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A thirst for craft beer in Sauk City

After helping to launch the Woodshed Ale House in Sauk City in 2013, Madison’s Vintage Brewing Company is now hoping to add a full-fledged brewpub there, on a site along the west bank of the Wisconsin River. Representatives of Vintage are working with an architect and officials from Sauk City on plans.

Woodshed, which does not brew its own beer, sells nearly 98% craft beer brands, according to Vintage co-owner Trent Kraemer. That proved to Vintage’s team of owners that there’s an audience for craft beer in the area.

Vintage opened its Madison brewpub on Whitney Way in 2010 and the campus-area Vintage Spirits & Grill in 2002.

Initial plans for the Sauk City pub call for a 30-barrel brewing system, nearly twice the size of the west Madison brewpub; it will feature a similar menu. As envisioned, the new two-story Vintage will have river views. Kraemer also intends to provide banquet and catering services.

Vintage Brewmaster Scott Manning is hopeful the Woodshed Ale House can remain open and connected to the new Vintage, possibly as an outlet for his growing interest in barrel-aged beers.

The new Vintage will be part of Sauk City’s riverfront revitalization efforts. “It’s nice being in a small community that is so much behind us,” says Kraemer.

Beers to watch for

The Great Dane Pub at Hilldale has MudLuscious, a dark, 9.5% ABV Russian imperial stout made with British malts and hops. It should be at the pub’s Fitchburg and Jupiter Drive locations later this month.

Sprecher Brewery is introducing a beer called Hard Apple Pie. Brewery president Jeff Hamilton says it’s reminiscent of eating a slice of homemade apple pie — albeit one bottled at 5% ABV.

Robin Shephard

Titletown Brewing sent its first six-packs to Madison in the past week. Trixie’s Liquor got about 20 cases each of Green 19 IPA and Johnny “Blood” Red Irish ale. However, Madison won’t see widespread deliveries for another few months.

Lakefront Brewery of Milwaukee is out with a new organic beer, a Belgian pale ale called Growing Power. A portion of sales go to support the Milwaukee-based non-profit Growing Power, which oversees community gardens and urban farms.

Robin Shephard Tanner Brethorst (left) of Port Huron and Peter Gentry of One Barrel Brewing.

Port Huron Brewing of Wisconsin Dells and One Barrel Brewing of Madison have teamed up to make Million Dollar Smoked Maibock, on tap at One Barrel and in the Port Huron tasting room through May. It has smooth German malt character and finishes at 7% ABV.