I've kind of lost track of the Madison beer scene but my wife is out that way for business and will be flying back later this week. Anything locally in cans that you'd highly recommend seeking out? I can probably get her to slip a four pack or six pack into her luggage but not more than that.
I really like Karben4 when I go up there. Fantasy Factory is their flagship, but I prefer Tokyo Sauna
Ha, I was about to make an almost identical post - my wife is driving to Beloit today for work, and I was also wondering what good local WI beer people here might recommend. As she's driving I don't really have limitations on # or size - cans, bottles, bombers, whatever. Thanks!
Either way - I'm in Cedar Rapids, so I don't think the distro is TOO different (unless by some crazy chance there's some Parabola just lying around).
There isn't haha. I would suggest maybe checking growlers to go go or barley pop. Sometimes they get some cool stuff for crowlers. Otherwise the distro will look very similar.
In addition to what's been said already, a couple non-Wisconsin things that are in Madison but not MN or Iowa - Half Acre, Revolution and Three Floyds. Highly recommend Half Acre Navaja if available. For Madison breweries, I'm a fan of One Barrel Brewing (Tiny Giant) in addition to Karben4 You could also look out for 4pks of beer from Untitled Art - there's a Juicy IPA and Hazelnut Stout floating around. The IPA is ok (though I haven't had this batch), and I've got a bottle of the stout waiting in my fridge.
Overall, I think One Barrel is making the best beer in Madison. That said, some Fantasy Factory or Scorpion cans from Karben4 would be good pickups as well. I also like the Lake Louie warped speed. Also, as of 3 weeks ago, I was seeing New Glarus Oud Bruin bottles hanging around. Plus, Madison gets Toppling bombers.
I don't believe Karben 4 cans their beer, but if you are ok with bottles that is a nice brewery. I also second Half Acre and Revolution both in cans. Also Bedlam from Ale Asylum is a nice Madison brew
Speaking for Steve's on Junction, DDH Sue, SueMo, & Light Speed. Fire Skulls & Money hit this week but is probably gone at most/all places
Good City is new to MKE and Motto is good if she sees it. I don't think you get Black Husky, but Pale Ale, Spruce Juice, and Other IPAs are solid. I think Oso sours can be found. I personally like their year round line up as well. They have won some hardware at Great Taste. Nothing mind blowing but all solid execution of the style. Obviously, New Glarus fruits... Serendipity, Belgian Red, and Rasp Tart are highly recommended. Strawberry Rhubarb is supposed to hit distro as early as Mon I heard. First time being bottled in the last couple years. Fantasy Factory is enjoyed by many, but not my fav... tho solid and worth trying. I find it a bit malty for an IPA, but if that's your thing then give it a shot. Echoing what others said Daisy Cutter and Double Daisy Cutter are both solid and Navaja is excellent. 3 Sheeps Nimble Lips Noble Tongue series is underrated IMO. I am a fan of Une Annee... I personally like their sours but they also do a solid RIS and IPA... I am in MKE but Madison gets all the same stuff. Glad to see that Todd the Axeman name didn't change and still is damn tasty... one of my favs. If Surly would just make it a bit cheaper. A guy can dream.
I never actually communicated any "wants" to my wife, as her schedule was fairly tight and I didn't think she'd have time to stop. Much to my surprise, she arrived home with: 2 NG Serendipities 2 NG Raspberry Tarts Three Floyds Rabbid Rabbit Three Floyds Necron 99 2 TG 1492s (not currently available in CR, IA) TG Zeelander I'd say she did a fine job and it was a wonderful surprise.
I have been reading about the weird distribution (or lack there of) of TG in IA. That said, there is something so funny about buying TG out of state to bring back home to IA.
Yes, see the TG thread for many posts decrying TG's Iowa distribution. I've only lived here 7 months, and I arrived expecting everyone to love TG, but at least amongst food/bev workers, it's the opposite - they're extremely resentful of TG's treatment of them. I still love the product though, and am happy to purchase their stuff, at least when I can find it. ;-)
