Oisin Foster
Oconto Beer, brewed by the Oconto Brewing Company, was a popular beverage in northeast Wisconsin for over a century. The brand, with its distinctive logo of a crowned shield and the letters O B Co flanked by stalks of wheat, holds a special place in the city's history and legacy. To commemorate Oconto's 150th anniversary, the long-defunct brand was revived in collaboration with Ale Asylum, a renowned craft brewer. The new Oconto Beer, available in 12-ounce cans and kegs, was introduced in taverns and retailers in Oconto, with one bar in Oconto Falls also offering it. The beer's can design, reminiscent of the original blue, white, and gold colours, pays homage to the city's rich history. Oconto Beer collectibles, such as vintage cans, bottles, and openers, are also sought-after items among enthusiasts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oconto Beer Label | Brewed by Oconto Brewing Company. The company logo is a crowned shield with the letters "O B Co" flanked by stalks of wheat. |
| Oconto Beer Availability | Expected to be available in 12-ounce cans at taverns and retailers in Oconto and one bar in Oconto Falls. |
| Oconto Beer Purchase Options | Cans, bottles, and kegs. |
| Oconto Beer Collectibles | Beer cans, bottle openers, coasters, signs, shirts, and other merchandise. |
| Oconto Beer Style | Light lager with a bitter taste and an ABV of around 3.5%. |
What You'll Learn
Oconto Beer's availability in Oconto and Oconto Falls
Oconto Beer is available in Oconto and Oconto Falls to mark the city's 150th anniversary. The brand, defunct for over 50 years, has been revived with the help of Ale Asylum, a popular craft brewer in Madison. The beer is available in 12-ounce cans at taverns and retailers in Oconto and one bar in Oconto Falls. Bars can also purchase kegs for draft sales.
The Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce president, Ron Hayes, called the agreement with Ale Asylum "tremendous" for the community, as Oconto Beer is "part of our legacy". The Oconto County Historical Society, which acquired ownership of the Oconto Beer and Oconto Brewing Co. names, will receive a small percentage of the sales.
The beer can design is very similar to the original blue, white and gold container, with lettering at the top noting the "Oconto City Sesquicentennial". The beer inside is Ale Asylum's lightest product, as replicating the original recipe would have been expensive.
Oconto Beer is expected to be quite popular during community events and festivals this year, which are adopting the sesquicentennial theme. A kickoff party for the celebration was held on March 11, 2019, at the Oconto Municipal Building.
In addition to the beer being available at taverns and retailers, Oconto Beer collectibles and memorabilia can be found for sale online.
Atlanta's Nighttime Beer Buying Limit: Know the Rules
You may want to see also
Ale Asylum's role in Oconto Beer's revival
The Oconto Beer brand was revived in 2019 to commemorate the city of Oconto, Wisconsin's 150th anniversary. The Oconto County Historical Society, which had acquired the rights to the Oconto Beer and Oconto Brewing Co. names, partnered with Ale Asylum to produce the beer.
Ale Asylum, a popular craft brewer based in Madison, played a significant role in the revival of Oconto Beer. After learning about the Historical Society's efforts to bring back the long-defunct brand, Ale Asylum reached out and offered to produce the beer with no upfront charges. They also helped design the new Oconto Beer can, which pays homage to the original blue, white, and gold container.
Ale Asylum's Pilsner product was chosen to be brewed under the Oconto Beer nameplate, with the Historical Society noting that it was the closest they could get to the original recipe. The beer was made available in 12-ounce cans and kegs, distributed by Triangle Distributing Co. throughout the region.
The revival of Oconto Beer was met with enthusiasm by the community, with outlets eagerly agreeing to stock the beer. The Historical Society, which received a small percentage of the sales, also sold etched highball glasses and a tray with Oconto Beer logos as part of the 150th-anniversary celebration.
While the initial production run was intended to commemorate the city's sesquicentennial, strong sales could lead to an extended run for Oconto Beer. The beer's popularity during community events and festivals was anticipated, and the loyalty of Oconto residents was expected to drive its success.
Buying Beer at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Oconto Beer's history and legacy
Oconto Beer has a long history in the city of Oconto, Wisconsin. The Oconto Brewing Company, founded in 1858, brewed Oconto Beer for 110 years until the local factory closed in 1967. The brand had various iterations, including Eagle Beer, Oconto Arrowhead Beer, Oconto Bock, and Oconto Pilsener Beer. The original brewery building no longer stands, but the Oconto Beer brand and logo remain a part of the city's legacy, reproduced on signs, shirts, and other items.
In 2019, the Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce and the Oconto County Historical Society worked to reintroduce Oconto Beer to celebrate the city's 150th anniversary. They partnered with craft brewer Ale Asylum to produce a new version of Oconto Beer, with the can design resembling the original blue, white, and gold container. While the beer's recipe could not be perfectly replicated due to differences in equipment and ingredients, Ale Asylum created a light and easy brew with some IPA hoppiness, intended to evoke the flavours of northeast Wisconsin decades ago.
The revived Oconto Beer was made available in 12-ounce cans and kegs at taverns and retailers in Oconto, with a kickoff party held at the Oconto Municipal Building in March 2019. The Historical Society, which acquired ownership of the Oconto Beer and Oconto Brewing Co. names, received a small percentage of the sales and also sold commemorative etched glasses and trays with the Oconto Beer logos.
The response to the reintroduction of Oconto Beer was enthusiastic, with community members and business owners anticipating its popularity during local events and festivals. The beer was expected to be a hit during celebrations like Waterfest and Copperfest, with strong sales potentially leading to an extended run by Ale Asylum.
The legacy of Oconto Beer continues in Oconto, with the brand's history and revival celebrating the city's brewing heritage and community spirit.
Buying Beer Late Saturday Night in Texas: What's the Law?
You may want to see also
Oconto Beer merchandise
Oconto Beer-themed clothing can also be purchased online. Amazon offers an Oconto Brewing Company Premium Beer T-shirt, described as "Northwoods Vintage Beer from Wisconsin." The shirt is made from 100% cotton and features the Oconto Brewing Company logo.
For those interested in owning a piece of Oconto Beer history, the Wisconsin Historical Society provides the opportunity to purchase a print of an Oconto Beer label. The label features the company logo, which consists of a crowned shield with the letters "O B Co" flanked by stalks of wheat.
Buying Beer in Norway: Understanding the Timing
You may want to see also
Oconto Beer's taste and appearance
Oconto Beer was a light lager with a bitter taste and a white head that regularly came up out of an opened bottle. The beer is said to have been malty and crisp. One source describes the taste as "light and easy with some IPA hoppiness".
The original recipe for Oconto Beer is not known, but it is believed to have been a light lager with a bitter taste and an ABV of around 3.5%. The beer was brewed for 110 years until the local factory closed in 1967.
To recreate the taste of Oconto Beer, one home brewer suggested using a 2-row base malt with a small amount of carafoam and their own lager yeast strain.
For the beer's 150th anniversary, the Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce and the Oconto County Historical Society revived the brand in partnership with craft brewer Ale Asylum. The new Oconto Beer is described as Ale Asylum's lightest product, and the can design is very similar to the original blue, white, and gold container.
Buying Beer on Sundays in Gulf Shores, Alabama: What's Allowed?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Oconto Beer is available in 12-ounce cans at taverns and retailers in Oconto, Wisconsin. It is also available at one bar in Oconto Falls.
Yes, you can purchase Oconto Beer collectables online. These include vintage beer cans, bottles, openers, and advertising materials.
No, the original recipe has not been used due to expense. The current brew is Ale Asylum's lightest product, but it is designed to be as close as possible to the original Oconto Beer.
