Brews on the trip

Erin and I didn’t make beer tourism as much a part of our recent trip as we have done in the past; instead we elected to keep Madelyn happy by shaping our travels around children’s museums and the like. But I did get a chance to have some very good beer on our travels:

Huber Bock: I had this on a whim because the menu at Maggies (next trip post) said it was “cheap but good.” Well, it was cheap.

Point Cascades Pale: we were in Stevens Point, so I decided to buy local. Far better than any other Point beer I’ve had, good on hop taste and aroma though it didn’t measure up on bitterness, and it was on the weak side malt-wise.

Bells Two Hearted Ale: I’ve had this quite often, but when I saw it in an otherwise poorly stocked cooler in a Bayfield store, I had to get it. Lovely.

Ale Asylum Hopalicious: had this with breakfast the day we left Madison–yeah, it was early, but the Come Back In (who serves for our hotel) had it on tap. I couldn’t resist. Fantastic beer: hoppy in every way, with snappy citrus aroma, excellent flavor, and lasting bitterness. If we make it back to Madison this summer, I’m buying a case.

But our main beer stop was the Great Dane, where I had some fantastic beer on the patio, followed by a few more at the bar when Erin went for ice cream. I sampled all of their seasonal beers; Even the styles I didn’t care for (Maibock, another summery lager) were true to form. My four favorites:

• New Peculiar: from cask. Rather close to the original by Theakston’s, even the slightly metallic ring of a British ale. Maybe a little less body, but certainly a good choice for late Spring.
• Cask Bitter: outstanding. Creamy and crisp, cellar temperature, with a light frothy head that rode all the way down the glass. Not at all overhopped, as is often the case when Americans make bitter.
• Old Glory American IPA: Not as hoppy as the Hopalicious, but still a fine beer. Very clean and crisp. Pale ale like I like to make it.
• Stone of Scone Scotch Ale: the barkeep’s favorite. I can see why; it was malty and bold, with a little nose of alcohol, and a full body. A touch of smokiness and earth to compliment the caramel.

Next time we’re in Madison, I think we’ll veer from the Dane to Ale Asylum. Gotta spread the love, and if their other beers measure up to Hopalicious, it’ll be worth it.