Beer Hunting: The 5 Best Microbrews in Wisconsin for your Next Outdoor Adventure
OutdoorHub Reporters 08.17.18
With no shortage of outdoor activities to choose from in Wisconsin on both land and lake, you’ll likely have several trips planned each year into the great outdoors. That means you need more variety of beer to throw in your cooler, of course, which is what we’ve tried to reflect here in our list for the top 5 best microbrews happening now in the Badger State.
It’s beer o’clock whenever we say it is, so let’s crack a cold one and get to it.
Eau Claire, WI
Style: New England IPA
The hazy beer craze is taking over all over the country, and one of the finest in the nation can be found here at the Brewing Projekt in Eau Claire. Want something extra juicy in the cooler for your next trip? Grab some Dare Mighty Things, especially the Wet Hop version if you can. Your friends will be glad you did.
5 locations in the Madison area
Style: Bock
People in the Badger State love a good bock beer, and with bock season in full swing, the Rauchbock from Great Dane Pub and Brewery should be at the top of any beer drinker’s list. This smoky bock has a medium body and is lightly malty — not too smoky, nor too sweet or bitter. It hits the palate just right, and would be a worthy addition to your cooler on your next trip.
Madison, WI
Style: Pilsner
Pilsners are having a moment with Wisconsin brewers. Perhaps it’s the warm weather making brewmasters crave some low ABV options to level out the heavier stuff that dominates the craft market. This pilsner from Ale Asylum really hits the spot on a hotter day, with a light, balanced, crisp and clean finish that would make any German proud. You’ll want to do several 12-ounce Curls before the day is done.
Madison, WI
Style: IPA
While you’re at Ale Asylum loading up on Pilsner, you may as well go ahead and grab some of their truly awesome Dr. Vennum IPA. This is a true, hop-forward IPA that gives you all the notes of herbs, citrus, and pine you need. Made with Denali hops from the Pacific Northwest, Dr. Vennum is lighter-bodied than your average IPA, but a total hop showcase that isn’t too bitter at all. This beer is typically released as a summer seasonal, so get your hands on some when you can.
New Glarus, WI
Style: Naturally Cloudy Farmhouse Ale
You just have to. This is Wisconsin beer at its finest, and the Spotted Cow is the signature craft beer of Wisconsin for a reason — it’s damn good, every time. A cask-conditioned farmhouse ale, the Spotted Cow is made with the finest malts Wisconsin has to offer to go along with flaked barley. It’s cloudiness comes from the brewers allowing the yeast to remain in the bottle to enhance the beer’s fullness of flavors. It’s as Wisconsin as a craft beer can get, and a must to include on any list.
Are you salivating yet? We sure are. Grab the cooler and fill her on up with the beers above and we’re sure your next trip will be a rousing success. See any we missed? Let us know in the comments.
