*This is the thirty-first post in an on-going chronicle dubbed the Great Wisconsin Brewery Tour. Follow the journey here.*
8th Street Ale Haus in Sheboygan. All photos by Joe Powell.
8th Street Ale Haus
1132 N 8th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 208-7540
Visit date: 10/18/15
Quick Hits:
1) How many different beers?
3 on tap, ~20 recipes
2) How long operational?
6 years as a pub, 2 years brewing
3) Why? (here, this, etc)
Owner of family-run pub decided to incorporate his home brewing passion
4) Distribution?
A few bars & venues in Sheboygan
5) What sets you apart?
“Such small batches allows for experimentation.”
6) How did you get your name?
Located on 8th Street, features 31 drafts beer options
The 8th Street Ale Haus was a surprise addition to the Great Wisconsin Brewery Tour: we only found out about it when the owner of another Sheboygan brewery sang their praises. We’re definitely guilty for not noticing 8th Street sooner, as they’ve been serving thirsty Sheboyganeers a selection of their own brews for two years, in addition to providing an impressive array of other craft taps .
The bar features 31 different taps, including 3 of their own.
8th Street serves a full menu in both their restaurant space and at the bar, much of which we gladly indulged in while watching a Packer game. The whole space has a noticeable German theme, which owner Randy describes as an homage to Sheboygan heritage. Smiling, he commented how they like to “do things local,” which was evident in the friendliness of the patrons and in notices around the bar for upcoming local shows and game nights.
I did not expect the beautiful, 20-foot long Neuschwanstein Castle painting.
The beer is brewed in a 1-barrel system next door and is only served in a few local establishments. $8 snagged us a sampler of 4, including their own 3 they had on tap that day.
8th Street Pumpkin
Malty amber with subtle pumpkin notes.
8th Street Hard Roll Hefe
Fruity, clover-y; refreshing.
8th Street Rebel Kurt the French
A nosey Saison; more bitter than I expected.
Wie schön, mein Bier!
8th Street Ale Haus, while a polished pub establishment, still exuded a small-town feeling. Perhaps it’s because the brewing started from the local homebrew club, the Sheboygan Sudzzers; or maybe it’s because, as Randy said, “it’s a family affair.” Whatever the case, 8th Street Ale Haus is a comfortable spot for a local brew, and we’ll certainly never make the mistake of overlooking them again.
Let’s bury the hatchet over a cold one. Prost!