A little known but superior brewery in Milwaukee in Sprecher Brewery. Dwarfed by the massive size and promotion of larger breweries in Milwaukee like Miller, Sprecher beer is not widely known outside this community. The unfortunate side is that one of the midwests finest beers and breweries is often overlooked.

Located on the outskirts of the city for the past several years, Sprecher has quietly built up a large support base in the city. This base is slowly growing and is evident by the increasing number of people attending the tours.

When going on the Sprecher tour you won't be awestruck by football field size distribution centers or massive brew kettle like at Miller, but you will be awestruck by the beer itself.

The tour costs $3 and has very limited hours so check before going. In the winter, the tours only run on Saturdays. In the summer, tours are once daily Monday through Friday and also on Saturdays.

The tour itself lasts 35-40 minutes and walks you through the history of the brewery as well as the Sprecher brewing process. You will shown and allowed to taste the barley used for brewing as well as hops. You take a walk through the cooler which displays large fermentation tanks for the brews. You will also take a walk through the bottling and distribution centers. Once again, not as massive and impressive as larger breweries, but more of a down home, family business feeling.

The last portion of the tour consists of the beer garden where the beer tasting takes place. Each person received 3 coupons at the beginning of the tour which allowed them 3 glasses of beer. The first time I took this tour and received my "glass" of beer I was a little disturbed. My glass of beer was about a 4 ounce dixie cup. I soon thereafter realized that this beer packs a powerful punch. From the Black Bavarian to the seasonal brews, each packs it's own unique flavor and powerful punch. Those who prefer not to drink can sample the Sprecher Root Beer or Cream soda. Each as popular in Milwaukee as the real beer.

Sprecher brewery is definitely worth a trip. Not only one of the finest brews, but also one of the finest breweries.



Recommended: Yes