9 of Wisconsin’s Coolest Breweries

Did you know? Wisconsin has over 15,000 lakes (take that, Minnesota), and nearly as many breweries. For real, though. If you search for “Wisconsin breweries” online, there are enough results to make your head spin. So, we’ve assembled our favorite, coolest, most beloved Wisconsin breweries just for you!

1| Capital Brewery
7734 Terrace Ave., Middleton, WI 53562
capitalbrewery.com

Founded in 1984, Capital Brewery’s mission was to bring traditional German-style lager beer to the U.S. Since then, they’ve added American ales, barrel-aged brews, and IPAs. You might recognize their best seller: Capital Amber. Head to Middleton to enjoy the Bier Garten, Bier Stube, and Grain Room.

2| Tyranena Brewing Company
1025 Owen St., Lake Mills, WI 53551
tyranena.com

A microbrewery with a hint of mystery, Tyranena Brewing Company takes its name from a “series of stone structures and effigy mounds on the edge of the lake.” Their flagship beers include Three Beaches and Bitter Woman, and offer a tasting room and beer garden for visitors.

3| Ale Asylum
2002 Pankratz St., Madison, WI 53704
aleasylum.com

If you’re thirsty for something a little different, North Madison’s Ale Asylum has an interesting credo. “We use no additives, preservatives, fruit, horse hooves, fish guts, or extracts. Our ingredient list: water, malt, hops, and yeast. This is what we mean when we say our beer is FERMENTED IN SANITY.” Sold? Then head to their tasting room and go a little crazy.

4| Central Waters Brewing Co.
351 Allen St., Amherst, WI 54406
centralwaters.com

Central Waters Brewing Co. promises to create “a beer for everyone” … and we’re inclined to say they’ve done a good job of that. They have an impressive selection of year-round and seasonal brews, including Honey Blonde Ale, Mudpuppy Porter (we love that one!), Brewhouse Coffee Stout, and Bourbon Pecan Kringle Stout. They also host folks in the tap room and for tours, so there’s truly something for everyone.

5| New Glarus Brewing Co.
2400 WI-69, New Glarus, WI 53574
newglarusbrewing.com

If you live in Wisconsin, you’ve heard of New Glarus. Spotted Cow is sort of the unofficial beer of the state, thanks to superb smoothness, a touch of fruit, and unparalleled drinkability. Two Women and Moon Man are right behind in popularity. Which is your favorite?

6| The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company
123 E. Doty St., Madison, WI 53703
greatdanepub.com

As is true to Madison’s entrepreneurial, collegiate spirit, this popular brew-pub was started by college friends. Since 1994, The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company has expanded to several locations in the Madison area as well as one in Wausau. In addition to house-brewed ales and lagers, The Great Dane’s food is incredible. Make sure to get a side of sweet fried plantains, whatever you do.

7| Stevens Point Brewery
2617 Water St., Stevens Point, WI 54481
pointbeer.com

Year-round brews, seasonal beers, and gourmet soda—that’s what you can expect when you head to Point Brewery. Drinks run the gamut from Concord Grape Soda to nutty, satisfying Snow Pilot Pistachio Nut Brown Ale. Any of Point’s five year-round beers are likely to impress you and anyone in your party.

8| Valkyrie Brewing Co.
234 Dallas St., Dallas, WI 54733
valkyriebrewery.com

Want to drink small? Valkyrie Brewing Co. is an independent, family-owned and operated brewery, and also holds the distinction of being the first microbrewery in the region. Valkyrie says that Dallas, Wisconsin’s water is so soft that any style of beer is easy to make well. There are 14 beers on tap and they offer carryout in bottles, growlers, howlers, and kegs.

9| Potosi Brewing Company
209 S. Main St., Potosi, WI 53820
potosibrewery.com

Originally founded in 1852, Potosi Brewing Company was lovingly resurrected in 2008 to bring beer crafted in small batches back to Potosi’s Main Street. Their core brews include Good Old Potosi, Cave Ale, and Snake Hollow IPA. They also offer seasonal beers, craft soda, and barrel-aged beers. 

Like our Wisconsin breweries list? Explore Milwaukee’s best breweries here or learn all about the history of beer in Milwaukee—because, yep, the Brew City needed its own page! Cheers!