*This is the eightieth post in an on-going chronicle dubbed the Great Wisconsin Brewery Tour. Follow the journey here.*
Central Waters Brewing Company
351 Allen St
Amherst, WI 55406
(715) 824-2739
Visit date: 10/22/16
Quick Hits:
1) How many different beers?
21 on tap, “100s get cycled through”.
2) How long operational?
Started 1996, 2007 in new space.
3) Why? (here, this, etc)
Room to expand hobby brewery in Amherst. “Perfect” local water sources.
4) Distribution?
Mostly in the midwest, some other states.
5) What sets you apart?
“Lively and fun atmosphere.”
6) How did you get your name?
Located in central Wisconsin, beer’s all about the water.
Central Waters Brewing Company in Amherst. All photos by Joe Powell.
Since 1996, Central Waters Brewing Company has had a number of owners and directions. Although it started as a part-time gig for some avid homebrewers using old dairy equipment in Junction City, CWBC now ships dozens of unique beers out of a soaring-ceilinged brewhouse in Amherst.
Supposedly the change of venue was not just to increase the brewing and sampling space, but also directly led to their current name: Amherst’s water is thought to be some of the best in the state. A tour guide called the local water “perfect” for brewing.
A couple beer samplers let us be the judge.
Honey Blonde
A little tart, very light.
Shine ON Ale
Slight malty taste in a poundable beer.
Ouisonsing Red Ale
That classic red, rusty taste.
Glacial Trail IPA
Hoppy bite, piney aftertaste.
HHG APA
Hops present, but balanced out.
Satin Solitude Imperial Stout
Satisfying nose; classic.
The second half of our beer-sampler journey got hazy. Central Waters is known for their barrel-aging program, and the following six beers got pretty boozy.
Thankfully we had a DD.
(non-aged) Belgian Quad
“Dang it’s tasty.” Cherry, malty.
Rye Barrel Chocolate Porter
Dark chocolate booze.
Slainte Scotch Ale
Friendly to the palate and belly.
Bourbon Barrel Belgian Quad
Like a burn-less bourbon.
Headless Heron Barrel-Aged Pumpkin Spice Ale
Custom-made for fall: pumpkin spice meets Christmas.
De Kleine Dood Weizenbock
A dark, caramel burn.
Over a hundred folks were milling about the CWBC taproom while we were there, and they were also setting up for a private event. There’s a reason so many people traverse out to this rural Wisconsin field: it’s beer worth traveling for. Just make sure you bring a designated driver with you – this “perfect” water packs a punch.
