*This is the thirty-fourth post in an on-going chronicle dubbed the Great Wisconsin Brewery Tour. Follow the journey here.*
Stone Cellar Brewpub in Appleton, WI. All photos by Joe Powell.
Stone Cellar Brewpub
1004 S Olde Oneida St
Appleton, WI 54915
(920) 731-3322
Visit date: 11/14/15
Quick Hits:
1) How many different beers?
4 regulars, 7 seasonals on tap. A few dozen per year.
2) How long operational?
January 2005.
3) Why? (here, this, etc)
Local owner used to run a homebrew store, site is historic.
4) Distribution?
Fond du Lac / Fox Cities areas in bottles.
5) What sets you apart?
Quality assurance through a partnership with local Lawrence University is uncommon for a brewery their size.
6) How did you get your name?
Located in the cellar of a historic limestone building.
On the far right of this picture you can see how the building overlooks the Fox River.
Though Stone Arch is the official marketing name for their bottled beer, Stone Cellar Brewpub is where the magic happens. This place oozes history: it’s housed in an 1850s Cream City Brick building built for a brewery overlooking Appleton and the Fox River. In addition, Stone Cellar’s home is the oldest continually operating brewpub in the state.
Stone Arch brewing equipment directly above the Stone Cellar Brewpub.
We found the brewing equipment maxing out their ancient first floor space, where brewer and brand ambassador, Taylor, explained how they’re benefiting from the local university across the river. Though Stone Arch is still a small batch brewer, Taylor told us they’re “doing more than most breweries [their] size” when it comes to quality control. Lawrence University‘s lab helps keep Stone Arch’s fermenting and brewing consistent, regulation other brewpubs could never match.
Stone Cellar is no misnomer; the pub and restaurant are located in a cool, dark basement. We sat at the bar to enjoy our 8-piece sampler ($12), as well as their delicious cheese curds and local Elk-pastrami wrap that truly tied their motto together: “Brewed Naturally, Handcrafted Locally.”
The heavy bricks and beautiful archways make this a cozier cellar than you’d imagine.
Houdini Honey Wheat
“Refreshingly light;” a great tailgating beer.
Marquette Pilsner
Classic, easy-down.
English Six Grain Ale
Barely-there barley nose; dry and light.
Pie Eyed India Pale Ale
True-to-style, slight overbalance on hops to malt.
Pumpkin Spice (seasonal)
Exactly what you’d expect: perfect for getting White Girl Wasted.
Scottish Ale
Caramel sweet. A gateway-Scottish (not overwhelming).
Mark’s Darkside Porter (seasonal)
Intense smoke start, smooth finish.
Vanishing Vanilla Stout
Impressive vanilla taste. Makes it like a milky coffee.
Blonde Root Beer
Great combination of spices, would be great with food.
With its locally-sourced menu and professionally-controlled brews, this cave-like pub won’t be so underground much longer. When it comes to Stone Cellar Brewpub, no one should be above drinking in a basement.