Where else would you stop for a Habanero Pork Chop and Scotch Ale? The Great Dane Pub and Brewing Company in Wausau, Wisconsin, of course! The server described this special and said it had a kick to it. My mouth was feeling that kick all the way to Minneapolis! I loved it because I like spicy, flavorful foods. The Stone of Scone Scotch Ale was a great complement in that its mildness counteracted the strong spice of the food. I enjoyed its malty smoothness before my dinner arrived. After that it was a tug of war in my mouth. Spicy – Smooth. Great food and great beer.
Wisconsin
Sawmill Brewing Company, Merrill, WI
I stopped in at Sawmill Brewing Company in Merrill, Wisconsin. The bartender recommended the River Hog Oatmeal Stout. Excellent choice. I’d be so bold as to say this was the best oatmeal stout I’ve ever had. It was rich, smooth and delicious. Full of flavor.
Bull Falls Brewery, Wausau, WI
I stopped at Bull Falls Brewery in Wausau, Wisconsin for a beer. The bartender recommended the Bull Falls Holzhacker Lager which had the delicious flavor of a traditional German beer – just as its description implies. It is malty and has a Munich style hop flavor. Great example of this style.
Red Eye Brewing Company, Wausau, WI
I stopped in at Red Eye Brewing Company in Wausau, Wisconsin for dinner and a beer. The food is all farm to table and they are very proud of their local ingredient partners. I enjoyed an amazing Cobb Salad. The bartender helped me with a beer selection. I enjoyed the Trail Candy – Golden APA. The beer has a complex hop character with many hop varieties. It is crisp, flavorful, and allows the drinker to taste a variety of hops. It is a complex beer.
Lakefront Brewery, Milwaukee, WI
I stopped in at Lakefront Brewery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for a quick beer. First, the brewery is a really great place. I wish I had the chance to take the tour but time did not permit. They serve traditional beer hall food at the brewery which pairs so well with the beer. The brew I tried was the New Grist Ginger Style Ale. I love ginger and this beer did not disappoint. Spicy and delicious. I’m glad I stopped in!
Hinterland, Milwaukee, WI
I stopped in at Hinterland Erie Street Gastropub in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for dinner and a beer. The group I was with turned the appetizer menu into a sampler and enjoyed so many menu items – they were all delicious! I think we tried them all. I enjoyed the Bourbon Barrel Doppelbock. What a rich beer. This is something to sip and enjoy just like a fine bourbon, whiskey or scotch. Very complex. Malty and sweet. But with a deep rich flavor, Outstanding evening of food and drink.
Milwaukee Ale House, Milwaukee, WI
I stopped in at the Milwaukee Ale House in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for dinner and a beer. I had the pretzels and Hawaiian pizza. The pretzels and beer cheese were delicious. They came out hot! The Milwaukee Ale House take on Hawaiian pizza includes pepperoni and jalapeno peppers – a delicious twist from the norm. I also enjoyed the Polish Moon milk stout. Most folks probably wouldn’t have paired that but when I saw the label I had to try it and it was rich and delicious.
Horny Goat Brewing Company, Milwaukee, WI
I stopped in at Horny Goat Brewing Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for lunch and a beer. The fried pickles and the tacos (chicken and brisket) were outstanding. I tried a sampler of their beers which showed great range in brewing and all were solid. Although not a big wheat beer drinker, the Hometown Wheat was very tasty. It had a lot more flavor than most wheat beers. I’m a fan. But I’m no Horny Goat.
Ale Asylum, Madison, WI
I stopped in at Ale Asylum in both Madison and Milwaukee. The Thai Peanut Salad was great and the Curry Chicken Sandwich was also great. Madtown Nutbrown was malty and sweet. Radler was a tasty mix of Hefeweizen and grapefruit juice. The food and drink was superb and I highly recommend both.
New Glarus Brewing Company, New Glarus, WI
I stopped in at New Glarus Brewing Company in New Glarus, Wisconsin. Getting there is quite a trip from most major cities, but worth every minute of the drive. I enjoyed a sample of the Spotted Cow, which New Glarus is famous for. This is a delicious farmhouse ale which everyone should try. Very drinkable. This would be a go to beer for me if available back home. I also tried the Sour Raspberry which was delicious! The self guided brewery tour is also worth the trip. Stop in if you have a chance.