Few places on earth are more synonymous with beer than Wisconsin. Names like Pabst, Schlitz, and Miller spread the fame of the state worldwide while many amazing beers were seldom available beyond a 50-mile radius of the brewery. Ranking the most important beers in Wisconsin history is only slightly less controversial than ranking its “best” … [ Read more]
Draught Horses, Distillery Cats, and Hop Yard Sheep: How animals bring you your drinks
In the 1980s, Stroh Brewing Company in Detroit, Michigan, released a memorable series of commercials featuring Alex, a dog that would (with some mishaps) fetch bottles of Stroh’s beer. While this was a publicity stunt, there have been many real-life examples of animals helping to bring us alcoholic beverages throughout history and into the present … [ Read more]
America’s Ice Box: How the frozen lakes and rivers of the North transformed the nation’s brewing industry
Today, “ice harvest” means grabbing a few cubes from the tray in the freezer. But in the 19th century, before modern refrigeration, ice harvesting from frozen lakes and rivers was a major Midwestern industry that required hard labor and careful planning—all to preserve food and lager beer across the country. When immigrants reached the Upper … [ Read more]
Straight from the Source: Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery
Behind the shopping center and suburban sub-development in Waconia, Minnesota, Airport Road changes from asphalt to gravel and offers a reminder of how steeped in agriculture Carver County was even a generation ago. Amidst the farmland is a patch of land on the north shore of Reitz Lake. The southern-facing slope is ideal for growing … [ Read more]