*This is the one-hundred and first post in an on-going chronicle dubbed the Great Wisconsin Brewery Tour. Follow the journey here.*
Hillsboro Brewing Company
815 Water Ave
Hillsboro, WI 54634
(608) 489-7486
Visit date: 03/31/17
Quick Hits:
1) How many different beers?
9 on tap, rotating seasonals.
2) How long operational?
Since 2012.
3) Why? (here, this, etc)
5th generation of family in the area dedicated to reinvesting in the community.
4) Distribution?
Currently kegs in the local area, canning coming soon for the Wisconsin market.
5) What sets you apart?
“We’re a diamond in the rough, really.” – Michelle, our server.
6) How did you get your name?
Located in the town of Hillsboro.
Hillsboro Brewing Company in Hillsboro, WI. All photos by Joe Powell for The Squeaky Curd.
A business started in the midst of a tragedy has helped transform the small town of Hillsboro and the lives of a 5th generation local family. Hillsboro Brewing Company’s flagship Joe Beer is named in honor of its creator, Joe Verbsky, who died in a tragic accident days after crafting the brew and shortly before his son’s brewpub opened its doors.
Today, over 4 years later, HBC has expanded its brewing operation to a nearby building. Yet, they still keep the original historic taproom filled with their beer lineup, a menu of classic American dishes centered on their signature pizzas, and thirsty and hungry patrons ready to indulge in both.
We were happy to oblige, and joined the aforementioned thirsty/hungry hoard.
Joe Beer Porter
So dark in color, but light in body. Like a burnt-chocolate cream ale.
Hillsboro Pale Ale
An infectiously-tasty beer. Flowery & juicy. Darn near perfect.
Leaping Lemur Cream Ale
Prominent cream taste; think a beer-version of a cream soda. Would be great with a burger.
Snappy IPA
A display-case of Citra hops. More “back of tongue” bitter than “nostrily” hoppy.
Irish as Feck Red Ale
Sweet apple and cranberry notes, with heavier body than its light amber color alludes to.
Kickapoo Oil Black Lager
Smooth, roasted malts make you lean into this approachable dark.
Big Hefe
Starts bigger & heavier than most Hefeweizens, but ends with the same smooth banana and clove.
IPL
Bubbly, lingering hops.
Big Jim Bourbon Brown
Delicious. Bourbon is present but not overpowering; it’s used as a supporting cast to a solid Brown. Rare in these types of beers.
On an otherwise quiet main street, HBC was packed with a raucous, friendly dinner crowd. If the population signs hanging on the walls are accurate, this brewery draws a mighty percentage of the town on any given Friday night.
There are historical signs and books scattered about, too, including an impressive collection of classic photographs of Hillsboro (“The Friendly City”) and surrounding areas, tucked between rolling hills and valleys.
Family-run, community-fostered; Hillsboro Brewing Company surprised with an impressive array of beer and a menu worth the drive over the hills.
