Wisconsin's craft breweries
Beer lovers belly up to state's small breweries
MILWAUKEE — Wisconsin lost its unofficial beer capital designation when large brewers moved away decades ago, but the state’s reputation remains strong among beer lovers as brewpubs and microbreweries have taken the reins — with nearly 70 around the state.
With that in mind, the Wisconsin Department of Tourism has posted itineraries of brewery tours for those wanting to learn all about barley, hops, yeast, wheat and fermentation for all their favorite craft beers. And, of course, sample some at the end.
(Morry Gash/AP)
(Morry Gash/AP)
The support from the tourism department means “it’s not just regarded as beer — but this is artisanal craft beer,” said Anne Sprecher, spokeswoman for Glendale-based Sprecher Brewing Co. Its 17 year-round beers and four seasonal beers are distributed to 14 states.
Wisconsin’s breweries and brewpubs include Capital Brewery in Middleton near Madison; Lakefront Brewery in Milwaukee; Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co. in Chippewa Falls in northwestern Wisconsin; Hinterland Brewery in Green Bay, and Central Waters Brewing Co. in Amherst.
Paul Gatza, director of the Boulder, Colo.-based Brewers Association, said more governmental agencies have started promoting beer and related activities over the last six or seven years.
The trade association representing most U.S. brewing companies reported in August that craft brewers were still growing despite the economic downturn. It noted barrels sold in the first half of 2009 increased 5 percent over last year.
Gatza said beer lovers’ reviews posted on the Internet have helped spread the word about brewers and tours. And craft beer popularity is being fueled by people who want to buy from local independent companies.
Wisconsin lost megabrewers Schlitz, Pabst and Blatz in the last 50 years as beermakers consolidated, but it’s now seventh in the nation for craft breweries, boasting 66 in 2008. California had the most with 221, but Gatza said Wisconsin’s number is “pretty healthy” for a state with just under 6 million people.
Janet DesChenes, the Department of Tourism’s marketing director, said promoting the tours celebrates Wisconsin’s brewing heritage. After all, Milwaukee’s baseball team is the Brewers.
“In true Wisconsin spirit, people have brought a new and modern twist to it, and you see the local ingredients and some of the personality coming through in the names and some of the newer techniques they’ve brought to it,” she said.
Stacey McGinnis of Tyranena Brewing Co. in Lake Mills said what helps one brewery helps them all.
“If somebody tries Capital’s amber or Sprecher’s stout and they like it, they are ... going to be more open to trying our amber or our porters or stouts,” she said. “It’s friendly competition.”
The Tyranena brewery started in 1999 and now brews six year-round bears, six specialty beers and seasonal beers, and distributes to Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota. The brewery’s small staff gives free tours, usually two Saturdays a month. The tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday.
Way before Tyranena, Stevens Point Brewery in central Wisconsin provided beer to Union troops during the Civil War. Brewery spokeswoman Julie Birrenkott said it’s been at the same location since it was founded in 1857. It was one of the first breweries in the state to offer tours 35 years ago, but Birrenkott said there are locals who still don’t know about the tours, so the state’s promotion will help.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for us to show people what we do,” Birrenkott said.
Other Wisconsin microbreweries and brewpubs worth a visit:
• New Glarus Brewery in the southern Wisconsin makes Spotted Cow and other award-winning brews. Rate Beer magazine dubbed it one of 2009’s “Best Breweries to Visit.” Both of New Glarus’ production facilities offer free tours, and a visit to the tasting room is $3.50.
• Minhas Craft Brewery in Monroe is the second-longest continuously operating brewery in America. Known for decades for its Berghoff and Huber brands, Minhas makes a variety of brands. Tours are offered Fridays and Saturdays for $10.
• Northwoods Brewpub and Grill in Eau Claire bills itself as west central Wisconsin’s first microbrewery/brewpub. Its seven-barrel brewing system produces craft beers and sodas, and its menu has a Northwoods theme, including elk steak and fried bluegill.
AP