Well, it’s finally getting to be that time. Three friends and I have been planning an American Beer – inspired jaunt through the Midwest for some time now. We’re packing our trip into a three day weekend, but still plan to hit some fine places, and drink many fine beers.
We’ll be leaving early on the morning of the 13th, and hopefully pulling into the lovely town of New Glarus, Wisconsin around noon. There we’ll visit the fine folks at New Glarus Brewing Company, tour their beautiful brewery, and load up on their tasty beers, which aren’t available outside of Wisconsin. I’ve been to New Glarus a couple of times, but the rest of the crew has not.
From New Glarus we’re on to Madison, to visit one of my favorite breweries, Capital Brewery. They are a lager specialist, and we can’t get there great beers (or their average ones, pa-dum-bump) down here, so this will be another shopping opportunity. From there it will be beer stores and bars, before settling down for the night at the downtown Madison outpost of The Great Dane, a rather extraordinarily excellent brew pub.
Saturday morning we’re off to Chicago, with a lunchtime stop at Goose Island – Clybourn, followed by a hop across the parking lot to Sam’s for some serious shopping. My in-laws are kind enough to provide us with free accommodations, so we’re free to spend our hard-earned on booze. The evening is up in the air somewhat, but we will certainly hit The Map Room (please, oh please, let the Three Floyds Pride & Joy still be on cask when we get there!), and hope to make it to The Hopleaf as well.
Sunday we’ll head over to Three Floyds itself for a spot of lunch before making the drive home. Time permitting, we may swing by another excellent brewpub, Flossmoor Station, as well.
To say I’m excited would be a complete understatement. Expect a fullish report after the trip – but this one is about relaxing, not blogging.
