State of Madison Beer 2026

At the great taste, Having central waters barrel aged stouts with someone who insisted they did not like stouts. And after having them always seek out barrel aged stouts

My first GTOTM- I had forgotten my ticket, so I was half an hour behind my friend group. I was entirely overwhelmed trying to get the app loaded. We had been at Dive Inn the night before, celebrating Great Taste Eve with the crew from Blackrocks, so I was a little rough around the edges to boot.
I get in the gates, pull to the side to get my bearings, and realize I'm right in front of Blackrocks' tent. They were about as rough as I was, but they got to pour my first GTOTM sample ever.
The day only got better from there. 🙂

Orval Day at the Malt House always makes my beer year—being able to drink a beer Time Machine from those archives Bill has curated is always such a treat. Only a handful of bars in America maintain that degree of archive.

I really enjoyed this year's Czech Fest at Working Draft. Great vibe, excellent Czech lagers and great energy. Probably the closest thing to a beer festival in Czech

Anytime Garth hosts bottle shares. It's amazing to see business owners truly care for the community that surrounds their success

Giant Jones existing. They are everything thats right in the world

My wife and I flew back from Colorado years ago. It was when the Great American Beer festival was happening. We didn’t attend but brought back beer in our suitcases. We were over the weight limit. The owners from Working Draft were in front of us in line. We struck up a conversation and they let us put some of our beer in their suitcases. It was epic.
Growlers-to-Go-Go used to have Dragon Milk takeovers. I was leaving town before the timed tapping began. The bartender allowed me to pay early and pick up a crowler when I got back to town for Triple Mash. Awesome hospitality.

Any time a bartender treats me like a friend or remembers my name it makes my day. It's so much fun to know – and be known in – your community!

Tire rotation at Costco in Verona on Wednesday, walked to lake Louie, turns out they have $12 big pitchers (5.5 beers or so) that day with live music. Great surprise, normally just there on weekends.

I asked the piggly wiggly manager: can we get Oberon in bottles instead of cans? He said yes. And followed through.

A couple of years ago I had just finished 4 months chemo for breast cancer, and had stopped drinking alcohol several months prior after a long and storied history as a craft beer aficionado. I went on a "big" outing to watch the super bowl at Jordan's Big 10 Pub, my long time hangout. I was sad that I could no longer drink alcohol and felt very awkward being there. But then I realized that a whole bunch of people in the bar were drinking NA beers, and BTP had 6 on the menu! That made me feel like craft beer is still for me.

Getting engaged at Malt House after a day at the beer garden, barleypop and ending at Malt House for a solid European beer on tap.

I miss the urban assault ride. It wasn't necessarily a beer event, but it was sponsored by New Belgium Brewing and when you finished the scavenger hunt/race there was a party with beers at the end. It was tons of fun. I also miss craft beer week, but in its early years when they had fun stuff like beer trivia, beer/cheese samples in grocery stores, and other fun events all over town. By the later years the creativity was all gone from the event and it was just a bunch of tap takeovers. I want craft beer week back, but with the more unique events instead of just tap takeovers. Finally, burgers and brew was a lot of fun too and I wish that would make a comeback. I enjoy beer the most when it's paired with unique and fun activities.

Going to New Glarus the first time felt like going to Disneyland

I would like to thank Youngblood for opening up their DeForest location. We had a surprise birthday for my wife in July and they were incredible to work with. They’re also the reason why my wife now drinks IPA’s and never thought that day would come. Another shoutout to Working Draft for being the first brewery for both our kids. Starkweather gets a special shoutout for having the best kitchen/menu for Madison Breweries. Love their wings and is our backyard gem.

I have many memorable Sundays hanging out at lake Louie either watching the game or studying or just hanging out.

Luckily I fell in with a group of enthusiasts and home brewers when I first moved here 25 years ago.

When I can give a bartender the names or styles of a few beers I like and they can instantly recommend a few of the selections they have on tap, because they have tasted the ones I referenced and because they’ve tasted all the ones on tap. The only place I’ve encountered this is at GBB.

1. My husband and I had our wedding reception at Capital Brewery in 2003, so it has always been a special place for us. We had a polka band (and everyone danced!) New Orleans Take-out, with shrimp etouffee, (too hot to eat!) and Autumnal Fire and Oktoberfest on tap. When my husband closed out the tab at the end of the night, the bartender said they didn't have that big of a total on some Saturday nights. Probably the best day of my life.
2. We took my Mom to the Great Taste of the Midwest when she was 80 years old in 2010. She had heard me talk about it for many years, starting in 1991, and as a life-long beer lover, she really wanted to experience it. Walking up the hill was a bit of a challenge for her, but she was on a mission! She had a fantastic time (as did my husband and I, as always), and I loved the way that the brewery staff and the crowd welcomed her. I hope to go to that event when I am 80!

Brasserie V. That beer list was for me. That vibe was friendly. The mussels paired well.

My first (and so far only) GTMW, so fun to sample everything our region has to offer

The return of Goat Cheese Puffs to Longtable after they had been pulled from the menu.

Young blood made a huell melon saison. What an underrated hop that stole the show. Also the staff at Barleypop always make me feel like im at a friend's house. Love that venue.

I had a paw-paw-fruit beer at Herbiery, and the owner (Neha?) explained to me that it was a tropical fruit that grew well in the midwest and had a short shelf life. I think he'd seen one paw-paw tree in James Madison park? He was very passionate about his brews, and it showed.

During a final collab brew-day brainstorm with Scott at Vintage, trying to figure out what best tickles the drink fancy of a soccer fan, we eventually designed a beer that was a classic ESB – malty, a taste of hops, and crisp. And then we realized that an ESB won't market as well as calling it a pale ale. Hop profile tweaks, taking the grain up a touch to make up for it, and we got to the Flock's pale ale. Then the world shut down next week and while folks liked it, palettes changed and the beer never truly got a chance to shine. Five years later, I stumble across a beer on Vintage's tap list called "P's and Q's" which was exactly the underlying vision behind our original beer design. It was incredible. And suddenly it was sold out and lingered on the menu for weeks more than it was originally available. Must've been an ok idea for the Madison palette after all.

For me as a beer sales rep, it’s the conversations I have with people that have been to our brewery and talk about being with their families or a certain brand that they resonate with and means a lot to them. We sell a beer that helps raise money for our communities and when I get to share that with people and they tell me they get goose bumps that’s my favorite part because this industry is all about the community for me.

Getting to know the ladies at Giant Jones during some events during Covid on zoom with them and others. I had just moved to the area so having them be so welcoming made me want to explore more on the area even by myself. From there, meeting Peter at starkweather was so fun the first few times I went there. And then fast forwarding to connections I’ve met through the madtown beer pirates Facebook group and events at Barleypop and special releases that Barleypop gets.

My first GTotM was magical. I lived in Madison for probably 15 years before I finally made it to one. Now I go every year. The setting is unmatched. There is so much to explore. It never feels too crowded (once you get in), everyone is friendly. Love it.

Serving Dan Carey at the brewery I was working at in Oregon. Total fanboy moment, he was shocked I knew who he was. Referring to the old thumbprint I reminded him his face was on the labels shouldn’t be too shocked.

It was my first visit to the Great Dane downtown back in 1999. My wife and I had moved to Madison for the summer while she was interning with a WI state senator. They had some sort
of watermelon beer. It was one of the best beers I’ve tasted and am still chasing that feeling

Ex Libris, the annual library fundraiser, always does a great job promoting the Madison beer scene. I go almost every year, and it has never disappointed. Lots of samples from numerous local breweries and restaurants. I love that our vibrant beer scene works with our amazing public libraries to show off two things (beer and books) that make our city great.

The brewers in Madison have always made themselves accessible and were very open to working together on collabs when I ran a bar. Really helped me become a part of the industry.

Jessica Jones is a gift to the beer world, and we are beyond lucky she lives, works, and shares her creations in Madison, Wisconsin. She has one of the most brilliant beer minds I’ve ever encountered, and my many conversations with her have had a lasting, memorable impact on how I experience beer. She’s incredible!

Czech Fest at Working Draft made me excited for the local pilsner scene

One of favorite beer moments of the past year happened at Barleywine fest at Giant Jones. I had gone with a fellow fan of big beers, and when we got there a whole group of friends from the Madison Homebrewers and Tasters Guild was there (to which I also belong) was there! We shared beers, compared notes, talked about our favorites. I even got to enjoy a few minutes of conversation with brewmaster Jessica. It was an already fun afternoon, made even better, my friends, fantastic atmosphere, and some of the best beer in Madison!

Attended a master class at Waterford where Kirby Nelson from Lake Louie was the speaker. He brought up that Schlitz was about to stop being made and my wife I were very sad as we have an annual party with friends called Schlitzmas and that is all we drink at this event. We shared some stories and conversations with Kirby at the event and he mentioned that he was going to try to get permission to brew it one last time. Fast forward about 5 months and we were able to attend the Schlitz release party at Wisconsin Brewing Company. It was such a fun event and the speech/toast that Kirby gave was really awesome. Was cool to see so many people show up for a classic beer!!

I went to a beer masterclass at Waterford Wine and Spirits with Kirby from Lake Louie. He has such passion for beer that I think he could talk about it forever and I'd be happy to listen. At the masterclass, he brought up that Schlitz was being discontinued and talked about its history before it had been publicly announced in the news. When he and Wisconsin Brewing were able to brew the last Schlitz and have the big Schlitz party at Lake Louie, that was a really cool moment. I loved his speech/toast at the Schlitz event!

Funk Factory night before GTMW was IT

Every Great Taste Eve has been wonderful. Bar after bar filled with great takeovers and attended by people having a great time.

First year going to a New Glarus R/D release the Friday before Great Taste. Came with nothing and realized this was more like a tailgating event. Welcomed by the "regulars" with beer shares, stories, recommendations, etc. Came back the next year, with cooler of reserved beer, chairs, etc. and "passed it on" to the newcomers that year. Felt great.

Starkweather has become a home away from home because of the welcoming nature of their owners and staff. We go maybe 2-3 times per month but know every bartender by name because they're all friendly and have really welcomed us in since moving here. I take my mom here, I take my baby here, I bike here and I eat here.

The first GTMW experience in 2011. Fun for two whole days with old and new friends.

The Madison Homebrewers and Tasters Guild is the best thing on the Madison Beer scene by far. They're generous, fun, and know great beer. They put on the best beer fest in the world!

The recent Schlitz release at Wisconsin Brewing was pretty cool. That and Giant Jones Barrel Aged fest.

My partner and I had a crazy spring – I made a big and pretty risky job switch, we bought our first house, which required moving to a new neighborhood where we didn't know many people, and we had our first kid. One evening a few weeks after we moved, I was feeling pretty overwhelmed by it all. After I got the baby asleep, I grabbed a book and walked over to Working Draft. The warm, friendly welcome there, even though it was less than 30 minutes before close, reminded me why we decided to build a life in Madison. And the delicious pils didn't hurt either.

first time pouring cask ale at the great taste

Giant Jones knocking the spruce-tip beer out of the park!

The Vintage taproom on the UW campus was the designated place to meet my UW Band kids after football games. It didn't take long to become recognized by the staff and treated like a VIP, despite visiting less than a dozen times per year. To this day, the staff from that era still recognize me and catch up when I see them at other events in the area.

My first time going to the Great Taste of the Midwest was after I had gone to Great American Beer Festival (four years in a row when I lived in Breckenridge). While GABF is a spectacle, the Great Taste is above and beyond that of GABF when considering the setting, views, music, local beers, bacon on a stick, and an awesome crowd. Now I'm 12 years into going to the Great Taste and haven't been back to GABF.

Chats with the Cat at Young Blood are always special, and a particularly memorable one was rubbing a bunch of hops Kyle brought back from his Yakima trip. It was super unique and gave insight into his thought process, how much effort goes into each beer, and the relationships that make the beers we love.
Similarly, at Belgian-fest at Giant Jones, we got to do a timed tasting with Jess. She nerded out about different flavor compounds and how different amounts of the same compound come across differently to us.
Having experiences where we get to hang with the brewers, see their passion, and learn makes the Madison beer scene really special to me.

I told Matt, the owner of Longtable, I was going on vacation to Belgium and he sent me an email with a bunch recommendations about where to go and they were all great, every one.

Met my wife at Oktobeerfest at Breese Stevens

I’ve met some of the best people at great taste and have been going back year after year.

I met my husband at Alt Brew, our first date was at One Barrel, we got married at Starkweather. So many good memories together in beer places.

I remember when I was seriously getting into beer/brewing; I really didnt care for Belgians. I lived off Knickerbocker/Monroe, and it was the time of the legendary Jac's happy hour. That summer I committed myself to having one Belgian each visit. Sours, Wits, Dubbels, Saisons, didnt matter. Time well spent.

Always getting together with beer friends that I have made from Madtown Beer Pirates, and attending all the pre Great Taste events we can. So many memories both funny and sad.

I told the bartender at Working Draft (college-aged woman whose name I can't remember) that I hate IPA's, and she asked me if I've ever tried a hoppy lager. I said I didn't even know that was a thing, and she poured me one called Saideira Cerveja. It's been my favorite beer since.

First time trying Dark Lord at a 3F takeover at Argus in probably 2010.

Garth’s staff welcoming me and my dad before they closed since he was only in town for the night and they had specific barrel aged beer on tap he wanted to try

I grew up a latchkey kid. While in elementary school, the library was my life and I spent most summer days biking over and spending the day there reading, attending day camps, and helping out at camps when I got older. Now that I have an established career, I was looking for a way to give back to the Madison Public Library. Several years ago with Ex Libris, I saw Working Draft gave an opportunity up for auction to design, brew, and release a beer of your choice. Perfect. For my husband and myself, it was our favorite brewery. For me, it was a perfect gift – a donation to the library and a fantastic opportunity for my beer-brewing husband. What an experience, and following this, it has made me really appreciate how much many local businesses do to give back and support their community.

Tasting nights at Giant Jones- Jessica helps me identify what I am actually noticing and is so welcoming

A crew of older guys who used to drink regularly at Essen House on Tuesdays. Very devoted beer guys, nice to know, always serious about beer

Brewing a friend request beer at Starkweather Brewery with Peter Schroder

The patio at Karben4 is my favorite place to go when I feel low. I love that there's usually enough space for me to sit down with a pint and read my book in peace.

A bartender at off Broadway recommending pineapple demegorgon from the upsidedown cake beer to me when I first moved to Madison. (Along with their homemade and homegrown green bean casserole soup.) I didn't think I liked overly sweet beers, but that one is special and it was an unforgettable welcome to my new Madison life.

I retired with five other people, and we went to the Capitol brewery beer garden for a little celebration on our last day. On that day, I learned about their mug program, and when the opportunity came up for signing up, I jumped at it. I love to put their sticky paws beer into that mug.

Helmet night at the old One Barrel at Schenk's Corners. Sam and Brady were top-notch bartenders (Brady is now owner at Ideal Bar). Rollicking conversations among us regulars, always welcoming newcomers. It was a weekly destination for many of us bicyclists.

Madison just has so many great options for variety and activities. The community is safe, fun, and knowledgeable. One of my favorite summer activities is biking to Paoli and hanging out with friends in the Beer Garden with music and cooling off in the river.

Although the tap selection is often not my style, Winslow at the Caribou knows his small tap list well and describes it with flourish.

The Beer Babe and I love Garth's for monthly Girls' Nights Out. We haven't missed a Garth's Birthday Party yet and have the swag to prove it!

I attend English Premier League games to support Liverpool at Baldwin Street Grill. In 2025, Watching Liverpool win the league in a packed bar where every single person, Guinness in hand, was screaming the words to You'll Never Walk Alone. In that moment, nothing else mattered. Not a phone in sight and everyone staring at the same little TV. It was an incredibly special moment for fans of Liverpool in Madison.

I don't have anything super specific. I love stopping into Barley Pop to pick up some cans and also have a couple drafts at the bar and chatting with the one bartender who is always there (I forgot his name). I also love getting Great Taste tickets at Giant Jones every year, drinking their big beers at like 10 in the morning, and hanging out with all the other beer lovers outside while we wait.

I was raised in the Czech Capitol of Wisconsin, Hillsboro. I danced in local festivals, marched in parades, and have even made my way to Prague itself for a deeper understanding of my heritage.
But once I moved for college, and then to Madison, I thought this part of me had started to wash away. More so due to the distance from my farm-town home and family than anything.
All that remained was my Czech last name, and the tattoo I wear on my leg, reading 'trpělivost růže přináší' (Patience brings roses).
But one afternoon before a game at Breese Stevens, I stepped into a place that held my heritage, and inevitably my heart, in it's hand. The orange flare, the clever marketing and brew names. I was head-over-heels before I even ordered. And that's when I saw it.
'To Those Who Wait,' a Czech-style Pilsner, I read. And I didn't flinch or consider another. I ordered it, and it felt like a match made in heaven. Something about my heritage. Bonding a clever title to the ink permanently tied to me felt like fate in some ways. And then, I sat, and had my first sip.
From that day on, Working Draft, Hy-vee, Steve's, all hate to see me coming as I stock my fridge with a beer that has made its way to meaning a lot to me. If it weren't 11:26 A.M. on a Thursday morning, I'd consider having one as I write.
The Saaz hops, the bready, grape nut taste. It takes me back to Prague. Takes me back to Hillsboro. And I'd give a 'Na zdraví' to anyone who'd like to share a 'To Those Who Wait' with me.

Jamie Coles, my beer uncle – RIP

At the behest of my friend who exclusively drinks BA stouts, trying Abraxas as the GTMW and being absolutely blown away – to this day the only BA stout I enjoy

Visiting empty breweries (chairs up) and buying beer-to-go during COVID was something I will never forget. It was memorable to connect with the bartenders/owners during that time.

Most folks I end up talking to at the UW campus drinking places. They're from everywhere and all ages. I love that.

Young Blood downtown, August 2025, had some green/blue sour that clicked for me – wish I remembered the name. I was going through a very sad time and took myself out on a date to try something new. Even though I hadn't liked sours much up to that point, but I still ordered the weirdest one on the menu, maybe as some kind of metaphor for how I was feeling at the time. I serendipitously discovered Jazz at 5 on the square while enjoying my weird beer on Young Blood's patio. A full on sensory experience that I often revisit in my mind.

I wish to thank Matt and Andrea Van Nest for my discovery of Belgian beers and curated beer menus at Brassiere V. Time and tastes march on but I still recall that place with great fondness.

I love Garths for having their Reddit "friend events" and met a small group of people that I played trivia with a handful of times. They weren't huge players in my life but it was lovely getting to meet some new faces and get out for a night!

Would you believe it? I did not drink beer until I was 28. I mean, I had tasted beer. But I had completely dismissed it as something bitter and flavorless. My first beer was Spotted Cow. My younger sister, who was in college at the time, said it was an easy beer. I found it refreshing and delicious. It is my go-to now. If I'm meeting a friend for just a quick drink or want a beer with my meal, Spotted Cow is a versatile beer that goes with everything.
However, despite drinking Spotted Cow, I never diversified for a long time. I think my aha moment with beers came when I went with my friend to Coopers Tavern. Beer with frites is his favorite. One of his favorites was Aventinus. They had it on the bottle menu at Coopers, and I tried it. I enjoyed the sweet, malty notes and the creamy mouthfeel. Aventinus is another one of my favorite all-time beers, and I will order it if it's on the menu. It encouraged me to explore other dark and malty brews, eventually leading me to stouts and porters. Dragon's Milk by New Holland is a fantastic milk stout and their special reserve flavors are always a hit. I also felt curious. I had tried new beers and enjoyed them. I wanted to try more. My aha moment with Aventinus made me curious about trying all kinds of beers. Now, if it looks interesting, has a funny name, cool packaging, anything that gets my attention – I will try it. I always try to visit a local brewery when I travel. And yes, Beer with frites is the best thing ever.

Kirby’s events surrounding the last hurrah of Schlitz was great to watch.

Cant specify anything here; but the bartenders in Madison are godsends to the community

I lived near Garth's around the time it opened–a time it was hit with Monroe construction. Garth was behind the bar, and I had come in to get some beer from the wall. I was interested in seltzers, and he introduced me to Untitled Art's Florida seltzers. It was exactly what I wanted: a Wisconsin brand that I could show off to other people who were into the name brands flooding the market at the time. That one on one time where he had not only the expertise but care to point me to exactly what I wanted has stuck with me ever since

My wife and I had become regulars at the local dive bar down the street (Shoutout Eagle Crest) and hadn’t been going as frequently due to my wife being pregnant. We stopped in after a few months hiatus and the bartenders were so nice and excited to see us. They asked us where we’ve been and that they missed us. When I told them we hadn’t been around lately due to a little one on the way, they immediately went to the cooler and showed all of their NA beer options and gave us the first one for free. They were so nice and generous, and it made us feel so connected with the community.

Brasserie V really made me love beer. They didn’t have the biggest tap list but they had the best tap list. They always had several beers I knew I’d never find anywhere else and not only were they unique, they were usually delicious. I’d stop in, sit at the bar, and find beers on tap I’d read about in brewing magazines but never thought I’d have a chance to try. If I went in there and had a hard time deciding what I wanted they offered the option of a 5oz pour of anything on tap making it easier (and safer) to try more than just a couple. I miss having that place where I can get beers like Kasteel Donker or Nostradamus from Caracole, amazing beers that most people have never heard of.

All the amazing stouts at the GTMW and being able to get tickets finally.

Working Draft west side pop ups during COVID brought hope

I love everything about Athens Grill. They are close, often overlooked by just driving by, but the beer selection, food and staff are top notch.

Hate on me if you want, but I still remember my first Crop Circle Wheat at the Great Dane. It was a month after I turned 21 and I was home for spring break. My dad and I saw a movie at Sundance Theater (RIP) then went to the Hilldale Great Dane for lunch and a beer. Maybe it's because I was still reveling in being 21, but something about getting the beer in that large, narrow, curvy glass with the orange on the rim felt incredibly special. I'm not even a huge fan of wheat beers, but the experience is so ingrained in my brain that I still find myself ordering this beer, almost 20 years later, every time I'm at the Dane.

When the Malt House took an interest in the NABA convention.

Two experiences made me a craft beer fan for life, both more than two decades in the past. One was having pints of Lake Louie's Arena Premium (a pale ale) and Prairie Moon (a Belgian white) at the Harmony and immediately picking up growlers when that was the only way the beer was available and was still made in Arena. The other was getting a free six-pack of New Glarus Tail Wagger when it was a barleywine (and not an amber) and understanding the depth of what craft beer can be.

The Madison beer community as a whole. The MHTG, breweries, and everybody related. It’s is a supporting community and really comes together.

The great taste is the best event to go to. The breweries, the people, the beers, the location. All of it is great everyone is happy and having a fun time. It’s great to talk with the brewers and friends.

The year Madison Craft Beer Week had the beer passports was fantastic. It had us learning about new spots and setting out on adventures to visit them, try new beers, and collect our stamps. It's always so much fun finding new things in your hometown.

Meeting the owner-brewer of Humble Forager at Garth's bar. Easy to talk to, very knowledgeable and great beer

Celebrating our anniversary by biking the Lake Loop and making stops at Starkweather and Working Draft

Tim at Working Draft! Knows his stuff, always friendly and often gets a round of applause when he walks into the taproom for his Friday evening shift

A lovely chat with Jen at Hop Garden about the state of the beer scene. I told her they should raise their prices! Rich the owner is always approachable.

Relaxing on the couch at Garth's having a delicious Drekker during a tap takeover.

I went to the Robin Room for a drink once. I already loved their cocktails, but that day I decided to go for a beer. I know they have a relatively short list but I appreciate that it's generally local and not simply the standards (i.e., only New Glarus, not that I don't appreciate New Glarus). Anyway, I think it was a saison, or at least a less bitter IPA. It was the best beer I had had in month. That's when I decided that the Robin Room is a superlative bar – everything is great, from top to bottom, and not just by Madison standards, but by any standard.

Love Great Taste Eve. We have young kids, which makes it hard to go to Great Taste itself, but every year we try to catch at least one or two Great Taste Eve events, especially ones at kid-friendly places with food (this year we went to Longtable).

I got to try is/was at an Oktoberfest party and they make a table bier and a saison that our out of this world!! Haven’t had something that I had to get more of in a while