Milwaukee's Best Craft Beer: Where To Buy

Milwaukee has a thriving craft beer scene, with a diverse selection of innovative brews and a strong sense of community. The city has seen a growth in breweries, catering to a rising demand for locally brewed craft beers, particularly from its younger population. With nearly 9,000 breweries in operation across the US, brewery-hopping and craft beer trading have become popular hobbies, attracting beer enthusiasts to sample exclusive batches. Milwaukee offers a range of unique craft beer experiences, from riverfront patios to dog-friendly taprooms, and breweries with live music and Friday fish fries.

Breweries on the Milwaukee River

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, also known as "Beer Town" and "Suds City", is famous for its breweries. Visitors can explore the Sprecher Brewery to learn about the brewing process and sample locally-made beer. There are also several boat tour companies that offer tours of the Milwaukee River, which include stops at famous breweries such as the Milwaukee Ale House, the Lakefront Brewery, and the Rock Bottom Brewery.

One notable brewery in Milwaukee is MobCraft Beer, which was founded in 2011 and is known for its crowdsourced beer concept. Customers can submit their dream beer ideas, and the brewery will figure out how to brew it. MobCraft has a taproom and its beers can also be found at retailers across the city.

Lakefront Brewery is another popular destination, known for its innovative and imaginative craft brews such as Riverwest Stein and New Grist. They offer live polka music and a Friday Fish Fry, providing a unique "Milwaukee" experience for visitors. Lakefront Brewery also provides interesting and informative brewery tours.

Other notable breweries in Milwaukee include Broken Bat Brewing Co., which is known for its welcoming atmosphere and variety of beer options, and Company Brewing, which is located in Riverwest and is praised for its great food.

Dog-friendly craft beer bars

Milwaukee is a great place for dog owners, with plenty of dog-friendly bars where you can enjoy a craft beer with your canine companion. Here are some of the top spots to check out:

Nomad World Pub

Located in the Brady Street neighbourhood, Nomad World Pub has a large outdoor patio that is dog-friendly, as well as a dog park located right next to it. They offer a variety of beers on tap and host live music events on weekends, making it a perfect spot to unwind with your furry friend.

Sugar Maple

Sugar Maple is a cosy bar in Bay View, known for its impressive selection of craft beers, with over 60 rotating beers on tap. They have a small, dog-friendly outdoor patio where you can relax and enjoy a drink with your pup.

Eagle Park Brewing

Eagle Park Brewing is a small-batch brewery and kitchen in Milwaukee, with a family-friendly atmosphere. They welcome dogs on their patio and provide water bowls for thirsty pups. Their menu features a range of American pub fare, along with house-brewed craft beers.

Art*Bar

Art*Bar, a beloved neighbourhood bar in the Riverwest area, is known for its community feel and love of dogs. They have a dog-friendly patio and also welcome pups indoors during the winter months. Art*Bar offers a variety of adult beverages, including craft beers, and is a great spot for conversation and socialising with your furry friends.

Gathering Place Brewing Company

Located in the Riverwest neighbourhood, Gathering Place Brewing Company features a large, dog-friendly patio. They offer a variety of craft beers on tap and host food trucks on weekends, providing a fun and relaxed atmosphere for both humans and dogs alike.

So, whether you're looking for a cosy indoor spot or a lively patio, Milwaukee has plenty of dog-friendly craft beer bars to choose from. Don't leave your four-legged friend at home; bring them along to join in the fun!

The best Hazy IPAs

Milwaukee is home to a variety of breweries and beer gardens, so you'll have no trouble finding a Hazy IPA to enjoy. Here's a guide to the best Hazy IPAs in Milwaukee:

Amorphic

Amorphic is widely regarded as having the best Hazy IPA's in the city. Located in Riverwest, this brewery offers a range of hazy IPAs and other craft beers. They also provide live Polka music and a Friday Fish Fry, adding to the unique "Milwaukee" experience for visitors.

Eagle Park Brewing

Eagle Park Brewing's Demon Haze won the people's choice award at the Wisconsin IPA Fest. This beer expertly combines juiciness with a hint of dank bitterness, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a well-balanced Hazy IPA.

Rogue Ales

Rogue Ales' Batsquatch is a nationally distributed New England-style IPA that has received recognition for its well-rounded mouthfeel and combination of citrus and tropical fruit flavors. While Rogue was a late entrant to the New England IPA scene, they have quickly made a name for themselves with this accessible and flavorful hazy IPA.

Two Roads

Two Roads' Two Juicy is another excellent example of a hazy IPA. Brewed with Hallertau Blanc, Citra, and Mandarina Bavaria hops, it offers a delightful, juicy aroma and flavor. Despite being a double IPA, it maintains a controlled and approachable profile, making it a popular choice among beer enthusiasts.

MobCraft Beer

MobCraft Beer is a unique crowdsourced brewery that turns its fans' ideas into beer. They offer a range of creative beers, including an Amber Ale, a Coffee Brown Ale, and a Vanilla Wafer Porter. While some have found their beers to fall short of expectations, others appreciate their innovative approach to brewing.

In addition to these notable breweries, Milwaukee also boasts other excellent spots for craft beer, such as Component Brewing, Raised Grain Brewing, and Enlightened Brewing Company. So, whether you're looking for a traditional Hazy IPA or something more experimental, Milwaukee's craft beer scene has something for everyone.

Craft beer trading

One notable example of a Milwaukee brewery embracing the craft beer movement is MobCraft Beer. MobCraft distinguishes itself as the world's first crowdsourced brewery, allowing customers to submit ideas for beers they would like to see brewed. These ideas are then put to a vote, with the winning beer being produced and sold within a few weeks. MobCraft's unique approach has gained a dedicated following, with customers eagerly anticipating the release of their dream beers.

Another popular destination for craft beer enthusiasts in Milwaukee is Lakefront Brewery. Established in 1987 by two local brothers, Lakefront combines innovative brewing techniques with a commitment to sustainability. The brewery offers a range of unique beers, including their Suss Deutsch Favorit, alongside live polka music and a Friday fish fry, providing a quintessential Milwaukee experience for visitors.

In addition to these standout breweries, Milwaukee is home to numerous other craft beer establishments, each with its own distinct character and offerings. From the cosy microbreweries with local flavour to the expansive beer halls with riverfront views, there is something for every taste. Broken Bat Brewing Co., for instance, provides a welcoming atmosphere and a diverse selection of beers, while also accommodating special events. Enlightened Brewing Company, on the other hand, offers a no-frills, beautiful space with great beer and barbecue.

With its diverse selection of breweries, Milwaukee has become a craft beer lover's paradise, attracting enthusiasts from near and far. The city's vibrant craft beer scene continues to thrive, fostering a sense of community and a passion for unique and exclusive brews. Whether it's through crowdsourcing, sustainability initiatives, or simply providing a cosy gathering space, Milwaukee's breweries have successfully tapped into the growing craft beer culture.

Milwaukee's craft beer culture

Milwaukee has a rich restaurant scene and a vibrant craft beer culture to match. The city's flourishing brewery scene offers a diverse selection of innovative brews and fosters a sense of community, with breweries serving as gathering spots for locals and visitors alike. Milwaukee's younger population, in particular, has driven the growth of craft beer in the city, with a rising demand for locally brewed craft beers.

One of the most well-known breweries in Milwaukee is Lakefront Brewery, which was started in 1987 by two local brothers who began experimenting with home brewing in a shuttered Riverwest bakery. Lakefront Brewery offers live Polka music and a Friday Fish Fry, providing an authentic "Milwaukee" experience for visitors. They also have an informative tour, offering generous samples of different beers, and a souvenir glass. Another popular spot is Third Space Brewing, which is located west of downtown Milwaukee in the Menomonee River Valley. Third Space prioritises brewing quality beer, with a focus on excellent flavour and balance. They also have a taproom and offer a range of different IPAs.

For those looking for something unique, MobCraft Beer is the world's first crowdsourced brewery, turning their fans' ideas into beer. Beer enthusiasts can submit their dream beer ideas, and these ideas are then put to a vote to determine which beers will be brewed. MobCraft has a taproom and their beers can also be found at retailers across the city. Broken Bat Brewing Co. is another popular spot, offering a variety of beer options and a welcoming atmosphere. They also provide event space and have hosted wedding rehearsals in the past.

Milwaukee also has several beer bars with a wide selection of craft beers, including Sugar Maple, Roman's Pub, and Burnhearts. Beer gardens in parks all over the city are also a great option, especially on a nice day. With so many breweries and craft beers to choose from, it's no wonder that Milwaukee has become a popular destination for beer connoisseurs.

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