Beer Purchase Suggestions - Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota

[Cincy17]

I am headed to visit the in-laws in Minnesota next week and need recommendations for beers to look for along my way that I can't get in Ohio. I will be passing though Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota and going through Chicago, Madison, and Minneapolis/St. Paul if anyone can suggest beers to look for and maybe even specific places to look for in those cities. Unfortunately I won't be able to check out any breweries along the way because we are traveling with our neurotic dog and driving pretty much straight through. Thanks in advance!

 

[JonM]

Definitely New Glarus brewery. Their standard beers are freat (esp their hefeweizen called Dancing Man), and they have a series where they do stuff very few other breweries do, like a Berliner Weisse and a spectacular wild sour ale. Grab some Lakefront beers, and when you're in Madison, hit the Ale Asylum and Tyranena Brewery (which is a little to the east of Madison.). Cheers!

 

[JonM]

You can find all those in stores along the way, so no need to hit the breweries if the dog prevents that.

 

[WI_Wino]

Woodmans is a grocery store chain in WI, lots of locations. Typically a huge selection of beer, wine, and booze. No credit cards though, cash/check/debit card.

My current favorite, Lake Louie Warped Speed Scotch Ale. Hopalicious from Ale Asylum is good as well.

 

[HawksBrewer]

Stop in a Binny's on your way through Chicago and grab some Revolution (anti-hero, rosa) and Pipeworks (blood of the unicorn, ninja vs unicorn) stuff. Almost everything they make is great, but the ones mentioned above are outstanding. Half Acre has a few good beers, but I don't care for the stuff you would find in a store.

 

[wisconsinitebrewer]

Definitely New Glarus brewery. Their standard beers are freat (esp their hefeweizen called Dancing Man), and they have a series where they do stuff very few other breweries do, like a Berliner Weisse and a spectacular wild sour ale. Grab some Lakefront beers, and when you're in Madison, hit the Ale Asylum and Tyranena Brewery (which is a little to the east of Madison.). Cheers!

Jon hit a lot of good ones here. I'd also throw out there Milwaukee Brewing Company. They make some great brews too.

 

[JonM]

Oh, and if you see Sprecher Black Bavarian anywhere, grab it. It comes in 4-packs of 16 oz bottles.

 

[Paloaf]

You need to stop at Dangerous Man or Indeed in Northeast Minneapolis. They are very easy to find and located in an area with many breweries if you have a free afternoon.

 

[Braufessor]

+1 on Woodman's for really nice selection. I go to the one in LaCrosse every now and then.

+1 on Ale Asylum out of Madison

+1 on New Glarus Beers in Wisconsin. If you are into sours (or wanting to try them), New glarus has some good ones in the big champagne style bottles as singles - so look for those. Serendipity, Raspberry Tart..... I think they have another new one out too recently...

Surly in Minnesota is a good one usually

 

[harrke]

+1 on Woodman's for really nice selection. I go to the one in LaCrosse every now and then.

+1 on Ale Asylum out of Madison

+1 on New Glarus Beers in Wisconsin. If you are into sours (or wanting to try them), New glarus has some good ones in the big champagne style bottles as singles - so look for those. Serendipity, Raspberry Tart..... I think they have another new one out too recently...

Surly in Minnesota is a good one usually

I've been to the Woodman's in Lacrosse and it is easy access to the interstate. If you can't wait that long, there's one in Rockford, IL that's also on your route.

 

[MadCnty]

Three Floyd's Brewpub is right off of I80/90 in Munster IN... They have a carry out door for cases to go.. Its about the only place to find some of their more elusive brands (IF they even have them there...).

 

[geckholm]

5 Rabbit (Chicago)

-oh- and the food at the pub in #3 Floyds. Outstanding. But go for the BEER.

 

[chad_]

You should definitely pick up some surly in minnesota

 

[JonM]

If you're in Minneapolis, stop at Northern Brewer's retail store and do some shipping-free shopping too.

 

[mrdauber64]

Good call on Northern Brewer in Minneapolis, also Midwest Supplies is just south of Minneapolis. I personally prefer Northern Brewer though.

Surly is a must. Surly Furious is an outstanding IPA, Bender and Coffee Bender is a really good Oatmeal Brown ale and Bitter is their english bitter(summer seasonal beer). All of those are worth a try.

Other than that, we have a lot of small new breweries like Lift Bridge, Fulton, Flat Earth, Dangerous Man, 612 Brew, Indead brewery and a bunch of others that are all getting a pretty good reputation around here.

 

[Yooper]

You should definitely pick up some surly in minnesota

Agreed! That's my favorite brewery, and their beers are only available in and around the Twin Cities. Grab some- it's in 4 pack 16 ounce cans. I love Furious (an IPA) but Bender is probably the bigger seller.

In Wisconsin, New Glarus as was mentioned is the best one to look for, as it's not distributed out of WI. (I was walking around holding some New Glarus for AnOldUR in Philadelphia, and people stopped to offer me trades that were pretty great- so it's very desirable out of WI!). I don't know if there is a Woodman's in Madison on your route, but google it and stop at one if at all possible- great selection of Wisconsin and other craft beers.

 

[Clanchief]

You're coming through at the right time to get some Hop Centric from Two Brothers (formerly called Hop Juice) if you're in IIPA fan. Also, based on what you're saying, if you can make it to Vernon Hills, IL, off of I-294, check out a place called the Beer Market. Huge selection of local and regional brews. One that I would recommend, if you want a really cool, interesting, and delicious beer, is from a place called Small Town Brewery in Wauconda, IL. It's called Not Your Father's Root Beer. 10% ABV and tastes like drinking a Barq's! It's awesome. And I give a +1 to whoever it was that recommended Pipeworks. Best new brewery in Illinois right now IMO and everything from there is phenomenal. Remember that they bottle condition everything, so you will want to chill a bit before drinking just like a homebrew to let the yeast settle. They actually put that on the bottles for those who wouldn't know!

 

[Malric]

Right off I-94 in Lansing, IL is a relatively new brewery called One trick pony. Very casual, great beer. Well worth the stop.

 

[HawksBrewer]

Small Town Brewery in Wauconda, IL. It's called Not Your Father's Root Beer. 10% ABV and tastes like drinking a Barq's!

This +1000. Had it on tap at Timothy O'Tooles and as a root beer float. Freaking delicious.

 

[mbach72]

If you're in Minneapolis, stop at Northern Brewer's retail store and do some shipping-free shopping too.

Just did that yesterday! I went to the one on Grand Ave in St Paul. As I pulled up and saw the storefront I thought I was in trouble, but it was amazing how much they cram into that place. If they sell it, it was probably there. Except for Cascade pellets!!!

Back on topic, I'll agree with everyone that said New Glarus and Surly. Those are both no brainers.

 

[BigDaveZJ]

x whatever on the Surly

I was also really impressed with Schell's (yeah yeah I know) and their Star of the North Berlener Weisse. Quite tasty.

We were driving through Minneapolis a few weeks back and stopped at a place in St. Louis Park called The Four Firkins and they had a lot of local MN/WI stuff. Pricing was a bit higher than what we were used to here in CO, but the selection was solid.

 

[geckholm]

Right off I-94 in Lansing, IL is a relatively new brewery called One trick pony. Very casual, great beer. Well worth the stop.

Torrence Ave exit?

 

[OldWorld]

New Glarus would be on the list even though they sold out to the man. Don't forget to get yourself some 10-15 year old wisconsin aged cheddar. It will go great with the beers.

 

[Flakk]

I would also recommend Finch's in Chicago, their Cutthroat Pale is one of my current favorites.

 

[Malric]

Torrence Ave exit?

Yes,
17933 CHAPPEL AVE, LANSING IL 60438

 

[Yooper]

New Glarus would be on the list even though they sold out to the man. Don't forget to get yourself some 10-15 year old wisconsin aged cheddar. It will go great with the beers.

What does "sold out to the man" mean? Thanks!

 

[karzak]

Begian Red by New Glarus (WI)
Tyranina Sheep Shagger, Bitter Woman IPA, and Scurvy IIPA. (WI)
Ale Asylum Hoppalicous (WI)
Rush River BubbleJack (WI, MN)
Surly Furious, Wet if it's out (MN)
Might be able to find some Founder's specialties that you can't find in Ohio

 

[cheesehed007]

What does "sold out to the man" mean? Thanks!

I was wondering the same thing... I know they are growing by leaps and bounds. But have not heard that they've been sold or anything.
Back on topic +1 on the Lakefront and New Glarus, as you travel on 94 stop at Hudson Brewing in Hudson WI, and pick up some of their American Sky beers. They have a tap room or you can find it stores... I'm dying to try some Surly.. Got to get over the river to get some. If you stop here in Eau Claire. Look for some Lazy Monk beers. Very small brewery. Only in growlers in stores...

 

[StompingClover]

I'll agree with New Glarus. You can actually stop at most any Quik Trip along the interstate and they will have it.

In Chicago you need to look for anything by Pipeworks.

Once in Minneapolis, definitely get some surly. The Four Firkins in St. Louis Park is an amazing craft beer only store. They have free tastings on Friday and Saturday nights from 6 until close. Its also right near Midwest Supplies and Steel Toe Brewing.

If you have a chance to get west of the cities. There is a new small brewery in Victoria, MN. Its called Enki. They are open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

 

[ArtVandelay]

Definitely do not pick up some New Glarus thumbprint wild sour ale or IIPA (if any is left) or their 20th anniversary BDSA