Best 12 Breweries in Madison WI: A Guide to the Top Craft Beer Destinations

ByAnthony Smith Last Updated:

Madison, Wisconsin is a city that is known for its vibrant craft beer scene. With a plethora of breweries in the area, it can be difficult to determine which ones are worth a visit. Whether you are a local or a tourist, finding the best breweries in Madison is essential to experiencing the city’s unique flavor.

Craft beer enthusiasts will be pleased to know that Madison has a diverse range of breweries that offer a variety of flavors and styles. From classic lagers to hoppy IPAs, there is something for everyone. In this article, we will explore some of the best breweries in Madison, Wisconsin, and what makes them stand out from the rest. Whether you are looking for a relaxing atmosphere or a lively taproom, we have got you covered.

The Art of Brewing in Madison

Brewing Process

Brewing beer is an art form that requires a delicate balance of ingredients, precision, and patience. The brewing process typically involves four main steps: malting, mashing, boiling, and fermenting.

During the malting stage, grains such as barley are soaked in water and allowed to germinate, which activates enzymes that break down starches into sugars. The grains are then dried and roasted to create different flavors and colors.

In the mashing stage, the malted grains are mixed with hot water to create a mash, which is then heated to activate enzymes that convert the starches into fermentable sugars. The resulting liquid, called wort, is then separated from the spent grains.

The wort is then boiled with hops, which provide bitterness and flavor, and other ingredients such as spices or fruits. After boiling, the mixture is cooled and yeast is added to begin the fermentation process, where the yeast consumes the sugars and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide.

Craft Breweries

Madison is home to a thriving craft brewery scene, with a diverse range of breweries offering unique and innovative beers. Many of these breweries pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients and experimenting with new flavors and techniques.

One such brewery is Black Rose Blending Co., which recently absorbed the well-known Funk Factory Geuzeria. They specialize in blending beers and creating complex, sour beers that are aged in oak barrels. Another popular brewery is Ale Asylum, which has been a staple in the upper Midwest since 2005 and is known for its high-quality classic beers.

Other noteworthy breweries in Madison include Working Draft Beer Company, The Borough Beer Company and Kitchen, One Barrel Brewing Company, and Karben4. Each of these breweries offers a distinct atmosphere and selection of beers, ranging from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and everything in between.

Top Breweries in Madison

Madison, Wisconsin is known for its vibrant beer culture, and there are many breweries in the area that offer unique and delicious brews. Here are some of the top breweries in Madison:

Karben4 Brewing

Karben4 Brewing is a popular brewery in Madison that is known for its unique and flavorful beers. Some of their most popular brews include the Fantasy Factory IPA and the NightCall Smoked Porter. They also offer a variety of food options, including pizza, sandwiches, and salads.

Website: https://karben4.com/

Address: 3698 Kinsman Blvd, Madison, WI 53704, United States

Working Draft Beer Company

Working Draft Beer Company is a brewery that is located in the Williamson-Marquette neighborhood of Madison. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They also have a kitchen that serves a variety of food options, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

Website: https://www.workingdraftbeer.com/

Address: 1129 E Wilson St, Madison, WI 53703, United States

Delta Beer Lab

Delta Beer Lab is a brewery that is known for its experimental and innovative beers. They offer a variety of brews, including IPAs, sours, and stouts. They also have a kitchen that serves a variety of food options, including pizza, sandwiches, and salads.

Website: http://www.delta.beer/

Address: 167 E Badger Rd, Madison, WI 53713, United State

Young Blood Beer Company

Young Blood Beer Company is a brewery that is known for its unique and flavorful beers. Some of their most popular brews include the Hazy IPA and the Cream Ale. They also offer a variety of food options, including pizza, sandwiches, and salads.

Website: https://www.youngbloodbeerco.com/

Address: 112 King St, Madison, WI 53703, United States

One Barrel Brewing Company

One Barrel Brewing Company is a brewery that is known for its small-batch beers. They offer a variety of brews, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They also have a kitchen that serves a variety of food options, including pizza, sandwiches, and salads.

Website: https://www.onebarrelbrewing.com/

Address: 2001 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704, United States

Capital Brewery

Capital Brewery is a brewery that is located in nearby Middleton, Wisconsin. They offer a variety of brews, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They also have a beer garden that is open during the summer months.

Website: https://www.capitalbrewery.com/

Address: 7734 Terrace Ave, Middleton, WI 53562, United States

Giant Jones Brewing Company

Giant Jones Brewing Company is a brewery that is known for its unique and flavorful beers. Some of their most popular brews include the Giant Jones IPA and the Giant Jones Stout. They also offer a variety of food options, including pizza, sandwiches, and salads.

Website: https://giantjones.com/

Address: 931 East Main Street Entrance on, S Brearly St Suite 9, Madison, WI 53703, United States

New Glarus Brewing Company

New Glarus Brewing Company is a brewery that is located in nearby New Glarus, Wisconsin. They offer a variety of brews, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They also have a beer garden that is open during the summer months.

Website: https://newglarusbrewing.com/

Address: 2400 WI-69, New Glarus, WI 53574, United States

Vintage Brewing Co. Capitol East

Vintage Brewing Co. Capitol East is a brewery that is located in the Capitol East neighborhood of Madison. They offer a variety of brews, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They also have a kitchen that serves a variety of food options, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

Website: https://vintagebrewingcompany.com/

Address: 803 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703, United States

The Borough Beer Company and Kitchen

The Borough Beer Company and Kitchen is a brewpub that is located in the Greenbush neighborhood of Madison. They offer a variety of brews, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They also have a kitchen that serves a variety of food options, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

Website: https://www.theboroughmadison.com/

Address: 444 S Park St, Madison, WI 53715, United States

Octopi Brewing

Octopi Brewing is a brewery that is located in nearby Waunakee, Wisconsin. They offer a variety of brews, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They also have a taproom that is open to the public.

Website: https://drinkoctopi.com/

Address: 1131 Uniek Dr, Waunakee, WI 53597, United States

Alt Brew

Alt Brew is a brewery that is known for its gluten-free beers. They offer a variety of brews, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. They also have a kitchen that serves a variety of food options, including pizza, sandwiches, and salads.

Website: https://www.altbrew.com/

Address: 1808 Wright St, Madison, WI 53704, United States

Overall, Madison is home to many great breweries that offer unique and flavorful beers. Whether you’re looking for a classic IPA or an experimental sour, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes in Madison.

Exploring Beer Varieties

Madison, WI is known for its diverse beer scene, with a wide range of breweries offering unique and flavorful brews. Whether you’re a fan of IPAs, dark beers, ciders, or meads, there’s something for everyone in Madison.

IPAs and Hoppy Beers

For those who love hoppy beers, Madison has plenty of options. Ale Asylum, for example, offers a variety of IPAs, including their flagship Hopalicious and the more intense Velveteen Habit. Working Draft Beer Company also has a great selection of hoppy beers, including their popular Hazy IPA and West Coast IPA.

Dark Beers

If you prefer darker beers, Madison has you covered. One Barrel Brewing Company offers a rich and flavorful porter, while Capital Brewery has a delicious Munich-style dark lager. Karben4 also has a great selection of stouts, including their award-winning Silk Scorpion.

Ciders and Meads

For those who prefer something a little different, Madison has a few breweries that specialize in ciders and meads. Black Rose Blending Co. offers a variety of ciders, including their popular Cranberry Apple and Peach Ginger. Bos Meadery, on the other hand, specializes in meads, with flavors ranging from traditional honey to hopped and fruited varieties.

No matter what your beer preferences are, Madison has a brewery that will satisfy your taste buds. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to explore and discover new beer varieties in this vibrant city.

Food and Beer Pairing

Pairing food with beer can be a tricky task, but when done correctly, it can take your taste buds on a journey. Madison’s breweries offer a wide variety of beers, and it can be challenging to know which one to pair with your food. Here are some suggestions for food and beer pairings that will enhance your experience.

Cheese and Beer

Madison is known for its cheese, and many of the breweries offer cheese plates to pair with their beers. When pairing cheese and beer, it’s essential to consider the flavor and texture of both. Here are some suggestions for cheese and beer pairings:

  • Cheddar and IPA: The bitterness of the IPA cuts through the richness of the cheddar, making for a perfect pairing.
  • Brie and Saison: The fruity and spicy notes of the Saison complement the creaminess of the Brie.
  • Blue Cheese and Stout: The bold and rich flavor of the stout pairs perfectly with the pungent blue cheese.

Bacon and Beer

Bacon is a versatile food that pairs well with many beers. When pairing bacon and beer, it’s essential to consider the smokiness and saltiness of the bacon. Here are some suggestions for bacon and beer pairings:

  • Smoked Bacon and Rauchbier: The smokiness of the bacon pairs perfectly with the smokiness of the Rauchbier.
  • Maple Bacon and Brown Ale: The sweetness of the maple bacon complements the nutty and caramel notes of the Brown Ale.
  • Pork Belly and Belgian Dubbel: The richness of the pork belly pairs well with the malty sweetness of the Belgian Dubbel.

Poutine and Beer

Poutine is a Canadian dish that has become popular in Madison. It’s a dish made with french fries, cheese curds, and gravy. When pairing poutine and beer, it’s essential to consider the saltiness and richness of the dish. Here are some suggestions for poutine and beer pairings:

  • Classic Poutine and Pale Ale: The bitterness of the Pale Ale cuts through the richness of the gravy and cheese curds.
  • Bacon Poutine and Porter: The smokiness of the bacon pairs perfectly with the chocolate and coffee notes of the Porter.
  • Mushroom Poutine and Saison: The earthy and spicy notes of the Saison complement the mushroom gravy.

Pairing food and beer can be a fun and exciting experience. With these suggestions, you can enhance your experience at Madison’s breweries.

Experiencing Madison Breweries

Madison is home to some of the best breweries in Wisconsin, offering a variety of craft beers that cater to every palate. Visitors can experience the unique flavors and atmosphere of the city’s breweries through tasting rooms, tours, and outdoor dining.

Tasting Rooms

Madison’s breweries offer tasting rooms where visitors can sample their brews and learn about the brewing process. These rooms are designed to provide a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for visitors to enjoy the beer and socialize with friends. Many breweries offer flights of beer, allowing visitors to taste a variety of beers and find their favorites.

Tours

Brewery tours are a great way to learn about the brewing process and the history of the brewery. Visitors can see how the beer is made and learn about the ingredients used to create the unique flavors. Many breweries offer guided tours that include a tasting of their beers. Visitors can also take self-guided tours to explore the breweries at their own pace.

Outdoor Dining

Madison’s breweries offer outdoor dining options that allow visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the city while sipping on their favorite beer. Many breweries have outdoor patios where visitors can relax and enjoy the fresh air. Some breweries also offer food trucks or have their own restaurants on-site, providing a variety of food options to pair with their beers.

Beyond Madison

While Madison has a thriving craft beer scene, there are also some excellent breweries located outside of the city worth checking out.

Milwaukee, located about 80 miles east of Madison, is known for its rich brewing history and modern craft breweries. Some of the best breweries in Milwaukee include:

  • Lakefront Brewery: This award-winning brewery offers tours and tastings of its popular beers, including the Riverwest Stein Amber Lager and the New Grist Gluten-Free Pilsner.
  • Good City Brewing: Known for its hoppy IPAs and Belgian-style beers, Good City Brewing has two locations in Milwaukee and offers a rotating selection of seasonal brews.
  • Third Space Brewing: With a spacious taproom and outdoor patio, Third Space Brewing offers a variety of year-round and limited-release beers, including the Happy Place Midwest Pale Ale and the Unite the Clans Scottish Ale.

Chicago, located about 150 miles south of Madison, also has a vibrant craft beer scene. Some of the best breweries in Chicago include:

  • Half Acre Beer Company: This popular brewery has two locations in Chicago and offers a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including the Daisy Cutter Pale Ale and the Big Hugs Imperial Stout.
  • Revolution Brewing: With a focus on bold and flavorful beers, Revolution Brewing has several locations in Chicago and offers a wide range of styles, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers.
  • Goose Island Beer Company: One of the most well-known breweries in Chicago, Goose Island offers a variety of classic and experimental beers, including the Bourbon County Brand Stout and the 312 Urban Wheat Ale.

Whether you’re exploring the breweries of Milwaukee or Chicago, there are plenty of options for beer lovers beyond Madison.