*This is the one-hundred and thirty-fifth post in an on-going chronicle dubbed the Great Wisconsin Brewery Tour. Follow the journey here.*
Bullquarian Brewhouse
1128 17th Ave
Monroe, WI 53566
(608) 426-6720
Visit date: 11/10/2017
Quick Hits:
1) How many different beers?
10 on tap always, 18 total brewed.
2) How long operational?
Since May 22, 2017.
3) Why? (here, this, etc)
Background in homebrewing in Madison for 20+ years.
4) Distribution?
Taproom for now, with some distribution at festivals and city events.
5) What sets you apart?
Coffee-shop atmosphere.
6) How did you get your name?
Owners are a Taurus (bull) and Aquarius.
Bullquarian Brewhouse in Monroe, WI. All photos by Joe Powell for The Squeaky Curd.
Little Monroe, WI is still big enough to be home to two different breweries, and though Bullquarian Brewhouse can’t compete with the 10th largest American brewery down the street in terms of volume, they can draw in the crowds with quality and quirk.
“We have a nice, relaxed atmosphere here. It’s like a coffee shop where we serve beer.” – Ethan, bartender
Bullquarian’s taproom isn’t too small, but it was comfortably-full when we rolled in on a cold Friday evening. I was struck by how felt more like a small-town coffee shop, or a corner diner, rather than a brewery. A group of young men were debating best beers in one corner, while a few older couples lounged around a board game in back. We grabbed a flight near the front.
Constellation Blonde
Bubble-gum beer. As odd as that sounds, I couldn’t keep it out of my hand.
Hibby’s Wit
Dat sweet wheat doh. Obvious nods to Belgian Saisons, but unique in its fluffy mouthfeel.
L.D. Watson’s 80 Shilling Ale
Smooth & dark, with a friendly nose and Scotch-like finish.
Beta Tauri Pale Ale
Difficult to express the precision in this Pale Ale. It’s a nigh-perfect combination of hops on a settled bed of malt. Definite crowd-pleaser.
Mutant Centennial IPA
Juicier than it is hoppy, but hoppy enough to invite in the IPA drinker among you. Well-executed.
Erv’s Dark
A dark chocolate bar, melting in your mouth. Leaves your tongue tingling.
Pleione Porter
My mind races to roasted caramel, kettle-fired popcorn, and late-night coffee runs. This will be your nightcap.
This neighborhood gathering place regularly hosts local and regional musical acts, but also converts easily into a quiet space for contemplation over a cold draught.
Bullquarian Brewhouse is only producing on a 2-barrel system, sitting them squarely in the “nano-brew” category. But when each beer pouring out of the tanks is of such high quality, and enjoyed by the eager and engaged locals setting up residence in the front taproom, size becomes less of an issue. They can be small and still cast their own shadow as a Monroe brewery.
