A couple of years ago I spent a few hours scrolling through a couple dozen beer-related Web sites and noticed that all of them, despite their claims to be the most complete and accurate, had a lot of outdated information on them. Some of the breweries listed had been out of business for eight years or more.
That’s typical of the Internet philosophy — put up a Web site and then forget about it.
This led to the first glimmerings of a project that is now reality — the “Beer Man’s Wisconsin” book, written by yours truly.
This all-color, 76-page book, retailing for a measly $7.95, is best described as a snapshot of the current brewing industry in the state. The main information in it is a list of all the state’s brewpubs and breweries, current as of this summer. Did you know that in the 1970s, there were only six breweries left in the whole state? There are now more than 70 breweries or brewpubs making beer, truly making this the second Golden Age of Wisconsin brewing (the first being the mid to late 1800s).
The book also contains my columns that were specific to Wisconsin beers, which have been reworked and expanded to include an overview of the brewery’s lineup, as opposed to just one beer. The book also has chapters on Wisconsin beer history, styles, homebrewing, beer searching, festivals, tours and more.
Will it provide a harrowing descent into the deep dark recesses of the human pysche? Be opted by Scorcese or Spielberg for a Summer 2011 widescreen release? No. But it will certainly make a great stocking stuffer or gift for the beer obsessed.
While more retail locations will be added in the coming weeks, the book is now available at most Festival Foods and Woodman’s locations in the state; Flanagan’s Liquor Store and Darboy Corner Store in Appleton, Rowland’s Calumet Inn in Chilton, Point Brew Supply in Plover, Corks and Caps in Greenville, Pritzl’s Trading Post in Nekoosa, and Little Norway, Van Dyke’s and Country Comforts in Scandinavia.
It is also for sale in the lobby of The Post-Crescent and that of other Gannett newspapers in Wisconsin and online at www.greenbaypressgazette.myshopify.com.
I’ll be doing book signings here and there around the state in the coming months, which I’ll announce in the weekly column. In the meantime, keep drinking good beer.
Retailers interested in carrying the book can contact Kelly at The Post-Crescent at 920-993-1000, ext. 7430.
