A few weeks ago I was invited on a Big Bay Brewing beer cruise aboard the Brew City II, sailing out of Pere Marquette Park. The mission: Ride on a pontoon boat into Lake Michigan and sample some new beer. Yeah, I can handle this.
Up until this point, I admit I wasn't aware of a new local craft-brew addition to the mix, so I was intrigued. Opening its doors last December on Oakland Ave in Shorewood, Big Bay Brewing currently offers two distinct beers: Boatilla – an Amber Ale – and Wavehopper – a Kolsch style ale – with plans to launch their Long Weekend IPA (described as an English style IPA) as part of their "The Next Wave" series in August.
Next up on the horizon – a mild porter called Portside Ale launching in the fall. It's important to note here that these brews are actually brewed at the Milwaukee Brewing Company in Walkers Point, and are in an alternating proprietorship with MKE Brewing Co.
Adult beverages not your cup o' bier? They currently offer two gourmet sodas: "Pierjumper" – which is citrus in flavor – and "Oh Buoy," a cherry cola. Read tomorrow's article about the sodas here.
I'm not a beer snob by any means, and I drink with my eyes – as do many people. So, what were my initial impressions?
Wavehopper – Yep, it was hoppy for sure, but I'm not sure it's the hoppiest beer I've ever ingested. I originally was thrown off by the color – it was the lighter of the two beers and I thought it would be more along the lines of a "light" beer which I often prefer. I was quickly corrected.
Boatilla – Here is the amber color I was expecting to find. Flavor was fairly balanced and not overpowering, and complimented the light munchies that were on board the cruise. This was easy to drink and reminded me of more traditional amber ale.
Recent accolades for the Wavehopper include the 2011 Firkin Award Winner, and the "Chief of Beers" designation at the 2011 Oshkosh Jaycees Blues and Brews festival.
Big Bay Brewing currently distributes all over Wisconsin and can be found in most local liquor stores/retailers in the area. If you're out on the town and want to sample a pint, head toward the Village Pub, Three Lions, G-Daddy's BBC or Hubbard Park, just to name a few.
Need a sample to wet your whistle? Lucky for you, they have a sampling center at their location in Shorewood. In addition to the sampling area, they also offer a private party space for rent.
Big Bay Brewing can be found online at their website, on Twitter at @bigbaybrewing and on Facebook.
Take a swig and let them know what you think.
Some may call her a digital wizardess. Others may call her a bolt of snark ready to strike. But we like to call her Katie. All ninjas must have a day job, and hers is with advertising agency Boelter + Lincoln in the Third Ward. As "BootyP," her wit, criticism and comedic banter have lit up the Twitter world in Milwaukee - and now she's attacking the blogosphere. Her faithful followers know her no-BS approach to most any topic.
Her snarky-yet professional personality makes her a must-read, must-know person in this city. You can find her 14,500 feet in the air, or walking down the street in a pair of stilettos with a yoga mat strapped to her back.
Want to bribe Katie? Best to deliver massive quantities of Diet Coke, candy (gummy candy more specifically), tea and music her way.
