*This is the fourth post in an on-going chronicle dubbed the Great Wisconsin Brewery Tour. Follow the journey here.*
Biloba Brewing Company
18720 Pleasant St
Brookfield, WI 53045
(262) 309-5820
Visit date: 10/04/14
Quick Hits:
1) How many different beers?
10 beers, 1 rootbeer on tap; 18 total beers produced
2) How long open?
Tap room opened April 4, 2014
3) Why? (here, this, etc)
Brewer was president of a malt company, interested in home brewing during retirement. “Wouldn’t sit still.”
4) Distribution?
Beer available on-site. Goal for 600 barrels in first year. Small availability at local restaurants. Bottles coming soon.
5) What sets you apart?
Small-town suburban hangout.
Biloba Brewing Company turned heads opening six months ago in quiet Brookfield. Owner-Jean expected the City to be opposed, but they practically begged for a brewery when she proposed it. It was quite popular when I went on a Saturday afternoon, with the tap room completely full. Our group had a pretzel, though rumor is they allow carry-in food with a foodtruck on Fridays.
It’s a tight space, with tables and a bar in one room and brewing equipment in another. But they serve up plenty of beer; 10 on tap ($4 per) plus a house rootbeer. Naturally I got their sampler ($15 for all 10).
Section 25 (4.5% ABV):
A light Farmhouse Ale, their easy-to-drink intro.
True Love Pale Ale (6.0%):
A dark Pale Ale with hearty hops but low bitterness.
Rye of the Wort (4.75%):
The dark Rye IPA had some clashing spices; not for me.
Mapils (5.5%):
Malty Pilsner with subtle maple undertones.
Kole Porter (6.0%):
Chocolatey Porter, if a tad bitter.
Hefe (6.0%):
One of the best: a cloudy Hefeweizen with creamy banana and clove flavors.
Oktoberfest:
A solid seasonal, malty and flavorful.
Belgian Golden Ale (7.5%):
This Blue-Moonesque beer is tasty, but the hidden ABV will creep up on you.
Dark Side of the Brew (7.5%):
A drinkable Dark Ale.
Touch Down Scottish Ale (6.0%):
“Rich, malty, caramel nose with a subtle smokiness…”
Saison On Oak (6.0%):
Interestingly-sour, dry and smooth like a wine.
Jean (manning bar with apprentice-brewmaster daughter) took a moment to show me the brewing area, explaining how most of their equipment is used (some from a dairy!). They’ve got barrels for aging, as well as experimental firkins. Jean and her husband even grow their own hops!
Biloba Brewing Company is a homey watering hole in a cute and quiet part of Brookfield/Elm Grove. The family running the operation was welcoming, and the beer has a range that will allow anyone to find a right fit.
