Beer Boom: Our breweries and distilleries are definitely leveling up
There’s a longstanding tradition of brewing authentic Wisconsin beer in the Chippewa Valley dating back to the Sawdust City days when after after a long day at the lumber mill, a person could brush the sawdust off their clothes and kick back with an ice cold Walter’s. Fast-forward to today and we’re still making beer central to our local culture. 2015 was a huge year for beer-makin’ in the Valley. We saw some new names stirring up suds, places mixing in specialty food options, and big changes to existing brewpubs and breweries that will make them true destinations. Lately, it feels like everybody in the brewing and distilling scene is leveling up significantly, so we hope you’re thirsty! Here’s the state of the ever-growing scene:
The Brewing Projekt
After more than its fair share of legal strife, red tape, and Kickstarters, The Brewing Projekt is finally firing on all cylinders. Founded in 2014, the craft brewery pumps out tons of its creative and experimental beers like their Gunpowder IPA and Wiscoast Ale every day. The brewery won Downtown Eau Claire Inc’s Best New Business award for 2015, and they’ve enjoyed a bunch of success in their spot on Oxford Avenue in Eau Claire’s Cannery District. Though they’re still young, it’d didn’t take long for them to reach production capacity at the warehouse space they’re currently in, and the brewery has some huge plans to eventually house itself in one of the last remaining brick buildings in Eau Claire at 1807 Oxford. The new building would allow them to triple in size, triple their workforce, and start distributing their delicious beer all over the state.
Lazy Monk Brewing
After making a name for itself at a spot in Eau Claire’s Banbury Place, Lazy Monk Brewing outgrew the space. Late last year, the operation took a big leap out of Banbury and landed in the old Charlson building on Madison Street in downtown Eau Claire. They’ve decked the place out to look like an authentic German bier hall, and with their beer, they hope to bring some European flavor to downtown. “We have paid close attention to the small details you will find in any bier hall in Europe, which we feel our customers will appreciate,” Lazy Monk co-owner Theresa Frank told us in January. “We hope to provide Eau Claire with a unique space to enjoy a little taste of Europe in their own backyard.” The brewery has already enjoyed tons of busy nights in the new space, and soon they’ll add a food menu, serving a selection of four to five items of Czech or German food daily. No pizza, burgers or fries here: Authentic comfort food only. Not only is Lazy Monk brewing and serving its own delectable brews, but its business can be an anchor for other developments in the burgeoning Cannery District.
Lucette Brewing Company
Lucette, a fantastic brewery in Menomonie, has been churning out amazing beers like the Farmer’s Daughter and Ride Again Pale Ale since 2010. After celebrating their fifth anniversary as a business, they took things to the next level by importing a wood-fire stove from Naples, Italy, and adding a menu of authentic wood-fired pizza to their bustling business. “The concept was to make an artisanal environment using only locally sourced ingredients,” co-owner Michael Wilson told us last year. “A place to stimulate the five senses, bring the community together, and create a social atmosphere.” Lucette Woodfire Eatery focuses on locally sourced and organic ingredients on their classic house pizzas, rotating seasonal creations, calzones, and made-from-scratch salads. More and more, breweries are adding food elements, and their customers are definitely responding.
Infinity Beverages
While beer seems to be the Valley’s bread and butter, Infinity Beverages and owner Matthew Rick have been cranking out innovative wine and spirits since 2010. They’ve got it all: tons of wine, vodka, and “beerskey” (craft beer distilled into whiskey) They’ve got a popular space in Banbury Place in Eau Claire, but lately it’s feeling a little small. They’re currently crammed in their 3,000 square foot space, but come June, Infinity will be housed in a 17,000 square foot space at 3460 Mall Drive, the former location of Coffee Grounds. The new space will include a 1,000-square-foot mezzanine overlooking the production area, as well as an outdoor patio.
And keep your eyes peeled for these projects ...
Chippewa River Distilling & Brewster Bros. Brewing CompanyChippewa River Distilling & Brewster Bros.
Brewing CompanyA new brewery and distillery is in the works in downtown Chippewa Falls as we speak. Jim Stirn, a Minneapolis native and owner of Chippewa River Distilling & Brewster Bros. Brewing Company, started this $1 million project last year. After renovation and overhaul of the old Celebrity Video at 402 River St. began last March, Stirn has been hard at work laying the groundwork for the new spot, which features a 20-barrel system and a still which can make vodka, whiskey, and gin. Doors will open later this spring.
K Point Brewing
What started as a teensy tiny nanobrewery within the Coffee Grounds, K Point has quickly caught on with its unique signature beers. So much so, that in fact, Coffee Grounds is undergoing renovation to expand the brewing section. K Point started by brewing 10-gallon batches, but now it can do roughly 230 gallons in the same amount of time. K Point is young, but it’s catching on very quickly. “Beer has played a significant role in the history of civilization,” brewer Lon Blaser said. “I’m happy to be a part of that and our attempts to continue that legacy.”
Northwoods Brewpub & Grill
Since 1997, Northwoods Brewpub & Grill was a notable restaurant/brewery near Oakwood Mall in Eau Claire where customers could eye up huge brewing tanks and enjoy a Floppin’ Crappie – their flagship beer – with their pub fare, Norwegian favorites, and a huge slice of award-winning pie. Recently, Northwoods picked up from its Eau Claire roots and moved to Osseo into a much larger facility, where it will expand its business and brewing operation.
