When it comes to craft beer, Wisconsin is a goldmine, combining a rich history of brewing with a vibrant modern beer culture. From small, off-the-beaten-path breweries to world renowned names, the state offers a wide range of experiences for every kind of beer lover. Here’s a guide to 10 Wisconsin breweries you should definitely check out if you’re in the area.
New Glarus Brewing Company
Location: New Glarus, WI
New Glarus Brewing is a cornerstone of Wisconsin’s beer scene, and if you’re visiting, it’s a must-stop. Famous for their Spotted Cow — an easy-to-love, lightly fruity farmhouse ale you can only get their beer in Wisconsin. Alongside Spotted Cow, their impressive range of brews includes fruit-forward options like Belgian Red, making them a favorite across the state. The brewery itself sits on a hill offering beautiful views, which adds to the whole experience.
Why visit?
- Spotted Cow is a Wisconsin legend, only available within the state.
- Scenic brewery location with an excellent self-guided tour.
- Wide variety of expertly crafted beers for every palate.
Lakefront Brewery
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Lakefront Brewery in Milwaukee is known not only for its great beers but also for its highly entertaining and quirky brewery tours. This place has a fun vibe, serving up beloved beers like Riverwest Stein amber lager, while pushing the boundaries with organic and gluten-free beers. Their riverside beer hall is a local favorite for pairing cold brews with comfort food.
Why visit?
- A fun, humorous brewery tour that’s one of the best around.
- Classic beers mixed with creative options, including organic and gluten-free varieties.
- A lively beer hall on the river with excellent pub fare.
Central Waters Brewing Company
Location: Amherst, WI
If you’re into barrel aged stouts, Central Waters Brewing is your go-to. Known for their Brewer’s Reserve Series, they’ve earned a reputation for producing some of the best barrel-aged beers in the Midwest. They’re also committed to environmental sustainability, running a solar powered brewery. Their taproom is cozy and welcoming, making it a great stop for any beer enthusiast.
Why visit?
- Their barrel-aged stouts are highly regarded.
- Environmentally friendly brewing with a solar-powered facility.
- Warm, inviting taproom in a small-town setting.
Karben4 Brewing
Location: Madison, WI
In Madison’s vibrant craft beer scene, Karben4 Brewing stands out with its Fantasy Factory IPA, a hoppy, juicy brew with a playful unicorn and cat label that locals love. Beyond their flagship beer, Karben4 offers a rotating selection of experimental brews, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to try. The laid-back taproom atmosphere makes it a great spot to hang out with friends.
Why visit?
- Fantasy Factory IPA is a local sensation.
- Always experimenting with fun, creative beers.
- Welcoming taproom with a lively yet relaxed vibe.
Tyranena Brewing Company
Location: Lake Mills, WI
Tyranena Brewing, located in Lake Mills, is known for its balanced and flavorful beers, like Rocky’s Revenge, a bourbon-barrel-aged brown ale. They offer a fantastic outdoor beer garden with live music during warmer months, making it a go-to spot for a relaxed afternoon with friends. Their well-rounded lineup ensures there’s something for everyone.
Why visit?
- Known for their expertly crafted bourbon barrel-aged brews.
- Relax in a charming beer garden with live music.
- A great mix of classic and creative beer offerings.
Ale Asylum
Location: Madison, WI
Hop lovers, take note: Ale Asylum in Madison is all about bold, unfiltered beers that pack a punch. Their Hopalicious Pale Ale is a staple, offering hop-forward flavors that have made it a favorite in the region. The brewery prides itself on producing unfiltered, full-flavored beers, and their sleek, industrial taproom is a great spot to try them.
Why visit?
- Hop-forward, unfiltered beers for those who love bold flavors.
- Industrial-chic taproom with a focus on quality.
- A strong emphasis on local ingredients and craft.
Wisconsin Brewing Company
Location: Verona, WI
Wisconsin Brewing Company offers an expansive beer lineup, from traditional lagers to more experimental brews. Their location features a lovely outdoor space by a pond, making it a fantastic summer spot to enjoy a cold one. With deep roots in Wisconsin’s brewing tradition, the family-run brewery focuses on bringing both classic and innovative beers to the table.
Why visit?
- Offers a huge range of beer styles, including classic lagers.
- Pondside patio is ideal for relaxing on a warm day.
- Family-run with a long history in Wisconsin brewing.
O’so Brewing Company
Location: Plover, WI
O’so Brewing in Plover is known for their experimental wild and sour ales, but they don’t stop there…they brew a wide range of beer styles that showcase creativity. The brewery also has a strong community focus, supporting local causes and hosting events that make it a community favorite.
Why visit?
- If you love wild and sour ales, this is the place to go.
- Creative brewing and a great barrel-aging program.
- Heavily involved in local community initiatives.
3 Sheeps Brewing Company
Location: Sheboygan, WI
3 Sheeps Brewing is all about innovation, brewing beers that often break the mold, like their Cashmere Hammer Nitro Stout or Rebel Kent Amber Ale. The brewery features a large, welcoming taproom where you can try their creative, boundary-pushing beers in a laid-back environment.
Why visit?
- Known for their nitro stouts and creative beer techniques.
- Friendly, spacious taproom with a relaxed atmosphere.
- Always experimenting with unique ingredients and brewing methods.
Hinterland Brewery
Location: Green Bay, WI
Located in Green Bay, just steps from Lambeau Field, Hinterland Brewery combines fantastic craft beer with farm-to-table food. Their Packerland Pilsner and Luna Coffee Stout are fan favorites, and the brewery offers an upscale, yet welcoming vibe that’s perfect for both beer lovers and foodies alike.
Why visit?
- A great spot for beer and food pairings, with a farm-to-table menu.
- Perfect stop before or after a Packers game.
- Sleek brewpub with a modern, comfortable feel.
Final Thoughts
Wisconsin is a craft beer haven, with its breweries offering a rich variety of experiences, from classic lagers to innovative, experimental brews. Whether you’re a die-hard IPA fan or prefer a more laid-back pilsner, these 10 breweries represent some of the best that Wisconsin has to offer. Time to plan that brewery tour and taste what the state has been brewing!
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