As an adult, going into candy stores, or even toy stores, is a bit of a...well, it’s usually pretty weird. Thank goodness for 8 Degrees Plato Beer Company.
Rich wood floors and shelves stocked with homemade salsa and jam, antique and vintage bar collectibles, meats and cheeses greet the customer upon entering, all illuminated by soft yellow lighting and backed by soft jazz music. A large picture window, at this time of year festooned with harvest-time flowers and the occasional pumpkin, faces 9 Mile in the downtown Ferndale business corridor.
Oh, and there’s beer. Lots and lots of beer.
More than 270 labels, in fact! Owner and proprietor Tim Costello lives his dream every day, surrounded by sparkling little soldiers of all shapes and colors. Since he left his former life -- 25 years as a traveling stand-up comedian -- Costello has found his new muse, and it comes out of brown, green and (sometimes) clear bottles. I share his muse, happily, frequently, and with relish.
“If you want a break down, we’re Michigan beers first, craft beers second, and imports last,” said Costello.
And Michigan beers have they. I marveled at the easily dozens of varieties of Dark Horse, Arbor Brewing, Atwater Block, Bell’s and Shorts, among others. Impressive doesn’t even begin to describe the place. Aside from those beers of my beloved home state, my eyes feasted upon brews I’d never even seen before, from California to Colorado, Canada to Holland. A regular globe-trotting beerventure.
The plan for 8 Degrees Plato -- named in regard to the measuring of density of beer wort during the brewing process -- is to change the face of the craft and local beer community. By opening his store on the edge of the downtown Ferndale business district, Costello and company have given the beer community more variety, more opportunity and more availability. I mean, it’s all about location, right?
“We want to be involved,” he said. “We want to uphold the standard that people expect of a Ferndale business. You’re going to come here to get your beer -- we’re a destination.”
Costello said people tend to spend anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes in the store, browsing and learning, even on their first visit. Though he claims to be no beer expert, he’s always willing to offer tips on foods to pair with your beer purchase and even recommendations for the beer newcomers. He has his favorites, sure, but wants his customers to explore their own interests and find what makes their palates sing.
“I guess you could say my favorite Michigan beer is...all of them,” he said.
By the end of the week, 8 Degree’s shelves are bursting with six packs and lined nearly three-to-four deep with single bottles.
And -- oh! Look! I can build my own six-pack! Well this is just some kind of night, isn’t it? Let’s get to the beer.
Round 1: Wolverine Dark Lager
Wolverine State Brewing’s web site asked me if I were afraid of the dark, and until now, I’d have had to say no. But after sipping this chocolatey, smooth, rich brew, I’d have to say...no, I’m still not afraid of the dark. The dark is delicious. This complex lager, rife with notes of smooth malts and hints of caramel, is fabulous with food or just on its own. At 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), it’s light enough to qualify as a session beer, but heavy enough to end your night relatively early. It was the first I’d seen of this beer (and brewery), but I implore you, my beer friends: if you see this bottle in a store, buy it and thank me. I’m on Facebook.
Round 2: Arbor Brewing Company Jackhammer Old Ale
This is not a session beer! Hear me! This beer will get you drunk, and right quick. At 9% ABV the Jackhammer Old Ale is supremely aware of its alcohol presence, and it will let you know, too. Chocolate and caramel malts dance around a sweet, almost fruity body, with a swift kick in the hops at its finish. I love it. Despite all that, the Jackhammer isn’t exactly heavy, but it carries weight. Does that make sense? It doesn’t matter. I’m already getting a buzz on.
Right about now I should mention that these brews were enjoyed on my comfy couch, in cozy pajamas. It’s come to my attention, as I age, that drinking a lot of beer, while wearing real clothes, is just no longer physically doable. I need some room.
Round 3: Tommyknocker Hop Strike Black IPA
As it turns out, I have a...thing...for IPAs. I have a tendency to drink one immediately upon entering a bar or brewery, thereby ruining my taste buds for the rest of my evening. That being said, I’m pretty proud I was able to hold off on this one. It was worth it. Out of Colorado, Tommyknocker’s Black IPA is like a breath of deep, dank air. It has a fabulous, rich nose and a clean, deep color. A smooth and balanced hoppiness complements its 7% ABV, making this a thoroughly enjoyable beer.
Round 4: New Holland Dragon’s Milk Ale
This is where my train officially derailed. I don’t know if I just happened upon a flawed bottle, or if Dragon’s Milk is supposed to taste this way, but I did not enjoy this beer. A strong alcoholic smell, much like nail polish remover, was noticeable after the pour, and continued into tasting. I couldn’t even locate the deep vanilla tones that New Holland expected me to find, and was both frustrated and disappointed. A solid 10% ABV beer (with such a cool name) doesn’t come around quite that often, so maybe I’ll give this one another try some day.
Round 5 (it’s a good thing I’m at home): B Nektar Zombie Killer Cherry Cyser
Yes, I know it’s not technically a beer, but this lovely was too sweet to pass up. With a taste like cold, refreshing juice on a hot summer day, Zombie Killer gave me the energy I needed to fight the undead apocalypse. It is made with Michigan tart cherry juice, and has been a very limited -- and popular -- release from B Nektar. Sipping on this reminded me of the good old days when mead was mead, and zombies were shambling, mindless brain-eating machines. Ahh.
Opened on October 7, 8 Degrees Plato hosts beer tastings every Friday night, free of charge. Costello encourages patrons to friend his store on Facebook to keep up with the tasting schedule, as well as when new inventory is added. As a supporter of the downtown Ferndale development, I urge all my readers to check this place out. It’ll make your night (or two!) and will certainly make the night of its gracious and knowledgeable owner.
8 Degrees Plato Beer Company is located at 611 W. 9 Mile, and can be reached at (248) 808.6477.
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