Ferndale gives warm welcome to newest craft brewery

A little rain didn't dampen the spirits of the craft beer lovers who turned out in droves Friday night for the opening of Ferndale's newest craft brewer, Urbanrest Brewing Co.

The Pizzimenti sisters from Romeo joined the crowds for Friday's opening. Toni Pizzimenti is a friend of owner Zach Typinski's brother, so the trio traveled out to see the light and airy new space.

Typinski owns the brewery with wife Mary and Scott O'Keefe.

"There doesn't seem to be anything like this in Ferndale," said Natalie Pizzimenti. "I think they'll do well."

Toni Pizzimenti commented on the historic nod the brewery made with its name: It's located in an area that was called Urbanrest before Ferndale was declared a village in 1918.

Jacqueline Pizzimenti said, "It's the perfect scene here," motioning to the open, airy taproom.

Mary and Zach Typinski were hustling Friday night, serving drinks and greeting friends old and new. A patron asked Zach how he was doing and to assess his stress level: "Six," Zach Typinski said. "I'm holding at a six."

In addition to beer, Urbanrest brews kombucha, fermented tea. Mary Typinski said she had brewed 15 gallons before Friday's opening and it sold immediately. "I've got 40 more brewing," she said, so kombucha fans just need to be a little patient.

Their beer lineup:

Golden ale: 4.9%abv 18ibu made with European pilsner, wheat and oats and hopped with Belma and Mosaic. This beer is crisp and clean with a pleasantly bitter finish.

Pale ale: 5.6%abv 45ibu made with English pale malt, wheat and oats. Hopped assertively with Michigan grown Centennial and PNW Citra. This beer was smooth, with a slightly sweet note.

IPA: 6.6%abv 50ibu made with Organic pale malt, wheat and oats galore. Hopped with Amarillo, Citra, Mosaic and El Dorado. A nicely done classic IPA, this went down well.

Prince Junior: 6.4%abv 45ibu Porter made with English pale, chocolate and black malt and oats galore. Strong chocolatey notes are the hallmark of this beer, which Zach said "is really luscious right now." He's not exaggerating.

Hours for this weekend are:

Friday 4 p.m.-12 a.m.
Saturday Noon to 12 a.m.
Sunday Noon to 5 p.m.