just as thoughtfully as their beers. I would definitely spend another hour of my day enjoying a flight of four on one of Speciation's picnic tables again. read more

SERVICE: 5 FOOD QUALITY: N/A DRINK QUALITY: 5 ORDER TIME: 5 AESTHETICS: 5 NOISE LEVEL: 5 MENU SELECTION: 5 OVERALL EXPERIENCE: 5 I previously wrote a review on their other Yelp thread. Highly recommend going over to read that review for more in depth review on this amazing business. For the condensed version this place is pure quality. Amazing sours with amazing service. A must go if you love beer. read more

Speciation Artisan Ales - Flight of... Boolong, chromatography, run the joose, the moor - Wineries Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

See all

Funky and chill are the two words I'd use to describe Speciation Artisan Ales and Native Species Wines. They offer beer, wine, and cider that is naturally fermented, meaning some of the options can be a little "funky," but the employees are happy to help guide you in choosing something to try. They also offer flights, which is always my preferred choice when checking out a new brewery. For our flight, Nate and I tried the mixotroph, tri-21, one of the smoothie seltzers, and the reinforcement. The mixotroph was described as "Oak Aged Fruit Punch Sour w/ dark sweet cherry, pineapple, lime & ginger" - it was definitely funky and oak aged - my fault for not noticing the oak aged part, as they're not my preference. However, the smoothie seltzer was delicious! It was fruity and juicy with a lot of great flavor. Nate enjoyed both of his choices, but he likes everything so he's easy to please when it comes to beer. After the flight, I decided to order one of the wine spritzers, which come in cans. The orange wine seltzer was unique and interesting, with just a bit of funkiness and some fizz. I enjoyed this and would buy some to take home next time! The taproom is decently sized and they have trivia, vinyl nights, industry night discounts, as well as a small outdoor space with an igloo and dog-friendly patio. They don't offer any food but you're welcome to bring in food from any of the several local restaurants nearby. The parking situation isn't super great - there are only a few spots that aren't labeled as apartment parking only, but street parking is available around. Also, the space is a bit hidden - it's basically in a parking lot behind Reagan Marketing + Design, so it might be tough to spot. But it's well worth checking out for something unique and especially if you like this style of drinks. read more

See all

A friendly and knowledgeable staff, who even let us have a taste first to help decide which sour drink we wanted. The atmosphere was casual, we will definitely stop in again to try some more sours. The ones we did have were excellent. read more

Speciation turned out to be really all that. We were given the suggestion to stop here by one of the bar staff at Brewery Vivant. So, we did just that and we weren't disappointed one bit. Solid selection of ciders and really good craft beers, plus a spot on atmosphere that screams come in sit down, relax and catch the vibes. Amazing seeing all the new businesses pop up in my old hometown of G-Rap. I will be back to Speciation fo sho next time we're in town. read more

Speciation Artisan Ales - the front of the building - Wineries Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Ways to describe Speciation? Hidden (like physically behind a building off of Wealthy), unique and chill. They offer beer, wine and ciders and are pretty well known for their sours. It was pretty empty when my friends and I went for an impromptu happy hour (it was Monday) but the bartender was super friendly and helped us pick out the right drink for our table. We just ended up ordering a couple bottles but next time, I'd love to actually go and try a flight! I think the only bummer to this spot is if you're not seeking it out, it's harder to spot and you really need to look for it. I don't know how many times I've driven by and not even realized it was there. read more

Speciation Artisan Ales - Wineries Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

See all

If you're a sour ale fan, there are two great spots in Grand Rapids- Arvon Brewing for more sweet sours and Speciation for more tart. Nestled in an alley along Wealthy Street SE, Speciation has a large tap room and an outdoor patio with shaded picnic tables. Order inside, start a tab (they hold your credit card like it's 2010), and try their sours. A tasting of four is $10. If you like tart sours, try the Blackberry Incipient, Run the Joose and Hopeful Monster. For non-sour drinkers, they sell natural wine, hard seltzers and wine slushies. The cherry slushie was strong, tart and refreshing on a hot day. They let you bring food in from the outside! read more

See all

Located on Wealthy Street, Speciation Ales is set further back from the rest of the storefronts that line the main street. They have a small parking lot that can fit about 10-12 cars. They have large indoor seating and a nice grassy area fitted with 4 tables for outdoor seating. My husband and I stopped in with our dog in tow, and they were more than happy to let us sit in their outdoor seating area with him. They even provided us with a doggy bowl with water so that he wouldn't overheat in the sun! For drinks, I got the Imminent Rueage: a Wild Belgian Dubble w/ Figs & Honey. My husband got the Conservatory: a Dual Foeder Blend of Saison + Golden Sour. We didn't notice the sign stating that we could order a Flight until we were about to walk back outside. That was an oversight on our part; oops! The drinks, coupled with the sunny, breezy morning made for a wonderful experience. I would love to come back with our friend group and get a few beer and wine flights next time! read more

See all

This place has a great atmosphere! Very welcoming and informative. I ordered a wine and didn't know it was natural wine so when I didn't like it they brought me multiple choices to dry and explained everything to me! The staff is so helpful and really make the experience. My sister loves spurs and this is her favorite place so if you enjoy that, come here for sure! read more

Speciation Artisan Ales - Wineries Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

See all

You'll find some of the best sours and farmhouse ales here. It's a hidden gem off the main road, but a cool place with a great selection. The bartender was helpful in guiding us through what to expect. We're pretty well-versed in beer, but I can definitely imagine that he'd be really helpful if it was your first time around with the more funky side of craft beer. read more

Speciation Artisan Ales - Wineries Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

See all

This was our first time at Speciation since they've moved from their West River spot. The vibes were much different but I loved it! The natural light and art on the walls made for a very nature-themed atmosphere, plus, when we were there, they were setting up for live music! So fun. I gotta say we asked for their two tartest beers, which is the past from Speciation have typically been ~very~ tart, and we really didn't find them that sour. Maybe that's more up other peoples alleys (and they were still good!) but I'm hoping for some more super sour beers in the future! read more

See all

We both loved this place! I love when breweries or restaurants are able to come up with a theme and then decorate in a unique way. This place had an outdoor feel on the inside. It was only a week before Christmas and chilly out. We both hate being cold so it was nice to go here and feel like it was a warm summer day. Haha. Despite the Christmas lights! We enjoyed the atmosphere and the staff and beers! read more

Speciation Artisan Ales - Wineries Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

There isn't any food but there is a great beverage to try. Everyone that works there is very Kind and aware Thank you and go check it out for yourselves you will love it too Xoxo read more

This place made me feel like I was hanging out in my backyard, which was chill. If it gets too breezy outside on the Adirondack chairs, they also have socially distant tents with bench tables inside them. The ordering area has a great industrial vibe with wines for sale, cool artwork, and immaculate pothos leaves dangling on the walls. I'm not a huge sour beer person, which is what they're known for, but I definitely want to come back to try their wines. read more

Why aren't there 10 stars for this establishment? It's so hard to find good places as I can't drink beer or cider but my husband is a brewer so it makes it difficult. But, this place? Super cute space, really clean and modern. Bartenders will talk about their brews all day. I had two natural wines (an orange and a red version of the orange) and they were absolutely delicious. Their space is very open and very simple but they have little touches that really make them special. We had two drinks each and then walked out with several bottles and we cannot wait to share it at home with friends. They take incredible care of their process and they really know what they're talking about. We had Lu as our main server and he's such an absolute doll. Consistently checked in and chatted us up about processes and made sure we understood what each drink was. So happy to find a beautiful space that I can drink at! We will definitely be back! read more

Speciation Artisan Ales - Lambic. - Wineries Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

See all

I've been to A LOT of breweries. My list currently includes over 400. It's always a treat to find a place where the beers have that extra complexity that sets them apart from the crowd. This is one of those spots. Wish I lived closer so I could sample them all. read more

What a great brewery and experience! They had a full page of beers to choose from and a bunch of wines and seltzers as well. My boyfriend and I built our own flights. I had 3 wines and a seltzer, and each of them were great - unlike most wines I've had! My boyfriend also really liked the beers he chose and said they were funky and super unique (in a good way). The space is cool and clean, and the employees were so kind and helpful in answering our questions. Definitely would go back! read more

See all

Absolutely loved this spot on my first trip to Grand Rapids. It's a small place, but has great atmosphere. We went in the summer time so we got to experience it with the all the doors open and it was very nice. Great brews and great service. We would definitely visit again when we're in the area. read more

Awesome place to stop for a glass of wine and trivia. Great atmosphere and friendly staff. The wine is fantastic -there's also a garden outside where you can sit (heaters for wintertime). Parking can be a bit tricky, we parked against the flower boxes. read more

Wow what a cool space to find tucked into GR. Service was excellent!! Can't wait to go back to check out some music and entertainment read more

This is a very cool spot, fun layout, lots of space inside and outside lots of drinks to choose from, games, social seating, little fireplace table... this is a spot you can revisit!! read more

I love Speciation. It is very good. I would recommend their beers to all of my friends and even some of my enemies. read more

Speciation Artisan Ales - Happy guy - Wineries Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

The staff is super friendly and helpful. Their beers are the best in GR if you like sour and wild ales!

It's a great spot in a good neighborhood. They specialize in spurs! I recommend mainly because of their unique flair and the place isn't that busy compared to many others. You can enjoy a great time with friends and loved ones here. read more

Speciation Artisan Ales - a variety of beers - Wineries Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Easily one of our favorite breweries in Grand Rapids. The beers are interesting and unique, not your average brewery. Cool beer hall atmosphere, great place to grab a few drinks! read more

What a cool, modern space with a very laid back atmosphere. The bartenders were very friendly, walking up to each table (safely) and excited to discuss our opinions and give recommendations. For only being open for 3 weeks the beer was great too! Definitely come in wanting sour beer. They did have a couple not sour and wine, but they are definitely a sour brewery in my opinion! Prey Drive and Base Pair were my favorites and they offer half pours so try a few! read more

Really great sours. Megafauna was my fav! Great little outdoor area as well as a clean spacious indoor tasting room. Low-key chill atmosphere. read more

Speciation Artisan Ales - two glasses of beer - Wineries Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Really unique and delicious sours. Interesting ingredients that make this the most authentic local brewery in town for me.

This is a small brewery that specializes in Sours and old school wines. We tried all their sours. They were excellent. The atmosphere is cozy and friendly. They have a small selection of appetizers (but I didn't try any). We were there a couple hours for drinks and had a wonderful time. read more

The best brewery in Grand Rapids as well as the sour beer! If you are a beer enthusiast, looking for the special beers for your friends and beer shares, stop in. The staff and also amazing! read more

Holy crap this place is cool and their ales are amazing!! I'm not typically a sour fan but they make some really unique brews and all that I tried had excellent and different flavors. Bonus, caught a great young band playing, Empress Eyes. Great place to hang and enjoy really good drinks. read more

This was my favorite brewery on our GR beer tour! I loved the laid back vibe and all the barrels. I'm not the biggest sour fan, but they label everything with exactly how sour it is. I could handle the "medium" and they had some less sour than that. My husband was in love with all the super sours. The staff was very friendly and helpful. read more

Such a wondeful place...creative beverages, great location and helpful staff that love talking about the brews. My favorite place to take a walk yoo. read more

We had a special opening beer tasting today and tour. It was a great time. Kara was a wealth of knowledge about the brewery and the philosophy of brewing they follow. If you are not familiar with the brewery, they specialize in unique sours. Unique and delicious is how I see it. I enjoyed every beer, every beer was a brand new experience. read more