Badger Beer Report

Time for your BAdger brewery report! Greg and Joel have a packed show including:Big news on three breweries set to open in 2025.Details on a brewery actively fundraising and another making major equipment upgrades.The story of a young brewery taking the next step with wide distribution.Plus, we check in on the progress of a brewery construction project.This is audio version. Check our YouTube for video

Chris Drosner, the Wisconsin Beer Baron, has landed the exclusive story: Solemn Oath Brewery of Naperville/Chicago is making a bold cross-state move, announcing plans to open a Milwaukee location in the former 1840 Brewing Company space in Bay View.Drosner sits down with Solemn Oath Owner/Brewer John Barley to discuss the exciting new chapter. The conversation covers:Logistics & Location: Why the 1840 Brewing location at 342 E. Ward St. was the right fit, and the details of bringing Solemn Oath's Belgian-inspired and experimental styles (like their Hidden Hand line) across state lines.Previous Attempts: Barley addresses the brewery's long-standing desire to expand into Wisconsin, including previous attempts and their emotional connection to the state, where both he and his brother grew up.Wisconsin Vision: What the Solemn Oath brand—known for flagship beers like Lü Kölsch and Snaggletooth Bandana IPA—will look like in the Milwaukee market, and how they plan to join the city's rich brewing heritage.This move marks a significant expansion for the highly-regarded Chicagoland brewery and is a major win for the Milwaukee craft beer scene.

Joel sits down with Rick McNabb of Tailwinds Brewing Company. Rick shares the story of how the brewery's name and full concept were inspired by his experience in international travel and the airline industry. They cover everything from the unique ways their beers will be served and the core beer styles that you can expect, to the food service. Find out how Tailwinds plans to connect with the Union Grove community as they prepare for their grand opening. Rick also drops some overseas breweries recommendations!Tailwinds Brewing will open the doors soon in Union Grove Wisconsin. Check their Facebook page for the latest updates.

Hear Greg and Joel interview Bobby Fleshman as they discuss the Fox Valley Lagerfest, McFleshman's major overseas collaboration with Fuller's, and the evolving brewery scene in Appleton. (Excerpt from the October 3rd "Speakeasy Conversations" episode.)

Tune in as Greg sits down with Dave Knuth of Knuth Brewing Co. located in Ripon, Wisconsin. They cover Dave's pre-brewing life, the inspiration behind starting the brewery, and some memorable milestones in its history. Give it a listen!

The Badger Beer Happy Hour is back! Join us for a conversation with Wisconsin Beer Baron Chris Drosner, Chicago's Revolution Brewing Wisconsin representative Maggie Skinner, and Vennture brew co's Simon McConico. This edition of the Mixed 6 will anchored by Greg.We discuss a range of topics, including the rise of N/A and low-ABV beers, the evolution of IPAs, the hyper-local movement, and the business of beer in a changing economy. Plus, we'll get updates on Wisconsin beer style trends and news from Revolution brewing and Vennture Brew Co.(Note: The Badger Beer Happy Hour was previously a Twitter Space that was held once a month.)

Greg talks with Chelsea, the newest member of the Badger Beer Report Crew, in this episode of 'The Mixed 6.' They chat about her past and present experiences with beer.

Layman Brewing is a craft brewery in West Allis, Wisconsin, that aims to be a classic Wisconsin corner bar. Co-owned by Kyle Ida and Sarah Warran, the brewery operates a small, in-house, one-barrel system. Their brewing philosophy is inspired by historical techniques and recipes, focusing on balanced, easy-drinking beers.Enjoy as Joel speaks with Sarah and Kyle about their history, their 'craft beer bar' and their beers.

Join us as Greg sits down with Brewers Association Economist Matt Gacioch to discuss key insights from the 2025 midyear survey and the state of the craft beer industry, including a look at some specific trends in Wisconsin.

Greg is joined by Robyn and Justin from Drinkable Destinations. Formed in Wisconsin in 2017, their travel brand offers international vacations focused on culture, history, food, and beer. They discuss the company's origins, details on their tours, personal anecdotes from trips, and future tours. Greg also geeks out and speaks on Robyn's involvement with the now defunct Madison Craft Beer Week. More info:https://www.drinkabledestinations.com/https://www.facebook.com/DrinkableDestinations

Landon joined Greg to dive into the Wisconsin beer landscape, covering seasonal offerings, industry collaborations, and the vibrant return of local taprooms.

In this episode, Joel sits down with founder Matt Walters to discuss how Cocoon Brewing started, their core brewing principles, the onsite cocoon rental options, and their vision for the future.Cocoon Brewing is in De Pere, WI, just outside of Green Bay.

Greg will share a quick update on the latest from Vault 202, Triple Taproom, and Hop Yard. Joel will report in from the road, with additional brief updates to follow.

Our Great Taste pre-party special featured conversations with the Chairman of Great Taste, the VP of the Madison Homebrewers and Tasters Guild, and a sales representative from Earth Rider Brewing. We discussed the more than 40 scheduled pre-parties, along with essential last-minute suggestions and tips for the Great Taste of the Midwest, held this Saturday, August 8th, at Olin Park in Madison, Wisconsin.

Join Joel as he welcomes Matt Sampson, the force behind Sway Brewing and Blending Company. They explore Sway's intriguing beginnings, uncover why Door County became their home, and discuss what truly defines their approach to brewing.

Tune in for the debut of 'The Mixed Six' with Greg and Joel! They discuss 2025's mid-year highlights: brewery changes (openings/closings), their favorite recent visits, and what they expect for the rest of 2025 in the Wisconsin beer world.

On this podcast episode, Joel's chatting with the incredible team from Earth Rider Brewery: founder Tim Nelson, brewing director Frank Kaszuba, and engaging sales rep Chelsea McKune. They're breaking down everything you want to know – from how their beer gets to you and their founding tale, to the cool Airbnb above the brewery, the buzz of the Fest Grounds and their yearly festival, the awesome stories behind their can art, and what guides their brewing passion.

Chris and Greg discuss the consequences of Act 73 on Wisconsin beer festivals, especially the Great Taste of the Midwest.More info and source of this conversations:https://madison.com/life-entertainment/local/food-drink/article_f8b44b80-b683-4b06-9423-9064e4a00113.html#tracking-source=home-top-story

Get ready for a fresh batch of brewery news! Our latest report is packed with updates from Clockwork, Hop Garden, Bull Falls, Hop Yard, Tailwinds, Boulder Junction, and Vault 202. Don't miss the scoop on Herbiery's reopening and the buzz around Fond du Lac's much-awaited grand opening!

Greg recently sat down with Ryan Verdon, the founder and brewer of Nonic Brewery in Menomonie, WI. They discussed the brewery's origins, how Verdon's education shaped his beer philosophy, the distinctive brewery building, and what constitutes excellent customer service in 2025.(We apologize for the technical difficulties near the 12 minute mark. )