Sup, dog?
Northern Wisconsin’s Black Husky Brewing has become a greater presence on Madison store shelves over the past year. The brewery, located in Pembine, Wis. (about 80 miles north of Green Bay), has been making beer since 2010. This summer some area liquor stores (Steve’s, Star, Riley’s, Hy-Vee, Trixie’s) have been stocking more than a half-dozen different Black Husky beers in bomber bottles; Black Husky is also getting more attention at local tap houses (currently, the Old Fashioned and Tipsy Cow). “There’s now a waiting list for our beer,” says brewery owner and brewmaster Tim Eichinger.
Black Husky produces about 300 barrels a year from a three-barrel brewing system in an 18-by-24-foot log cabin that Eichinger constructed himself. All the bomber bottles are hand-capped, one at a time, as in home brewing.
Eichinger personally distributes the beer in a monthly (at least) 400-mile round-trip drive to Madison and Milwaukee. He acknowledges that “we could sell a lot more beer in Madison, but the distribution limits us.”
Black Husky’s year-round beers are Pale Ale, an American version of the style that is made with Simcoe hops, and Sproose, a double/imperial IPA made with spruce tips that accentuate the beer’s piney flavors. A seasonal in Madison right now is Jodlerkönig ale. The biggest, most assertive brews from Black Husky are part of the brewery’s “Beware of the Dog” series. Eichinger’s next delivery to Madison, probably in the latter half of September, will include Sparkly Eyes, a ramped-up version of Sproose that finishes at around 10% ABV.
Goodbye, Columbus
Hydro Street Brewing is no longer making beer in Columbus, Wis. The brewpub has been closed since early August. Owners Aaron and Sandye Adams kept their sense of humor about the competitive nature of the beer industry by offering “End of the World Stout” as their final brew on Aug. 7. In a brief message to mug club members, Sandye wrote, “This will be an amazing beer, and it will be our farewell. We have appreciated your support over the last four years. And we hope that you support the next brewery owners also.” New owners have yet to step forward; the business remains for sale. Aaron and Sandye Adams are planning to move to Montana.
Alt update
Greenview Brewing owner and Alt Brew producer Trevor Easton recently received his building permits and started remodeling at 1808 Wright St. near the Truax campus of Madison College. Over the last week, the bar and interior furnishings were installed. Easton says he’s planning a grand opening in mid-September. The new location will initially be only a tasting and taproom; however, Easton intends eventually to relocate his brew house there.
Beers to watch for
Paid Time Off from 3 Sheeps Brewing
This imperial black wheat is made with toasted coconut, cocoa nibs and walnuts.
2014 Maximilian Stout from Vintage Brewing
This beer, aged in tawny port wine barrels from the Wollersheim Winery in Prairie du Sac, is robust yet mellow; the flavor is a blend of red wine, French oak, dark malts and age.