Madison makes a lot of great craft beer. Local brewers are constantly tapping their creative juices to drum up crafty collaborations, standout recipes, and fun names for their frothy masterpieces.
We’re raising a glass to five Madison-centric brews with names that draw inspiration from our city’s history, communities, and culture.
Cherry Commuter, One Barrel Brewing Co.
The official beer of Forward Madison FC relaunched in April 2024 with a major game plan: 20% of proceeds from the beer’s sales will support the club’s goal of raising money to help build mini pitches around Madison.
Style + flavor: This 4.8% ABV, red-hued, German-style light ale is made with cherry puree; it’s a spin on One Barrel’s beloved Commuter Kölsch.
1st Settlement Apricot Sour, Great Dane Pub & Brewing
This brew’s name feels like a nod to Madison’s historic First Settlement District, the city’s first residential district to form in 1837 — and the seed for the place we call home.
Style + flavor: This dry, 7% ABV sour beer — fermented with wild yeast + brewed with 100 pounds of apricots — boasts a light tartness and fruity aromas.
Supper Club, Capital Brewery
According to Capital Brewery, this beer pays homage to Wisconsin’s supper club tradition and “goes great with a fish fry, prime rib, or just a relish tray.”
Style + flavor: The 5% ABV classic Wisconsin lager features Northern Brewer hops. It’s a tad bitter, but touted for its drinkability.
She’s Fox Valley Rich, Young Blood Beer Co.
This beer’s name certainly got our attention — a cheeky nod to the Northeast Wisconsin region known for its strong economy.
Style + flavor: This velvety smooth, 6.2% ABV saison uses buckwheat, giving it a spicy note akin to rye. For another little kick, Rishi Cinnamon Plum Tea is steeped into the beer.
Ripped Jeans and Wolf Shirts, ALT Brew
An ode to the “preferred attire” of the brewers behind ALT, we feel like every Madisonian owns (or should own) a majestic wolf-themed shirt. It’s a lifestyle.
Style + flavor: This 6.9% ABV, double dry-hopped, hazy IPA boasts Columbus, Centennial, Citra, and Simcoe hops and is bursting with orange flavor + aroma.
Cheers to you, Mad City.
