*This is the thirty-third post in an on-going chronicle dubbed the Great Wisconsin Brewery Tour. Follow the journey here.*
Fox River Brewing Company in Oshkosh, WI. All photos by Joe Powell.
Fox River Brewing Company
1501 Arboretum Dr
Oshkosh, WI 54901
(920) 232-2337
Visit date: 11/13/15
Quick Hits:
1) How many different beers?
4 year-rounds and 10 rotating seasonals all on tap; 100s since opening
2) How long operational?
1995
3) Why? (here, this, etc)
Local brothers wanted to start a restaurant and brewing group in the Fox Cities.
4) Distribution?
Bottles in local stores.
5) What sets you apart?
Waterfront location, friendly atmosphere, good food.
6) How did you get your name?
Location on the Fox River.
With beautiful river views and an impressive bar and dining space, it didn’t surprise me that our 33rd Great Wisconsin Brewery stop, Fox River Brewing Company, used to be a high-end restaurant. Though both the restaurant and brewery opened together way back in 1995, recent rebranding and revamping has turned this local hotspot into a casual dining space and sports pub. We enjoyed both areas on our visit.
They brew at both of their locations (Oshkosh and Appleton).
The dining room features plenty of windows showcasing the river and the brewing equipment; here we paired our delicious dinner (fresh perch, recommended) with their 4 standard “BAGO Brews” ($6).
The tables are covered in burlap paper. #CrayonTime
2 Dams Blonde Ale
Foamy blonde, heavier than it looks.
Blü Bobber Blueberry Ale
Light, definite berry taste, 3 actual berries floating.
Marble Eye Scottish Ale
Nutty, slight smoke, easy finish.
Crooked Dock Pale Ale
Hop-forward, soft of piney.
To fill the gaps around the fresh fish in our stomachs, we moved on over (down the hall) to the funky tap room to try four more seasonals ($6 sampler).
Quiet Brown
Malty, tangy brown ale.
Strong Rye Scotch Ale
Not too-strong, but noticeable rye nose.
Vixen’s Vanilla Cream Ale
Very creamy, almost like a creme soda.
Damien Imperial Wheat IPA
Clear winner; impressive taste, fruity notes, heavy alcohol.
Fox River Brewing Company is an impressive outfit from their restaurant, to their bar, to their respectable selection of on-site brews. We saw their bottles in multiple stores during our trip to the Fox Cities; though I have to say the on-draft experience (only found at their two locations) was superior. Either way, you’re going to be drinking a local beer brewed with years of experience – a perfect fit for the crowds up nort’ looking for quality.
