But if you want to sample Tashmoo Steamer California Common beer crafted by Harsens Island Brewery, you’ll have to travel a little less than 30 miles north of the island to Marysville.
Harsens Island Brewery and taproom got its name from a more than 100-year family history with Harsen’s Island, starting with a love story aboard the Tashmoo. Father and son Spencer (B.S. ’69, Food Distribution) and Brian Phinney decided to combine their respective knowledge of the alcohol distribution business and talent for craft brewing to establish the brewery, which opened in August 2014 amid a craft beer boom. The logistics of transporting materials and supplies to the island, only accessible by boat and a small airport, and then exporting beer off the island proved to be inefficient, so the brewery was built in a vacant property in Marysville.
Spencer spent most of his career in the alcoholic distribution business, working with companies that sold everything from cocktail mixes to fine wines. As a student at WMU, Spencer studied food distribution and enjoyed a co-op that helped fund his ‘disposable’ income. After spending the beginning of his career working for Grocery Store chains and Lipton Tea, Spencer moved into the world of spirits, first at a non-alcoholic company selling mixes for Bloody Marys, Pina Coladas, and other cocktails. He then began working as Manager of Spirits Distribution for brands like Seagrams at a local Detroit spirits distributor. In that position he distributed brands throughout Michigan to bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and grocery stores. He then moved on to Marie Brizard Wine and Spirits, a larger company, where he distributed across 14 states. He worked there for nearly 20 years before moving to Barton and Guestier, the third largest wine company in the world, and then retiring.
Spencer now lives with his wife on Harsens Island.
Their son Brian, spent the early part of his career working in environmental law with a homebrew hobby on the side. What started in his basement soon moved to the garage and now exists as its own brewery.
Today, the brewery serves four to five core brands, mostly named to pay tribute to the people and places on or around Harsens Island. While some brands are distributed locally, the best place to sample is right at the brewery’s taproom, which also features a full menu of pub-style fare.
To learn more about Harsens Island Brewery, visit harsensislandbeer.com.