Wisconsin loves beer so much that even the smallest towns have breweries

Breweries have become the social center for Wisconsin small towns. Turns out, size doesn't matter when it comes to a community's appreciation of fresh beer.

Two of the state's best known breweries were started in small towns: New Glarus Brewing is at 2400 State Highway 69 in New Glarus, which boasts a population of 1,363; and Central Waters Brewing, 351 Allen St., makes its barrel-aged beauties in Amherst, population 1,039. 

If you're traveling Wisconsin this summer, here are six breweries in small towns (populations under 5,000) that are worth a stop.

Driftless Brewing Co., Soldiers Grove

Driftless Brewing has been selling its beer for years, but it was hit and miss on visiting the brewery. Now it has a bigger brewhouse, more beer and a taproom that welcomes patrons to sit down and take a sip. Local is the key word for Driftless beers. For example, the Local Buzz Blonde Ale is made with Wisconsin-grown hops and Kickapoo honey.

More info: Find it at U.S. 61, 102 Sunbeam Blvd. W. It's open 3 to 9 p.m. Friday and 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Dave's Brewfarm, Wilson 

If you're meandering toward Minneapolis, Dave's Brewfarm is worth the side trip. The farm is the place where Dave Anderson, who trained at the Siebel Institute of Technology in Chicago, creates beer magic using unique flavors like sour orange and basil. Grab a glass in the taproom then head out to the picnic tables in the field outside the door. Don't forget a picnic lunch.

More info: Find it at 2470 Wilson St. It's open from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday every other weekend, but check the website (davesbrewfarm.blogspot.com) before heading in that direction.

Beer Near: A guide to Wisconsin breweries

Cercis Brewing, Columbus

Imagine what you can do with an old automobile and farm equipment dealership. The four owners of Cercis created a brewpub with high ceilings and antique windows. Come for the food and beer. Stay for the live music or the Brewers games on television.

More info: Cercis is at 140 N. Dickason Blvd. It's open 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. 

Hubbleton Brewing, Waterloo

Lori and Dan Schey and son Mike opened as a three-barrel brewery in 2017 in the garage just across from the couple's tidy home in unincorporated Hubbleton. The brewery and tiny taproom is in front of a corrugated shed they used to harvest hops on the farm, but the brewery has taken over the hops farm. The Scheys have added on to the brewery inside and out since they opened. There's more brewing and taproom space, and this year they constructed a covered beer garden on the grounds.

More info: Find it at W10445 Hubbleton Road. The taproom is open 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Rocky Reef Brewing, Woodruff

Nothing beats a beer after a day in the Northwoods. And if that's the case, you're in the right place. Rocky Reef doesn't dole out your grandfather's beer — it's fresh craft brew all the way. Fruited blackberry lemon kettle sour, anyone?

More info: Rocky Reef is at 1101 1st Ave. It's open from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Omega Brewing Experience, Omro

You can't miss Omega. It's the only small batch craft brewery and tasting room in downtown Omro. This, friends, is what you can do with a former butcher shop. Note the butcher block bar top, built as an homage. Order Smokin' Stout, a maple-bacon breakfast milk stout, or the house Pilsner.

More info: Omega is at 115 E. Main St. It's a family business and is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

For an interactive list of Wisconsin breweries, visit jsonline.com/beernear.

Contact Kathy at (414) 224-2974 or kathy.flanigan@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @katflanigan.

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