In Wisconsin's thriving craft beer scene, you'll discover over 200 breweries offering a diverse array of styles and flavors. Notable breweries like New Glarus Brewing, known for its exclusive Spotted Cow, and Central Waters Brewing, recognized for its award-winning Imperial Stouts, showcase the skill of local brewmasters. You'll also find unique brewery experiences, such as behind-the-scenes tours and expertly curated beer and food pairings. From small-town breweries like Potosi Brewing to innovative beer styles like Fruit Lambics, there's something for every beer enthusiast. As you explore Wisconsin's craft beer scene, you'll uncover even more hidden gems and local favorites.
Key Takeaways
- New Glarus Brewing is a must-visit for its flagship beer, Spotted Cow, which is exclusive to Wisconsin and a local favorite.
- Central Waters Brewing is renowned for its award-winning Imperial Stouts, including Black Gold, with an average rating of 4.54.
- Potosi Brewing offers a unique experience with its small-batch craft brewing, historic facilities, and the National Brewery Museum.
- Lakefront Brewery provides entertaining tours, tastings, and a traditional Friday fish fry, showcasing its commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
- Oso Brewery stands out with its beer-infused pizza and use of Wisconsin-made products, offering a distinct culinary experience for beer enthusiasts.
Top Wisconsin Craft Beer Breweries
The Wisconsin craft beer scene is a treasure trove of innovative brews and time-honored traditions. As you explore the state's breweries, you'll discover a diverse array of styles and flavors that showcase the skill and creativity of Wisconsin's brewmasters.
Among the standout breweries is New Glarus Brewing, renowned for its flagship beer, Spotted Cow, which has gained a cult following and is exclusively available in Wisconsin.
Central Waters Brewing Company is another notable name, particularly recognized for its award-winning Imperial Stouts, including the highly rated Black Gold. With an average rating of 4.54, Black Gold is a must-try for any stout enthusiast.
Wisconsin breweries like Potosi Brewing Company and Lakefront Brewery also offer a unique blend of history, community support, and environmental responsibility.
Whether you're a beer aficionado or just looking to try something new, Wisconsin's craft breweries have something for everyone. By visiting these top breweries, you'll experience the best of Wisconsin's brewing culture and discover why the state is a leader in the craft beer industry.
Unique Brewery Experiences Found
You'll discover a wide range of unique experiences at Wisconsin's craft breweries, from exploring local craft brews to getting an inside look at the brewing process on behind-the-scenes tours.
Many breweries also offer expertly curated beer and food pairings that elevate the flavors of both.
Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or just looking for a new adventure, Wisconsin's breweries have something for everyone.
Explore Local Craft Brews
Some of Wisconsin's most distinctive brewery experiences can be found at local craft breweries that offer more than just great beer.
You'll discover unique brewing processes, delicious food pairings, and community-driven events that showcase the best of the state's craft beer scene.
When exploring local craft brews, consider the following standout experiences:
- Visit Potosi Brewing Company, where you can sample beer and explore the National Brewery Museum, featuring an extensive collection of breweriana.
- Head to Oso Brewery in Plover, which utilizes nearly all Wisconsin-made products and offers a taproom with pizza dough made from their own beer and locally sourced grains.
- Stop by Pearl Street Brewery, which hosts community events like Poses and Pints yoga, enhancing the brewery experience along the scenic Mississippi River.
At these breweries, you'll find a deep passion for craft beer and a commitment to creating unique experiences that go beyond just brewing.
Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking for a new adventure, Wisconsin's local craft breweries are sure to impress.
Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tours
Exploring local craft brews is just the beginning – now it's time to go behind the scenes and discover the craftsmanship that sets Wisconsin's breweries apart.
You'll get to see the brewing process up close and personal on a guided tour. At Potosi Brewing Company, you'll explore one of Wisconsin's oldest breweries, established in 1852, while sampling a variety of beers.
Central Waters Brewing Company showcases their commitment to sustainability and locally sourced ingredients, including barley from Wisconsin farms.
Lakefront Brewery offers entertaining tours along the Milwaukee River, complete with pints of beer and a traditional Friday night fish fry experience.
New Glarus Brewing Company provides guided and self-guided tours, highlighting their brewing process and offering samples of their flagship beer, Spotted Cow, exclusively available in Wisconsin.
The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company has multiple locations in Madison, where you can enjoy house-brewed ales while learning about the brewing process on a brewery tour.
These unique experiences give you a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into creating Wisconsin's renowned craft beers.
Beer and Food Pairings
Pairing craft beer with local flavors is an art form in Wisconsin, where brewpubs and tap houses are pushing the boundaries of culinary innovation.
As you explore the state's vibrant craft beer scene, you'll discover unique brewery experiences that elevate the art of beer and food pairings.
- At Potosi Brewing Company, savor their popular beer-cheese soup paired with a cold pint, or indulge in a juicy burger that perfectly complements their craft beers.
- Oso Brewery takes pizza to the next level by brewing their own beer into the dough, creating an unparalleled flavor experience.
- Visit Lakefront Brewery on a Friday night for a traditional Wisconsin fish fry, expertly paired with their diverse beer offerings to satisfy your cravings.
These brewpubs, along with others, are redefining the beer and food pairing experience.
You'll find that each brewery's menu is carefully crafted to showcase the full range of their craft beers.
As you visit these innovative breweries, you'll be treated to an unforgettable culinary adventure that will leave you craving more of Wisconsin's renowned craft beer and local flavors.
Best Small Town Breweries
Deep within the heart of Wisconsin's rural landscape, you'll stumble upon a handful of small town breweries that are putting the state on the craft beer map. In these hidden gems, you'll discover unique flavors, rich histories, and a passion for innovation.
Take, for example, the Potosi Brewing Company, revived in 2008, which focuses on small batch craft brewing and offers a range of core beers, including Good Old Potosi and Snake Hollow IPA.
You'll also find the New Glarus Brewing Company, known for its flagship beer Spotted Cow, providing guided and self-guided tours, along with tastings, exclusive to Wisconsin residents.
Meanwhile, the Door County Brewing Company in Baileys Harbor features a taproom and music hall, offering unique menu items like s'more pizza alongside its craft beers.
These small town breweries aren't only producing exceptional beers but also creating memorable experiences for visitors. With their commitment to quality and community, they're helping to cement Wisconsin's reputation as a leader in the craft beer industry.
Visit these breweries to taste the best of Wisconsin's small town brewing scene.
Innovative Beer Styles Abound
A distinguishing characteristic of Wisconsin's craft beer scene is its penchant for innovation, as evident in the diverse array of beer styles on offer. You'll discover a vibrant landscape of flavors, from robust Imperial Stouts to unique Fruit Lambics. As you explore the state's breweries, you'll find that creativity knows no bounds.
Some standout examples of innovative beer styles in Wisconsin include:
- Imperial Stouts like Central Waters' Black Gold and Toppling Waters, boasting high average ratings above 4.50
- Fruit Lambics from Funk Factory Geuzeria, offering fruity infusions and complex flavors that cater to diverse palates
- New Glarus Brewing Company's fruit and field beers, such as the exclusive Wisconsin Belgian Red and Raspberry Tart, showcasing superb smoothness and drinkability
Seasonal and specialty brews are also gaining traction, reflecting consumer interest in variety and local ingredients. From pumpkin ales to barrel-aged beers, you'll find a constant stream of new and exciting flavors to try.
With the emergence of Pastry Stouts, featuring dessert-like flavors infused with elements like chocolate and coffee, Wisconsin's craft breweries continue to push the boundaries of innovation.
Must Visit Local Favorites
You'll want to add these must-visit local favorites to your Wisconsin craft beer itinerary, as they showcase the state's rich brewing heritage and unique experiences.
Wisconsin's oldest breweries, such as Potosi Brewing Company, offer a glimpse into the industry's past, while popular spots like New Glarus Brewing Company highlight the state's commitment to local ingredients.
Local Craft Beer Favorites
Tucked away in the heart of Wisconsin are some of the state's most beloved craft breweries, each offering a unique experience that showcases the best of local flavors and traditions.
You'll discover a world of flavors at these must-visit local favorites, where passion and dedication to craft brewing come alive.
Some standout breweries that embody the spirit of local craft beer favorites include:
- Potosi Brewing Company, where you can tour the restored facilities and sample beers like Good Old Potosi and Snake Hollow IPA.
- Central Waters Brewing Company, known for its high-quality brews and sustainable practices, featuring popular selections like Mudpuppy Porter and Black Gold Imperial Stout.
- New Glarus Brewing Company, famous for its flagship beer, Spotted Cow, offering a unique experience with exclusive Wisconsin-only distribution.
Each of these breweries offers an authentic taste of Wisconsin's craft beer scene, where tradition meets innovation and passion meets precision.
Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or just exploring the world of craft brewing, these local favorites are sure to delight and inspire.
Wisconsin's Oldest Breweries
Wisconsin's rich brewing heritage is showcased in its oldest breweries, where tradition and innovation blend seamlessly together. When you visit these iconic breweries, you'll discover the perfect blend of history and cutting-edge brewing techniques.
| Brewery | Established |
|---|---|
| Potosi Brewing Company | 1852 |
| Leinenkugel's | 1867 |
| Capital Brewery | 1984 |
| New Glarus Brewing Company | 1993 |
| Tyranena Brewing Company | 1999 |
At Potosi Brewing Company, you can tour the restored facilities and sample small-batch craft beers like Good Old Potosi. New Glarus Brewing Company, renowned for its flagship beer Spotted Cow, offers guided tours at its facility. Meanwhile, Capital Brewery focuses on German-style lagers, and Leinenkugel's is known for its national distribution of summer shandy. Tyranena Brewing Company crafts unique beers, including Three Beaches and Bitter Woman. Each of these breweries has contributed to Wisconsin's thriving craft beer scene, and visiting them is a must for any beer enthusiast. You'll experience the best of Wisconsin's brewing heritage and innovation firsthand.
Unique Beer Experiences
Beyond the historic breweries that have shaped the state's brewing heritage, a new wave of innovative craft breweries has emerged, offering one-of-a-kind experiences that showcase the creativity and passion of Wisconsin's brewers.
You'll discover unique brews and memorable experiences at these must-visit local favorites.
- Explore the historic facilities of Potosi Brewing Company, dating back to 1852, and sample their small batch craft beers.
- Visit Lakefront Brewery for entertaining tours, tastings, and a traditional Friday fish fry, all while learning about their commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
- Stop by Oso Brewery in Plover to taste their unique beers made with nearly all Wisconsin-made ingredients and enjoy a beer-infused pizza in their taproom.
At these innovative breweries, you'll find a perfect blend of creativity, passion, and community involvement.
You can also discover other hidden gems, like Pearl Street Brewery's Poses and Pints yoga sessions or Tribute Brewery and Tap House's pet-friendly patio and food truck events.
Get ready to experience Wisconsin's craft beer scene like never before!
With so many unique brews and experiences to explore, you'll want to come back for more.
Award Winning Breweries Featured
Exploring the best of Wisconsin's craft beer scene leads you to a handful of award-winning breweries that stand out from the rest. You'll find some of the state's most renowned craft beer names among the winners of regional, national, and international competitions.
Central Waters Brewing Company, for example, showcases a commitment to high-quality brews with its Black Gold Imperial Stout, averaging an impressive 4.54 rating.
You'll also want to check out New Glarus Brewing Company, celebrated for its unique offerings like Raspberry Tart and Wisconsin Belgian Red.
Meanwhile, Tyranena Brewing Company makes a name for itself with flagship beers such as Three Beaches and Bitter Woman.
Then, there's Lakefront Brewery, a Certified B Corporation, emphasizing its dedication to social and environmental responsibility while producing award-winning beers.
Potosi Brewing Company also stands out, earning accolades for its small-batch, craft brewing approach, featuring core beers like Good Old Potosi and Snake Hollow IPA.
Visiting these award-winning breweries gives you a glimpse into the craft beer innovation happening in Wisconsin. Discovering these iconic breweries and their innovative creations is an experience you won't want to miss.