By Judy Frankel
Craft beer and small batch cocktails are a national phenomenon and the Northwoods is no exception. There are lots of places to taste and sample the creative offerings of the region’s craft breweries. Why not try something new and different this trip? With inspired seasonal flavors and local ingredients, you may just find your new favorite drink.
Brews
Minocqua Brewing Company on the shores of Lake Minocqua is a great stop to check out if you are keen on sampling the local craft beer scene. Minocqua Brewing Company brews seven different ales and lagers in-house, including the popular Pudgy Possum Porter. For those who can’t decide, they offer beer flights served on a paddle to complete the boating theme. The ample two-story brewery and restaurant offers plenty of outdoor seating to take in the great view. There is live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Minocqua Brewing Company has great classic food options too. And, if you are feeling truly decadent, finish off your meal with a tasty Brandy Alexander cocktail for dessert.
The Rocky Reef Brewing Company is another great spot for local beer. This Woodruff nano brewery, which opened in July of 2015, is already causing quite a stir. Rocky Reef Brewing Company won Best Brewery award in the 2017 Lac du Flambeau Lions Club Brewfest. At the brew pub, they offer eight handcrafted seasonal ales, porters and stouts. Their popular tasting room offers fun games like life sized Jenga and Ping Pong tables. But, take note if you’re hungry. Rocky Reef Brewing Company is a B.Y.O.F. (Bring Your Own Food) and encourages guests to bring their own carry-out or delivery food to eat onsite.
With Wisconsin’s beer pedigree solidly behind them, these local brewers are crafting incredible suds and sips. Be sure to try as many as you can, and for those looking for a fun souvenir, why not bring home one of your favorite new beers. Both Minocqua Brewing Company and Rocky Reef Brewing Company offer growlers to go.
True beer connoisseurs won’t want to miss the Ice Cold Beer Fest. This annual event held each February in downtown Minocqua’s Torpy Park is a spirited celebration of Wisconsin’s beer culture. For the price of admission, you get unlimited sampling of a wide variety of micro, craft and specialty beers to sample. Add great food and live music and an event whose proceeds goes to benefit local charities, and you’ve got a solid winner.
Spirits
Northern Waters Distillery is the place to go if you are looking for small-batch, artisan hand-crafted spirits. Their tasting room—open all year—is where guests can see their production facility and sample their unique products, which include cold water gin and vodka, bourbon, limited releases and flavored moonshine. They proudly mash, ferment, distill and bottle by hand. If you are looking to learn more, they offer a tour and tasting that costs $10 a person and takes about an hour. Really interested? You can tag along on production day for a more hands-on experience that includes lunch and a small gift.
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