Milwaukee’s brewing industry is booming, and in 2016 ten new breweries will open in the area. With so many visits it’s hard to narrow down the best. Here are a few favorites ... two old and two new:
Lakefront Brewery / Beer Hall
According to the president of the brewery, Rus Clich, the business began when his brother, Jim, showed interest in beer production, and Russia persuaded him to provide him with a book for home brewing. Sensing Jim's beer, Russ decided that he could brew better. In short, the rivalry between brothers and common interests led to the fact that the brothers began to enter into home brewing competitions and receive awards. Shortly before family and friends prompted them to turn their hobby into a business.
They began brewing 55 gallon stainless steel drums and used dairy equipment. On December 2, 1987, they sold their first barrel of beer at Pub Gordon Park. With the brewery and the run, the notorious tour soon began! As Lakefront grew in popularity, so was their production: by 1988, sales had risen to 72 barrels; by 1989, 125 barrels; and after that sales began to double.
The tour is one of the best in the city. The guides are very enthusiastic, especially when the tour is conducted by one of the Klish brothers. It was one of the first brewing tours where they allowed you to drink beer before, during and after the tour. One of the fun parts is listening to a Laverne & Shirley theme while they demonstrate the bottling line.
The brewery is located in the large space of the beer hall, with high ceilings, brick walls and common tables. It is right on the beach, with a patio at the back. The brewery turned from the main beer hall, where beer was available only with tokens that you get on the tour. Then they became popular on Friday night when they tan their fish. Now they serve a variety of main dishes of the bar all the time (counter service), and all beer is available for purchase at the bar.
Some options are salads, sandwiches, tacos, pretzels, cheese and nap, as well as desserts. During a recent visit, they had 12 beers. They are also one of the first breweries in the country, where organic and gluten-free beers are presented.
Favorite beer:
• Eastside Dark Munich Dunkel - Sweet and roasted aroma, beautifully sleek and drinkable, not at all frightening.
• Fuel Cafe Organic Stout - excellent, attractive flavor, full, roasted malt in full.
Sprewher Brewing Company
Sprecher Brewing Co. was founded in 1985 by Randal Spreher, the former brewer of the Pabst Brewing Company. From 1985 to 1994, the brewery was located at 730 watts. Oregon Street near Walker Milwaukee area. During the first ten years, the company grew steadily as more and more people learned about high-quality beer and Sprecher soda. Finally, the company outgrew its original object and began to look for a new place to continue its growth. In 1994, Sprecher acquired its present building, located on Glendale Boulevard 701 W., a former elevator factory. A new, larger brewery allowed the company to continue to grow.
The gift / tasting store is open from Monday to Friday from 11:00 to 18:00, from 11:00 to 17:00. Tours are available daily for $ 6; check the site for a while. You must call in advance for reservations.
On the same day, Randal Sprecher will be engaged in breweries, which were unforgettable thanks to his apparent passion for the craft. For a slightly different experience, try one of the Tasting Tastings offered on weekends for $ 20. Reserve tastings are held in small groups than in the usual tour / tasting, and include premieres and products with a limited edition. Each guest will receive ten samples of Sprecher beer, each of which is combined with another artisan cheese.
They offer five year-round beers, five premium reserves, plus seasonal beer, as well as a great variety of soda. They are well known for their root beer.
Although they do not serve food in a brewery (except cheese), they opened four pubs located in Glendale, Lake Geneva, Madison and Wisconsin Dells. The location of Lake Geneva is a favorite, right on the lake with a beautiful open deck. The Glendale Pub is also well located in the Bayshore Town Center. They have a very good menu with German and American options, happy hour Mon-Fri, as well as a variety of daily specials.
Favorite beer:
Black Bavarian - Best Schwartzbier brewed in the USA; A huge vile character, a large malt body.
Enzyme
Located near Cedarburg, The Fermentorium opened its doors in early 2016. Christopher Volkman is the founder and president, the local owner of the home brewer.
Currently, ten beers are being offered with expansion plans; the brewery also extends to restaurants and bars throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
The crane is currently open from Monday to Friday from 16:00 to 22:00, Sat-Sun 12:00 to 22:00. This is a modern space, very open, comfortable place to relax and drink beer. The brewing zone is located in the right half of the room, divided by a wall of windows so you can view the process.
For the newly opened establishment they already produce several outstanding beers, so it was difficult to narrow down the favorites.
Favorite beer:
• Strawberry Cake - Berliner Weisse; A great combination to balance the acid and strawberries.
• Safe passage - Porter; a huge roast malt flavor, malt flavor, an outstanding example of style.
Good urban brewing
Their motto is “Look good.” The first brewery on the east side of Milwaukee, Good City opened in June. The three founders, connected by 2015, immediately struck, dividing the love of craft beer and the untapped potential of Milwaukee. Andy Jones is a brewery who left Goose Island Brewery in Chicago to relocate to Milwaukee and work at Lakefront Brewery as a plant manager for six years. David Dupie is an entrepreneur with experience in securities and regulations, the founder of the CraftFund money transfer platform, which was created to help food and beverage companies raise capital from passionate customers and locals. Dan Katt is a real estate developer in Milwaukee.
In a good city there is a modern, spacious lounge with a large bar area, outdoor seating and shiny fermenters that come out of the wrap only. The menu offers a variety of snacks for appetizers, cheese and meat, salads, beer and dinner. In each category, no more than seven options, so the choice is not stunning (this is good). There are several vegetarian items. On the tap there are ten beers.
Favorite beer:
• Pils - Medium body, hop Czech style, smooth as silk.
• Children's porter - dark, deep colors, roasted coffee and chocolate flavors prevail; outstanding example of style.
