After an unprecedented year in Milwaukee microbrewing in 2016 and a steady wave of breweries opening at the beginning of 2017 (including Westallion, Broken Bat, City Lights, Explorium, and Eagle Park), it seems as if there’s something of a lull in new beer makers throwing themselves into the suddenly-crowded market these days. Honestly, it’s been weeks since a new brewery has opened in Milwaukee! That brief period of relative inactivity will end this weekend with the official opening of 1840 Brewing Company.
Back in November, we told you about the so-called “urban farmhouse brewery” coming to Bay View. Owners and husband-wife team Kyle and Stephanie Vetter will specialize in aged beers, some of which will use wort. After their projected spring opening came and went, 1840’s beer is finally ready to be tasted at the brewery’s first monthly tapping this weekend. The first VIP release will be Friday, August 11 from 5-8 p.m. (with another VIP event taking place between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 13). A public release of 1840’s inaugural beer will occur from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 12.
That first beer, “Little Daisies,” is a 5.8 percent ABV, wine barrel-fermented mixed culture saison that’s “bursting with tropical fruit flavors like mango and papaya.” The brewery—located at 342 E. Ward Street—will release a new beer the second weekend of each month in its approximately 80-capacity space. The next releases are scheduled for September 8-10 and October 13-15.
Oh, and in other brewing news: Gathering Place Brewing is opening in Riverwest on August 19.