The Madison (WI) area has only 600,000 or so residents. However, this Munich-of-the-Midwest boasts at least 15 breweries, many of which are replete with tap rooms. This density of breweries includes a diversity of beers that rivals those found in much larger cities.
One reason for such a plethora of brewpubs is the heritage and history of the state of Wisconsin. Settled primarily by German immigrants in the 19 th century who brought their skills and traditions with them, nearly every little town had a brewery prior to Prohibition .
Other reason for the abundance of breweries in Wisconsin are the resources and conditions needed for beer brewing. Vast forests provided the wood for coopers to manufacture barrels. Caves and frozen lakes provided a perfect environment for lagering .
Below is a list of Madison-area breweries, including links to their websites and to more information.
Ale Asylum — more about Ale Asylum — .
Great Dane Downtown — more about Great Dane — .
Great Dane East — more about Great Dane — .
Great Dane Fitchburg — more about Great Dane — .
Great Dane Hilldale — more about Great Dane — .
Grumpy Troll — more about Grumpy Troll — .
Gray’s — more about Gray’s — .
New Glarus — more about New Glarus — .
Tyranena — more about Tyranena
Lake Louie — more about Lake Louie — .
Sand Creek — more about Sand Creek — .
Capital — more about Capital — .
Minhas — more about Minhas — .
Vintage — more about Vintage — .
Granite City — more about Granite City
For more about beer….
For more about a Madison-area brewery daytrip….