Lake Brothers Beer Co. begins brewing lagers in Corktown

With the launch of Lake Brothers Beer Co. this spring, Sean Farrell and Mike Grodecki are two of the newest craft brewers in Detroit. They only produce a lager, but they have high expectations for it.

The brothers-in-law see the lager as their ticket into the micro brewing industry. It's a light, crisp beer that's been historically popular in the U.S. All of the marco brewers mass produced lagers for for much of the 20th Century, and it wasn't until the birth of the micro-brewery movement in the last 20 years that ales came back into favor.

"We have been inspired by the lagers of the old days," Farrell says. "We're trying to replicate that in today's market."

Brewing lagers is easier said than done. They typically need to brew longer and in colder temperatures, meaning they take more time and resources to produce.

"It's a hard beer to make," Farrell says. "Any imperfections shine through."

Lake Brothers Beer Co. is making a classic lager with a light amber color. It's brewed out of the Brew Detroit facility in Corktown, packaged into 12-ounce cans and sold in boxed six packs. Patrons can buy them at independent retailers, bars, and restaurants across Metro Detroit, such as Mudgie's Deli in Corktown or Honey Bee La Colmena supermarket in Mexicantown.

The company hopes it can be the regional lager of choice, like Shiner Bock in Texas or Brooklyn Brewery in New York or Yuengling in Virginia.

"We want to be the premier lager brand for the Great Lakes region," Farrell says.

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