Western Wisconsin Breweries

Linked is an article about the recently opened Brewery Nonic in Menomonie, which concentrates on subtle examples of British styles.

Given that it has lost its brewer to Brewery Nonic and that articles keep referring to Lucette, Zymurgy, and Nonic as the only three breweries in Menomonie, I suspect that the Raw Deal restaurant has shuttered its Real Deal Brewing operations. Can anyone confirm?

 

Thanks. Real Deal was one of my favorite breweries in western Wisconsin, so I'm expecting good things from Brewery Nonic.

In other news, linked is an update on the new planned location for Thirsty Pagan Brewery (and restaurant) in Superior.

Also linked is an article on Round Man Brewing Company (and restaurant) in Spooner.

 

The Twin Cities' WCCO covers Brewery Nonic in Menomonie as a brewery in an old train station.

 

I'm not sure exactly when it opened, but Amery Ale Works in Amery is open now, serving a single rotating house-brewed beer at a time along with guest taps.

 

I stopped by the newish Menomonie breweries, Zymurgy and brewery nønic.

Zymurgy was subpar across the board, with off flavors abundant. I didn't finish any of the beers in my flight, and the brewery was empty at what should've been a prime time (in fairness, I got the impression that UW Stout was on spring break). It's still young, so I don't want to write it off, but it has a long way to go.

The beer at brewery nønic was underwhelming but acceptable. The beers weren't as good as those that owner Ryan Verdon was producing at The Real Deal (which were some of my favorite in western Wisconsin), but I expect they'll get there. I liked the space in an old train station as well. It's definitely the superior option of the two.

Speaking of The Real Deal, I stopped in at The Raw Deal restaurant and asked about their plans on the brewing side. I was told that they still have the equipment and are considering bringing in a new brewer, but those plans are nebulous, and they're not producing any beer at this time.

 

Verona-based Wisconsin Brewing Company (not in western Wisconsin) has purchased Lake Louie Brewing Co. in Arena. There's quite a bit of detail in the article at the link, including information on Wisconsin Brewing Co.'s expansion plans in non-beer beverages. Hat tip to @Milktoast75, who started a thread on the topic. I inadvertently left Lake Louie off of my western Wisconsin breweries list at the beginning of this thread.

 

I was impressed by Turtle Stack Brewery in La Crosse during my lone visit last year. Well-made, flavorful beer in a variety of styles. 608 Brewing Company in La Crosse seems to be the go-to place in western Wisconsin for the hyped styles, if those are your jam. Pearl Street Brewery in La Crosse is a little old-fashioned and nothing special but an inoffensive choice if you're going to La Crosse anyway. I've heard only good things about Driftless Brewing Company in Soldiers Grove. I can't really help with the bars, bottle shops, or Illinois aspects. Enjoy your trip!