By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor Published Sep 08, 2016 at 10:03 AM

Raised Grain Brewing Company launched its brewery operations and taproom at 2244 W. Bluemound Rd. in Waukesha last September and celebrates its first year in business with an event this weekend that includes a brand new beer release.

Folks can get their first taste of an oak-aged version of the brewery’s Black Walnut Belgian Imperial Stout at the brewery’s taproom on Saturday, Sept. 10 beginning at noon.

And that’s not all.

There will be an outdoor pig roast provided by Butcher’s Catering and a variety of giveaways – including beer, growlers and merchandise – for anyone who manages to kill a keg of their brews during the celebration. Brewery tours will also take place at 2 and 3 p.m.

Since its inception, Raised Grain has released 20 beers, 420 barrels and put its beer on tap at more than 40 locations in the greater Milwaukee area. Three of the beers, including the Black Walnut Belgian Imperial Stout, have also brought home awards from national competitions.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor

As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.