Waukesha, Wisconsin
Crusin' Rating: C+
Booze Rating: B-
This week I am taking The Thirsty Troll and a new reviewer, The Karaoke Kid, out to Waukesha, Wisconsin to check out North Pillar Brewing. Occupying the remains of a long-gone historical site of a brewery (Weber Brewery) - North Pillar makes a home for itself in a large space right off of North Street in a historic building just minutes from downtown. Surprisingly enough - this is yet another brewery we’ve stumbled upon that’s been open for less than a year - opening in January 2024!
With the mantra “beer for the neighbors” North Pillar features a large space with seating for at least 70, yard games available to play inside, a projector screen, event space, and outdoor patio. Stark white pillars, the brewery’s namesake sit in neat rows and reminded me slightly of some by-gone art deco building. The three of us took a seat outside on the patio since the weather was so nice even though there were several couches inside that looked quite comfy. I snagged a flight to begin reviewing and The Thirsty Troll and The Karaoke Kid each snagged the first of their pints. While the brewery doesn’t have food, there was a food truck parked outside. If I had one quibble it’s that the patio gets fairly loud in between the street and the food truck generator.
We all got a kick out of the cornhole and other outdoor games located inside and thought it was a smart use of the ample space, being able to enjoy some of those games as the weather turns cold is going to be a fun surprise. Since the space is so big, it does give the impression of it being emptier on a Saturday afternoon. In reality I counted 30 people well spaced out on various couches and outdoor picnic tables.
On to the beer!
Forward Pass (5.0% ABV) - This blonde ale was the Karaoke Kid's go to; snagging three throughout our visit and stating that it was “pretty good on warm day”. This beer featured brilliant clarity and was rich golden in color with the aroma of honey malt with just a little breadiness in there if you looked. This beer featured softer malt and honey sweetness, with a little bit of fuzzy bitterness and ended sweetly. Totally serviceable for an easy sipper.
Haus Saus II (6.5% ABV) - This imperial IPA had lots of citrus on the nose, primarily lime, orange, and a low lemon zest. Pasty gold with no clarity, this IPA sported similar notes of lime, tangerine and I thought I picked up a little coconut toward the end before a resinous finish. I think there could have been more coconut in here and I know Hannah would deem this one too bitter for her tastes. The Thirsty Troll said this one was “alright.”
Recess Time (6.0% ABV) - This sour with Tangerine and Hibiscus poured the color of ruby grapefruit juice - that orange-pink and was plenty cloudy. With a noticeable aroma of lactic acid, grapefruit flesh, orange and tangerine. The flavor here was of sour red hard candies and orange-tangerine Tropicana juice. I thought this was a little on the acidic side for me, but I’m sure that Hannah would enjoy it. The Thirsty troll actually picked this as his final pint.
Time to Sangria (6.5% ABV) - This sour is made with Syrah grapes. I can say beyond a doubt that Hannah would love this beer and I actually attempted to buy some of it to take home. Unfortunately, it will be a few months before they have products canned to sell which is too bad, but I might sneak back to snag some! This beer was a mauve plum color and had notes of red berries and blackberry jam when smelling. I got lots of red jammy notes, sourness, and even some tannin content here. While it may have been missing some of the deeper notes of brandy or even some of the citrus sometimes present in a sangria - this was a treat. I would make the trip from Milwaukee to snag a four pack of this.
In sum, this is a new spot and it’s only been open a couple of months. From what I have seen though, the staff was nice, and this would make a nice, laid-back spot to catch a Badger game or some other event - even the Olympics. I would make a trip just to snag some of the Time to Sangria and I may even go out of my way en route to Milwaukee from Madison to purchase some. I think if you’re in the Milwaukee area, this is a brewery that you should keep your eye on as their space continues to evolve and they continue to improve their beer game. To have a beer this early on that I really [and Hannah would] enjoy is promising.
Until next time, keep on crusin’, don’t stop boozin’!
To learn more about North Pillar Brewing please visit their website: www.northpillarbrewing.com or on Facebook: North Pillar Brewing Co. or on Instagram: @NorthPillarBrewing
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