Since getting their feet wet in the craft beer market half a year ago, it’s no surprise Wine Cellar of Wisconsin would have high aspirations for hosting a tasting amid the frenzy of summer beer events. After I visited the spacious 
location on Bluemound Road in Elm Grove, Wisconsin a few months ago and heard of the event, I knew it could have the potential for greatness.
The past weekend I had the opportunity to attend the event with a guest courtesy of the owner Joel whom I thank for the great time! As my friend and I drove there, a bit behind schedule, I contemplated the layout of this event. It was advertised that over 75 beers would be available to try, and despite how spacious the location is, I was unsure of how the logistics would work besides serving outside.
As we pulled up my question was immediately answered. Three tables were lined up outside with people serving beer. I took a glance at the table as we walked in to get our glasses and was content with what I saw. Nothing out of the ordinary opened made it seem like another fest that contained a decent selection of beer I’ve had plenty of times. That was until after we went through our first table which had offerings from Summit, Milwaukee Brewing Co, Left Hand, Big Sky, and Schelle.
After a short stop at an Abita table my mouth began watering at the sight of the next table; beers I haven’t had! Koenings, Chouffe, Dogfish Head Red & White, and some great beers to revisit; Stone Arrogant Bastard and Ruination IPA, DFH 60 and 90 Min. IPA, and Piraat among many others.
Other tables included beers from Laguniats (who had an awesome poster!)
, strategically placed by the bathroom line, Reaper Ale, Potosi, Upland, and Fish Tale Organic beer. The real kicker is that my favorite table during the whole event wasn’t even a beer table. It was Crispin’s Cider table. They had six
different ciders, all of them all-natural with no added sugar. They were spectacular and it was great to try them after constantly seeing them in stores and wondering how good they could be.
I’d consider the event a success simply based on the camaraderie there from the Lagunitas and Crispin reps to a fellow BeerAdvocate member, to some of the store employees including the owner Joel. The beer samples just made it that much better, and all for $15!
My only suggestion would be to group beers with people a bit more familiar with them or bring in more reps with large varieties of their beers. Trying new things is nice, but to have someone able to explain the style or particular beer helps explorers looking for something different. This doesn’t mean none of the servers were knowledgeable, in fact the opposite; most of the servers were. I for one would be happy to volunteer to pour for people at the next event. All in all, the first Beer Fest brought out a lot of good beers for people to try before buying as well as explore new styles which I consider a great time anywhere.
The turnout seemed pretty good as it grew substantially by the time we left (about 2 hours early too!) so let’s hope that next year is even bigger and better!
Cheers Joel, thanks for the good time and thanks to my friend Jason for taking the pictures!
-Andy
