ROAK Taproom Begins Pouring Thursday

The newest entry in Michigan’s burgeoning craft beer industry opens Thursday in Royal Oak when the public gets its first taste of the ROAK Brewing Co.’s half-dozen custom beers.

Located at 332 E. Lincoln in an 18,000-square-foot former warehouse, the brewhouse will accommodate 120 people, 30 of them on an outdoor deck, The Detroit News reports. A grand opening is planned for mid-July.

ROAK Brewing Co. will make about 13,500 barrels, or 35,400 gallons of beer a year, with 20,000 barrel increases expected annually.

“It’s very challenging, but at the same time it’s a growing category and it’s still underserved,” John Leone, one of the ROAK owners, told the newspaper. “The key is you have to make the best possible beer you can make.”

Other partners in the venture are Chuck Mascari and Chuck Mascari Jr.

The company has already begun bottling its beers, which are available at 300 retail establishments in the region. Seven varieties are available at the brewhouse, including:

• Around the Clock, an India pale ale (4.7 percent alcohol content)
• Kasmir, a strong, dark Belgian ale (9.5 percent alcohol content)
• Devil Dog, an oatmeal stout (8.5 percent alcohol content)
• Live Wire, an India pale ale (7.5 percent alcohol content)
• Melonfest, a seasonal American wheat beer infused with cantaloupe (5.5 percent alcohol content)
• Powerboat, a Belgian white ale (5.2 percent alcohol content)
• Mean Street, an American amber ale (5.5 percent alcohol content)

ROAK also serves bar food, including pizzas, salads, cheese plates and charcuterie, paninis and beer-infused ice cream floats.

ROAK Brewing Co. had a soft opening Tuesday, and plans to donate a portion of the sales from last night will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of America in Oakland and Macomb Counties, according to a post on its Facebook page.

Hours are 4-10 p.m., Monday-Wednesday; noon-11 p.m., Thursday-Saturday; and noon-10 p.m. on Sundays.

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Photo via Facebook