WhichCraft Taps into Downtown Midland

WhichCraft Taproom, downtown Midland’s newest addition, endeavors to support local businesses. All the spirits they serve are created in Michigan, they say it isn’t mass-production, it’s artistry.

The taproom features more than 80 varieties of craft-brewed Michigan beer, 40 of which are on tap. They also offer a wide selection of Michigan-made cider, mead, and wine.

Owners Richard and Sharon Caldwell were very hands on during the construction of the taproom. Using reclaimed wood, Richard built the tables and bar himself. Sharon handles the merchandise side of things, researching and finding the best Michigan craft beer to serve.

“I really thought the market in downtown Midland needed [a taproom],” Richard said. “It looked like it would be something fun to do, and it has been.”

Richard is a professor of finance at Saginaw Valley State University. He feels fortunate that the business has successfully taken off.

“I’m most proud of the 25 jobs I’ve created,” Richard said. “These are people who have regular checks coming in.”

Breeann Schneider, a taproom employee, enjoys working at WhichCraft and feels the staff are their own little family.

“I love it, its a lot of fun,” Schneider said. “We have a lot of creative freedom and we’ve actually started making beer cocktails”

Taproom patrons may order by the glass, fill a 64-oz brown jug aptly named a “growler”, or fill out a draft flight sheet, which consists of five 4-oz samples of any draft beer, cider or mead.

WhichCraft not only has a large selection of spirits, but a variety of food prepared by chef Jacob Wendt. The taproom’s main dishes are quarter-pound beef hot dogs and grilled Panini’s. Varieties include the Mediterranean hot dog and the “Blue Me Up Peanut Butter Panini” which is filled with chocolate-hazelnut spread, peanut butter and blueberry preserves.

The taproom features a guest chef each week from Irving G’s, also known as the Crave Cave, another Midland-based business. The Taproom serve sushi on Tuesdays, barbeque on Thursdays, and high end appetizers on Fridays.

Tap Takeovers are special events at WhichCraft, where a Michigan brewery connects their kegs on all 40 taps. They featured theNew Holland Brewing Co. on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Upcoming is the Mid-Michigan Tap Takeover on March 19. This takeover will include beers from Midland, Tri-City, Crankers, and Frankenmuth Brewing Companies. 12