What are you drinking now?

[ThirstyPawsHB]

Story behind the photos:

A few weeks ago I was watching Lester Holt on the NBC National News. For the ‘happy talk’ closing story he was in Potosi, WI, at a brewery in this small town (pop. 646) that is home to a brewery that had sustained the town for well over a hundred years. Just about everyone in the town had a connection to the bar, and when it was failing 20-25 years ago, the town was also failing and doomed to expire with it.

So the people pitched in to save it. Much had to be scrapped and reimagined. After 10 years of fundraising and sweat equity put in to rebuilding this iconic local landmark, it reopened. It won out in a competition by the American Brewers Association to house its National Brewing Museum, beating out Milwaukee, Chicago and a host of other large metropolitan hopefuls.

I was fascinated by the news story, and as luck would have it, we were headed to upstate Wisconsin anyway for a family wedding. The visit to New Glarus could wait till next time (snagged a case of Spotted Cow nonetheless), so we made this stop on the way home to Maryland. Added bonus: the brewery participates in Harvest Host, so our prairie schooner Duke of Earl Grey made a beeline for this little town along the Mississippi River where we parked overnight for free.

The brewery is (remarkably) thriving, and cranking out some really good beers. The museum has an unbelievable collection of American beer memorabilia, and the facility holds an unbelievable archive records, books and reference materials for research. I spent several hours in the museum, and browsing through the library archives and historical records. It’s a treasure trove.

If you like history and love good beer, you owe it to yourself to put this place on your (Beer) Bucket List. It’s a road trip you’ll not regret.

Great story. One you don't hear about often. Thanks for sharing!

 

[pshankstar]

A Kellerbier from @MaxStout.
Smooth, refreshing & crisp. Thank you sir!
Update: As it warms a slight caramel note is coming through. It complements it nicely.

 

[camonick]

From @Section1
Good nightcap

 

[Broothru]

Story behind the photos:

A few weeks ago I was watching Lester Holt on the NBC National News. For the ‘happy talk’ closing story he was in Potosi, WI, at a brewery in this small town (pop. 646) that is home to a brewery that had sustained the town for well over a hundred years. Just about everyone in the town had a connection to the bar, and when it was failing 20-25 years ago, the town was also failing and doomed to expire with it.

So the people pitched in to save it. Much had to be scrapped and reimagined. After 10 years of fundraising and sweat equity put in to rebuilding this iconic local landmark, it reopened. It won out in a competition by the American Brewers Association to house its National Brewing Museum, beating out Milwaukee, Chicago and a host of other large metropolitan hopefuls.

I was fascinated by the news story, and as luck would have it, we were headed to upstate Wisconsin anyway for a family wedding. The visit to New Glarus could wait till next time (snagged a case of Spotted Cow nonetheless), so we made this stop on the way home to Maryland. Added bonus: the brewery participates in Harvest Host, so our prairie schooner Duke of Earl Grey made a beeline for this little town along the Mississippi River where we parked overnight for free.

The brewery is (remarkably) thriving, and cranking out some really good beers. The museum has an unbelievable collection of American beer memorabilia, and the facility holds an unbelievable archive records, books and reference materials for research. I spent several hours in the museum, and browsing through the library archives and historical records. It’s a treasure trove.

If you like history and love good beer, you owe it to yourself to put this place on your (Beer) Bucket List. It’s a road trip you’ll not regret.

Second edit to original post:

As a business, the brewery (and the town) have a pretty steep debt load, which they are servicing. They’re paying the bills, have recruited professional brewing staff, and have a loyal following of locals. They’re even doing some modest but modern improvements to the place.

But here’s the kicker: it’s the only brewery in America (and probably the world) that is a “not for profit” brewery. Every penny earned over expenses goes to charity. That’s unheard of in our capitalistic economy.

So if you’re ever in the vicinity, make it your purpose to go out of the way and pay a visit. The people are friendly, the food is good, the beer is even better, and the experience is one of a kind!

 

[mac_1103]

But here’s the kicker: it’s the only brewery in America (and probably the world) that is a “not for profit” brewery. Every penny earned over expenses goes to charity. That’s unheard of in our capitalistic economy.

It's not unheard of, unless you've never heard of it. Newman's Own for instance.

Unfortunately, I don't get up to Wisconsin much.

 

[Erik the Anglophile]

Second edit to original post:

As a business, the brewery (and the town) have a pretty steep debt load, which they are servicing. They’re paying the bills, have recruited professional brewing staff, and have a loyal following of locals. They’re even doing some modest but modern improvements to the place.

But here’s the kicker: it’s the only brewery in America (and probably the world) that is a “not for profit” brewery. Every penny earned over expenses goes to charity. That’s unheard of in our capitalistic economy.

So if you’re ever in the vicinity, make it your purpose to go out of the way and pay a visit. The people are friendly, the food is good, the beer is even better, and the experience is one of a kind!

How does that work with paying employees, the owners collecting personal "salary", buying equipment/ingredients etc?
If there is a group of people who make their living of it some system of profit must be involved. Or is it some system where everything that is surplus after paying those things is forwarded to charity?
Sorry for loads of questions but that really got my ADHD brain going.

 

[mac_1103]

Or is it some system where everything that is surplus after paying those things is forwarded to charity?

Pretty much. Not for profit doesn't mean not for money. I spent the last ten years of my career at a non-profit (although we were our own charity). We all got paid. Surplus in good years was re-invested and/or stashed away so that the mission wouldn't suffer in lean years.

 

[Willy]

Great story. One you don't hear about often. Thanks for sharing!

Will check it out on my next visit to Wisconsin.

 

[Section1]

Homebrew Brown Ale.

 

[Section1]

 

[Broothru]

It's not unheard of, unless you've never heard of it. Newman's Own for instance.

Unfortunately, I don't get up to Wisconsin much.

You’re right, I’d forgotten about Paul’s philanthropy (and very sustainable product line). Cool Hand Luke!

 

[mac_1103]

What we've got here, is failure to communicate...

 

[ClaudiusB]

I am getting ready to brew a German-style Dampfbier, or steam beer. This year's version will differ slightly depending on how many Altbiers I enjoy today.

 

[MaxStout]

Finished power washing the back patio. Time for a couple brews.

Left Hand Milk Stout on Nitro.

HB ESB.

 

[South Arm Brew]

Tapped another one just now. First pour off of my Lady May ( in June lol ). Citra, simcoe, and CGX Motueka (cryo). Still a bit yeasty but will clean up this week View attachment 850423

That is a perfect picture! Well done!

 

[South Arm Brew]

I got the Hippie Hippie shakes. LOL

Thank you , outstanding!

 

[Rish]

Tasty? Helles, yeah!

 

[hilljack13]

Just got back from my Kentucky trip. I have 18 beers to try. Here is #1.

 

[TheDudeLebowski]

Draft

Bissell Brothers Substance

MBC Lunch

 

[ClaudiusB]

Tasty? Helles, yeah!
View attachment 850604

The original Helles has more aroma and flavors for my taste buds than this newcomer.

 

[hilljack13]

Maybe we should start up a retirement thread.

I'm on board...literally just starting

As for that early retirement... This is a great board. For investments....https://www.bogleheads.org/

 

[ThirstyPawsHB]

 

[whoaru99]

Mad Butcher IPA on tap.

 

[ClaudiusB]

The Maibock season has been over for eleven days, the decoration is still up and I am still drinking it because of overproduction.

 

[Rish]

HB honey wheat graf. Pretty tasty after 4 months in the bottle but I think it needs more time. Definitely has the head, though!

 

[orionol73]

 

[redrocker652002]

My lovely wife bought me a six pack of Racer 7, so splitting time between my Mountain IPA and Racer 7. Vacation suits me, I need to retire. LOL. Rock ON!!!!!!!

 

[BongoYodeler]

Pulled a sample of my 9% imperial stout, brewed back in February. Coming along nicely.

 

[camonick]

A HB brown ale from @Section1 .
This is a great beer. Well done.

 

[ThirstyPawsHB]

Fantastic 6x hopped DIPA in appropriate glassware