Wisconsin Beers: Exploring the Best Brews of the Badger State

Wisconsin is renowned for its rich brewing history and vibrant craft beer scene. The state boasts a diverse range of beers, from classic lagers and hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and innovative sours.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Wisconsin’s breweries offer something to please every palate.

Here are ten of the best Wisconsin beers you absolutely must try.

1. New Glarus Brewing Co.’s “Spotted Cow”

New Glarus Brewing Co.’s Spotted Cow is a beloved farmhouse ale with a unique character.

• Style: Farmhouse Ale
• ABV: 4.8%
• Description: Smooth and refreshing with flavors of honey, wheat malt, and a hint of spice.

2. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.’s “Oktoberfest”

Sierra Nevada’s Oktoberfest is a seasonal favorite and a staple in Wisconsin.

• Style: Märzen
• ABV: 5.6%
• Description: Malty and smooth with notes of caramel, toasted bread, and a clean finish.

3. Ale Asylum’s “Hopalicious”

Ale Asylum’s Hopalicious is a well-regarded IPA with a bold hop profile.

• Style: IPA
• ABV: 6.2%
• Description: Juicy and hoppy with flavors of grapefruit, pine, and a balanced malt backbone.

4. Lakefront Brewery’s “Riverwest Stein”

Lakefront Brewery’s Riverwest Stein is a classic amber lager with a rich taste.

• Style: Amber Lager
• ABV: 5.6%
• Description: Smooth and malty with notes of caramel, toffee, and a hint of roasted malt.

5. Wisconsin Brewing Co.’s “Dairyland Dark”

Wisconsin Brewing Co.’s Dairyland Dark is a robust and flavorful dark lager.

• Style: Dark Lager
• ABV: 5.0%
• Description: Rich and malty with flavors of chocolate, coffee, and a smooth, slightly sweet finish.

6. MobCraft Beer Brewery’s “Zombie Dust”

MobCraft Beer Brewery’s Zombie Dust is an intriguing and flavorful pale ale.

• Style: Pale Ale
• ABV: 5.5%
• Description: Citrus-forward with notes of grapefruit, pine, and a balanced malt backbone.

7. Raised Grain Brewing Co.’s “Java Rye”

Raised Grain Brewing Co.’s Java Rye is a unique rye beer with a coffee twist.

• Style: Rye Beer
• ABV: 6.3%
• Description: Spicy and bold with flavors of rye malt, coffee, and a touch of chocolate.

8. Stone Arch Brewpub’s “Cherry Wheat”

Stone Arch Brewpub’s Cherry Wheat is a fruit-infused wheat beer with a refreshing profile.

• Style: Fruit Wheat Beer
• ABV: 5.2%
• Description: Fruity and light with flavors of fresh cherries, wheat malt, and a crisp finish.

9. Hinterland Brewery’s “Pale Ale”

Hinterland Brewery’s Pale Ale is a well-balanced and flavorful option.

• Style: Pale Ale
• ABV: 5.0%
• Description: Smooth and crisp with flavors of citrus, pine, and a hint of caramel.

10. Central Waters Brewing Co.’s “Bourbon Barrel Stout”

Central Waters Brewing Co.’s Bourbon Barrel Stout is a rich, complex stout aged in bourbon barrels.

• Style: Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout
• ABV: 10.5%
• Description: Rich and intense with flavors of bourbon, chocolate, coffee, and a warming finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is New Glarus Brewing Co.’s Spotted Cow known for?
Answer: Spotted Cow is known for its smooth, refreshing profile with flavors of honey and wheat malt.

What makes Sierra Nevada’s Oktoberfest a favorite in Wisconsin?
Answer: Sierra Nevada’s Oktoberfest is a favorite for its malty flavors of caramel and toasted bread with a clean finish.

What are the key characteristics of Ale Asylum’s Hopalicious?
Answer: Hopalicious features juicy, hoppy flavors of grapefruit and pine with a balanced malt backbone.

What distinguishes Lakefront Brewery’s Riverwest Stein?
Answer: Riverwest Stein is distinguished by its smooth, malty taste with notes of caramel and toffee.

What is unique about Wisconsin Brewing Co.’s Dairyland Dark?
Answer: Dairyland Dark is unique for its rich, malty profile with flavors of chocolate and coffee.

Summary

Wisconsin’s craft beer scene is diverse and dynamic, offering a wide range of exceptional brews that reflect the state’s rich brewing tradition.

These top picks highlight some of the best beers Wisconsin has to offer. Enjoy exploring the flavorful world of Wisconsin craft beer!