Topsy Beer: Brewing Process And Science Explained

Topsy Turvy Brewery is a microbrewery located in a renovated old church in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The brewery was born out of a love for Wisconsin's craft brewing history and is known for its unique and innovative beers, such as their limited-edition Magicicada Buzz Nut Brown Ale, which was infused with cicadas. The brewery offers a diverse menu of beers, and patrons can enjoy their drinks in an indoor or outdoor seating area. Topsy Turvy Brewery also hosts special events, live music, and classes, making it a popular destination for beer enthusiasts in the area.

Topsy Turvy Brewery's location in a historical church

Topsy Turvy Brewery is located in a former church in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, just blocks from Geneva Lake. The building, which was once the First Baptist Church, dates back to the 1840s and features neo-Gothic architecture. It was replaced with the current structure in 1910 and in the 1990s, the empty church was remodelled into Geneva Village Shops, housing a bookstore and other businesses.

The brewery's taproom boasts cathedral ceilings and a stunning collection of stained glass windows, including an impressive one behind the bar. The furniture is a mix of basic taproom tables and chairs, as well as handmade tables crafted from vintage reclaimed wood. The base of the bar is made from blocks that resemble giant Jenga pieces. There is also a patio out front with umbrella-covered tables.

Topsy Turvy Brewery was born from a dream and a love of Wisconsin's craft brewing history. The brewery's craft beers pay homage to Wisconsin culture and history, with names inspired by inventions, historical places, and tourist attractions within the state. The attention to detail and use of fine ingredients result in exceptional flavours that keep customers coming back for more.

The brewery was opened by Chicagoland's Daniel Schuld, who chose Lake Geneva because his family has a home in the area and he wanted to support the local community. The actual brewery will be housed in the lower level of the building, where church services were once held, with the owner calling it the "beer lab" where interesting and inventive flavours will be created.

The brewery's craft beer recipes

The Topsy Turvy Brewery, located in a historical church in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, is dedicated to crafting small-batch beers with exceptional ingredients and attention to detail. Their craft beer recipes are inspired by the rich history and unique attractions of Wisconsin, with each batch carefully crafted to showcase the beauty of the state.

One of their signature beers, the Spotted Clown, is a New Glarus Spotted Cow Clone with a hint of Wisconsin's famous dairy culture. The brewers pitch a 1600 ml starter at 68 degrees Fahrenheit, mashing in the 152 to 154-degree range to ensure the perfect body. This beer is a favourite among locals and has a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

Another popular recipe is their Chocolate Vanilla Porter, which includes ingredients like cocoa powder, vanilla beans, and rum. The brewers add the cocoa powder and corn sugar syrup to the boil about 45 minutes in, and use Madagascar vanilla beans soaked in vodka for a week to give it that extra kick. This beer has a nice balance of chocolate and coffee flavours, with a touch of vanilla, and is a perfect winter brew.

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, the Topsy Turvy Brewery offers the Southern Tier Pumking Clone. This beer includes ingredients like cubed and baked pumpkin, honey, and vanilla bean vodka. All the grains and pumpkin go into the mash, and the brewers recommend cleaning and cubing the pumpkin before baking it for the best results. This beer is a great choice for the autumn season, with its warm spices and hints of pumpkin.

The Topsy Turvy Brewery also offers a variety of other craft beers, including IPAs, pale ales, and stouts, all named after Wisconsin's inventions, historical places, and tourist attractions. They take pride in their attention to detail and use of the finest ingredients, ensuring that each batch is unique and flavourful, keeping their customers coming back for more.

Seasonal and long-time favourite beers

Seasonal beers have existed for centuries, and they're in a constant state of flux based on what drinkers are looking for. Seasonal beers are often classified as such due to the lightness or darkness of their structure, the incorporation of seasonal flavours, or their suitability for pairing with particular foods.

In spring, lighter beers tend to be more popular as more people are enjoying the outdoors. Saisons are a perfect example of a spring beer, with their complex, bright and funky flavours, and lower alcohol content. Bock beers are a good option for places where winter sticks around, hitting the mark between bright and malty.

In summer, fruity flavours are common, as they are easy to obtain and help beat the heat. Shandies are a refreshing mix of lemonade and beer, and IPAs offer bright, fruity notes and a hoppy crispness. Pilsners are also a light and summery option.

In autumn, richer, darker beers become more appealing, with flavours such as maple and pumpkin coming to the fore. Amber beers are an excellent choice for this season, offering a middle ground between pale ale and stout. Oktoberfest beers are also popular in autumn, with their refreshing maltiness.

In winter, people tend to want to hunker down with heavier, warming, and comforting beers. Coffee and chocolate flavours are popular, as are imperial beers with higher alcohol content. Stouts and porters are the quintessential winter beer, with strong, full-bodied flavours.

Some breweries have achieved notable success with their seasonal beers, such as Dogfish Head Brewery's Punkin Ale, and Southern Tier Brewing Co.'s Pumking, a bewitching brew bursting with classic fall flavours.

While seasonal beers are a great way to innovate, it's also important to have long-time favourites that customers can rely on and come back to time and time again.

The brewery's outdoor seating and events

Topsy Turvy Brewery offers a range of outdoor seating and events to cater to its customers. The brewery is located in a historical church in the heart of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, just blocks from Geneva Lake. It provides a unique and charming atmosphere for visitors to enjoy their craft beers and other offerings.

The outdoor seating area at Topsy Turvy Brewery includes a beer garden, which is available for private event rentals and small gatherings. The beer garden is the perfect spot to enjoy a cold beer and play games like cornhole. The brewery also has a patio that welcomes four-legged friends, so customers can bring their dogs and enjoy the outdoors together.

In addition to its outdoor seating, Topsy Turvy Brewery hosts various events, including live music, special beer dinners, charity functions, and other fun activities. They feature local musicians and artists, creating a platform for talent in the community. The brewery also offers special events and classes such as yoga, paint and sip sessions, and potting events, providing a diverse range of experiences for their customers.

The peak season at Topsy Turvy Brewery is from May to October, with extended hours. During this time, the brewery is open from Thursday to Saturday, offering a vibrant and lively atmosphere for customers to enjoy their unique craft beers and the outdoor ambiance. The off-season hours are more limited, operating only on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

The history of Wisconsin's craft brewing

Wisconsin has a long history of craft brewing, with the state's first commercial brewery established in 1835, predating Wisconsin's statehood. The state has since seen more than 800 breweries open, with brewing becoming an integral part of Wisconsin's culture and economy.

The early brewers in Wisconsin were predominantly German immigrants, who brought with them advanced brewing techniques and a preference for German-style lagers. The German immigrants' knowledge and expertise in brewing, combined with Wisconsin's natural resources, such as its water supply, lumber for barrels, and ice for storage, contributed to the state's thriving brewing industry. By the 1890s, nearly every community in Wisconsin had at least one operating brewery, and the state's largest city, Milwaukee, became known as the "beer capital of the world."

The growth of the beer industry in Milwaukee was closely tied to the city's large German immigrant population, who both brewed and consumed lager. Milwaukee's abundant natural resources, including its good harbor, lumber for barrels, and ice for storage, further facilitated the city's rise as a brewing powerhouse. By the end of the 19th century, Milwaukee was home to over 40 breweries, with Wisconsin as a whole boasting nearly 300.

The early 20th century brought about Prohibition, which significantly impacted the brewing industry in Wisconsin. Many breweries went out of business, while others had to adapt their operations to survive. Some breweries turned to producing near beer, soda, ice cream, or cheese, while others supplied malt syrup and other products for home brewing.

After the repeal of Prohibition, Wisconsin's brewing industry began to recover, and by the mid-20th century, Milwaukee once again cemented its reputation as a national leader in beer. The city was home to four of the largest breweries in the world: Miller, Pabst, Schlitz, and Blatz.

Today, Wisconsin continues to be known for its craft beer, with a mix of large, nationally recognized brands and small-batch, neighborhood-focused breweries. The state is home to around 200 breweries, offering a diverse range of beer styles and experiences for locals and visitors alike.

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