*This is the thirtieth post in an on-going chronicle dubbed the Great Wisconsin Brewery Tour. Follow the journey here.*
Starboard Brewing Company in Sturgeon Bay. All photos by Joe Powell.
Starboard Brewing Company
151 N 3rd Ave
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
(920) 818-1062
Visit date: 10/17/15
Quick Hits:
1) How many different beers?
6 on tap, ~90 total made
2) How long operational?
1 year
3) Why? (here, this, etc)
Owner homebrewed and wanted a high-profile spot.
4) Distribution?
None, only available at tap room.
5) What sets you apart?
Nano-brewery (1 barrel system), “we cover a whole lot of ground.”
6) How did you get your name?
Owner is a professional shipbuilder.
The bar is the focal point of the tap room.
Though Door County is known for its cherries, wineries, and quaint towns, it’s the gateway city of Sturgeon Bay that brought us in for the local beer. Starboard Brewing Company is an extension of this regional capital’s heritage: heavily nautically-themed, homey, and just a bit wild.
It was very much the local watering hole.
The location is ideal, highly-visible on Sturgeon Bay’s main drag. The sea-faring theme was heavy, but the mood light. Our group cozied up on some lounge chairs near the front and busied ourselves with wooden puzzles while sipping on 6 house samplers ($12).
A photogenic group (note: this was taken after 5 wineries and a street festival).
Warwick IPA
Quite bitter, very hop-forward.
Sugar Barge Cream Stout
Heavy coffee taste stays in the nose.
The Demer’s Charm Strong Belgian Ale
Hint of tripel-style caramel.
Vlad the Neck English Bitter
Surprisingly-subtle bitterness, fruity aroma.
Playdate Saison
An explosion of citrus.
Holy Matrimony Double Brown Ale
Slightly bitter, malty aftertaste.
The sampler was full of variety, as each beer had a distinct, interesting, heavy character to it. Clearly time and effort had been put into each; a sailor’s brew, if you will. Starboard Brewing Company is sure to make waves up in the bay area if they keep their course using a small-batch style. As described by assistant brew master/manager, Steve, they are “the sprinters of the beer world.”