The second annual Rare Barrel Affair is set for April 16 in Wisconsin Dells. At least 40 breweries are expected to participate in this event, which focuses on the growing sour and barrel-aged segment of the market.
Mark Garthwaite, executive director of the Wisconsin Brewers Guild, which coordinates the fest, says there’s been an increased interest in these beers, “and this festival should have something for everybody.” The festival has become known for brewers releasing some of their special sours and robust, well-aged beers. The four-hour festival begins at 1 p.m. at Mt. Olympus Resort. Tickets are still available through the Wisconsin Brewers Guild website ($50/ $60 door).
Rockhound opens
Madison’s newest brewpub, Rockhound, is now open at 444 S. Park St. Initially, the pub will be open April 7, 8 and 9; closed April 10 and 11 for special events; and then open regular hours for good starting April 12. Initial tapping includes its Greenbush Pale Ale, brewed at House of Brews. It will be a few weeks before beers begin to be brewed on the premises.
Robin Shepard
Tanner Brethorst at Port Huron in the Dells.
Move over, Pacific Northwest
Port Huron Brewing owner and brewmaster Tanner Brethorst has developed Twelve Bottom IPA, out now in limited release on draught. It’s expected to be available in 12-ounce bottles and six-packs by summer. Brethorst has been working on pilot batches for almost a year. “Malt has always been my safe zone,” says Brethorst. “Everybody and his brother has been asking for an IPA from us, and finally it’s time for a hoppy addition to our lineup.” Brethorst calls it a “Midwestern IPA” because it’s made with all Wisconsin-grown Cascade and Chinook hops and Wisconsin malts from Briese Malt and Ingredients Company of Chilton, Wis.
History in the making
One of Capital Brewery’s first brewmasters dropped by for a visit a few weeks ago. Fred Scheer, who served as brewmaster for the Middleton-based brewery from 1985 to 1987, sat down in early March with current brewery president Scott Weiner and brewmaster Ashley Kinart to talk about how the brewing business and Capital have changed over the past 30 years.
“In 1985-86, nearly all beer drinkers were light beer drinkers,” Scheer says, “so you didn’t want to go from a light beer right up to where we are today.” Scheer took a more incremental approach, which in part brought about the transformation to the wide range of beer styles available to craft beer enthusiasts. Scheer doesn’t see the current growth trends slowing down, at least in the near future. After leaving Capital, Scheer went on to work for breweries in Eau Claire, Michigan and Tennessee. He currently works for Krones (an international company specializing in food packaging). Capital is planning a series of special releases over the next several months to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
Beers to watch for:
House of Brews just released Bonfire Maibock. It’s the first maibock from brewmaster Page Buchanan. This seasonal brew features a blend of European malts and German Magnum hops. It finishes around 6.6% ABV and is available in 22-ounce bottles.
Door County Brewing of Baileys Harbor is unveiling a new IPA. The brewery has created a solid reputation for its saisons and farmhouse ales. Side Show IPA will join the brewery’s year-round lineup this month and will be available in 12-ounce bottles. It features a blend of El Dorado, German Hüell Melon and German Mandarina Bavaria hops.
