Yea !!!
Thanks everyone for another great year.
We have produced over 5000 bbls. for the year, beating last years 4007 bbls.
I would like to thank everyone that drank our beers along with all of the people that enjoyed the contract beers that we produce.
Things have been busy around here as of late, we have had the Lions and the local quilters Christmas parties in the last week.
We are now getting ready for the greatest New Years Eve party in history!!
Make your plans now for New Years Eve!
Bring something to snack on and a thirst and we will take care of the rest.
This party is open to the PUBLIC.
Friends, relatives, friends of relatives, people you have never met before....You get the picture.
Any questions feel free to call Jim or Todd @ 715-284-7553.
Hope to see you there!
We will be open Friday night Dec. 26 for the normal FUN.
Open after 3:00 p.m.
As Always,
Todd
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Been kinda busy....
Greetings all
Just a few things going on here at the brewery. We are getting close to releasing our newest Special Reserve 4 pack. This time around it is a twisted up Scotch Ale - heavy on the twist, easy on the Scotch - way crazy on the twist. It is called:
Wisconsin Scottish Ale. We named it in honor of our clansmen and fellow drinkers of the Wisconsin Scottish Society based out of Milwaukee!
I will post up a picture of the label shortly.
Other than that - Todd and Nate have been brewing their prospective noogies off in preparation of a HUGE order of beer which shall be sold through a beer club! (Approximately 4400 cases) The beers that will be featured are the English Style Special Ale and Woody's Wheat!
Mark shall be pouring our fine Sand Creek Products at the "99 Bottles of Beer" premier being held at the Orpheum Theatre in Madison Wisconsin. The event starts at 7pm . Ticket cost is $7.50 ($5.50 student)
Come check out the movie and find out about Wisconsin's Brewing Heritage and catch Todd's witty conversation (ha!)
Oh if you were following the saga of the trademark/label - all is well and the issues have been resolved promptly. Thanks boys.
Just a few things going on here at the brewery. We are getting close to releasing our newest Special Reserve 4 pack. This time around it is a twisted up Scotch Ale - heavy on the twist, easy on the Scotch - way crazy on the twist. It is called:
Wisconsin Scottish Ale. We named it in honor of our clansmen and fellow drinkers of the Wisconsin Scottish Society based out of Milwaukee!
I will post up a picture of the label shortly.
Other than that - Todd and Nate have been brewing their prospective noogies off in preparation of a HUGE order of beer which shall be sold through a beer club! (Approximately 4400 cases) The beers that will be featured are the English Style Special Ale and Woody's Wheat!
Mark shall be pouring our fine Sand Creek Products at the "99 Bottles of Beer" premier being held at the Orpheum Theatre in Madison Wisconsin. The event starts at 7pm . Ticket cost is $7.50 ($5.50 student)
Come check out the movie and find out about Wisconsin's Brewing Heritage and catch Todd's witty conversation (ha!)
Oh if you were following the saga of the trademark/label - all is well and the issues have been resolved promptly. Thanks boys.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Just get out there and.....
VOTE!
Follow your brain -make your own choice.
This has been public service message from your favorite brewery.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Things to do at 4 in the morning
Hi everyone,
Yes, I haven't fallen in to a kettle...yet.
Things have been busy still here at the brewery.
We surpassed last years production a couple of weeks ago, so now the rest is just increase!
Remember the economy is BAD, and people are not spending money.
People will always spend money on things that are good. I had heard yesterday that 7000 toy factories in China closed this year. This was after last years lead paint mess up and the fact that Americans are not buying junk toys at the same rate as they had in previous years.
It all comes down to quality, that is what I strive for everyday.
My boys here at the brewery think I am a big prick sometimes, but It is my livelihood in every bottle and I won't let someone else screw it up.
I'm not saying that I am the greatest boss but I have worker for worse in machine shops over the years!
Last night was the home brewers meeting here at the brewery and it went off without a hitch.
Plenty of new faces and a lively discussion on everything brewing.
They even brewed up a batch for the November 20 pot luck Christmas party.
Looks pretty good to me. A 6% red ale with Cascade and German Select hops.
The recipe is an adaptation of the Sierra Nevada Celebration ale.
I decided to stay over at the brewery last night as the home brewers finished up at 10:00.
Driving home and being back in 3 hours sounded like a waste of time to me.
I wonder..will I get overtime for this? I bet if Obama has his way I will have to "share my wealth" with the others.
If any of "the others" would like to work my schedule they are more than welcome to have a piece of my "wealth."
Jim and Todd at the brewery would like to share their debt load any time with "Joe the plumber."
We work hard for what we have and one of these days we might even be able to get a raise from what we started at 5 years ago. Most small business owners like us roll as much as they can back into the business to get it to grow in the first years, sometime I would like to be able to stop doing that.
Oh yea, Both of my girls have now met Sen. McCain in person. Kir rode with him on the 6 seat train under the US Capital a few years ago and Brit had her picture taken with him in La Crosse.
Today's production is Furthermore Proper followed next week my our first few batches for the "Beer of the Month Clubs". Looks like November will be a very busy month bottling and brewing those beers up.
English Special and Woody's Wheat are on the order, so place your Christmas orders now!
Now for something completely different....
Sherry is back from Germany today so her "cleaning boy Lief" has been hard at work throwing away the beer bottles and pizza boxes he acquired while she was gone!
Ask him to show you where the Musky attacked him last week!
I was also out at Sanburg Valley meats this week to pick up a deer that Rollie processed for us.
Looks like we will have chili this winter for Friday nights.
The plans are also in the works for a brewery Christmas party in December too.
Enough with all of this fun, time to go back to work.
The beer doesn't just make itself !!
Respectively submitted,
Todd
Yes, I haven't fallen in to a kettle...yet.
Things have been busy still here at the brewery.
We surpassed last years production a couple of weeks ago, so now the rest is just increase!
Remember the economy is BAD, and people are not spending money.
People will always spend money on things that are good. I had heard yesterday that 7000 toy factories in China closed this year. This was after last years lead paint mess up and the fact that Americans are not buying junk toys at the same rate as they had in previous years.
It all comes down to quality, that is what I strive for everyday.
My boys here at the brewery think I am a big prick sometimes, but It is my livelihood in every bottle and I won't let someone else screw it up.
I'm not saying that I am the greatest boss but I have worker for worse in machine shops over the years!
Last night was the home brewers meeting here at the brewery and it went off without a hitch.
Plenty of new faces and a lively discussion on everything brewing.
They even brewed up a batch for the November 20 pot luck Christmas party.
Looks pretty good to me. A 6% red ale with Cascade and German Select hops.
The recipe is an adaptation of the Sierra Nevada Celebration ale.
I decided to stay over at the brewery last night as the home brewers finished up at 10:00.
Driving home and being back in 3 hours sounded like a waste of time to me.
I wonder..will I get overtime for this? I bet if Obama has his way I will have to "share my wealth" with the others.
If any of "the others" would like to work my schedule they are more than welcome to have a piece of my "wealth."
Jim and Todd at the brewery would like to share their debt load any time with "Joe the plumber."
We work hard for what we have and one of these days we might even be able to get a raise from what we started at 5 years ago. Most small business owners like us roll as much as they can back into the business to get it to grow in the first years, sometime I would like to be able to stop doing that.
Oh yea, Both of my girls have now met Sen. McCain in person. Kir rode with him on the 6 seat train under the US Capital a few years ago and Brit had her picture taken with him in La Crosse.
Today's production is Furthermore Proper followed next week my our first few batches for the "Beer of the Month Clubs". Looks like November will be a very busy month bottling and brewing those beers up.
English Special and Woody's Wheat are on the order, so place your Christmas orders now!
Now for something completely different....
Sherry is back from Germany today so her "cleaning boy Lief" has been hard at work throwing away the beer bottles and pizza boxes he acquired while she was gone!
Ask him to show you where the Musky attacked him last week!
I was also out at Sanburg Valley meats this week to pick up a deer that Rollie processed for us.
Looks like we will have chili this winter for Friday nights.
The plans are also in the works for a brewery Christmas party in December too.
Enough with all of this fun, time to go back to work.
The beer doesn't just make itself !!
Respectively submitted,
Todd
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
A bit of a rant
I hesitate to post his but since I am generally a pretty easy going guy. As Todd and I run the brewery we tend to be helpful to our fellow brewers. In business, as you may guess, the competition can be pretty fierce. We have always looked at our Craft Brewing business to be somewhat different - a fraternal organization so to speak. When other brewers have had questions we answer them genuinely and with candor. Sometimes it isn't the answer that is being sought but it is at least the truth as we see it or have experienced it. We strive to help out our fellow brewers be it through co-op buying, producing beer, or just simple sharing of information. The COOL thing about this is generally speaking all brewers do the same thing. We share the camaraderie of being part of a small group of guys and gals that have a deep passion for making great beer in our locally owned and operated brewery. I have liked to think we have a strong ethical honor bound thread that follows all of us in our business dealings. We also like to do this because..
Its fun.
Now - you are asking yourself - What does this have to do with the price of tea in China?
You may have noticed that I have posted a picture of one of our products on right side of our blog - Pioneer Pale Ale. As most of you are aware The Sand Creek Brewing Company purchased the Pioneer Brewing Company back in 2004. This included the Pioneer Brand and all of its products. Back in June of this year it came to our attention that a small start up brewery was going to name one of their products "Pioneer Pale Ale". I sent them a rather nice note congratulating them on their start up brewery and politely asked them to remove the references to the Pioneer Pale Ale off of their website since it was a beer that is owned by the Sand Creek Brewing Company.
They responded with an apology, that they would remove the name from the web site and rework the name of their beer. Cool -just what I think a bunch of brewers would do. After all, we are a close-knit fraternal organization - right?
Wrong.
Fast forward to the first week in October. It comes to our attention that the previously still unnamed brewery STILL is using the Pioneer Pale Ale name and has added the TM mark to the name itself. I sent them another note and this time I get back the response:
I don't get it. This is the same brewery that came to us about contract brewing their beer to get them off the ground. This is the same brewery that learned our entire history when they visited us last winter. This is the same brewery who said they would rectify the matter. Wow just..wow.
As a member of a very select and unique group of business owners, I wouldn't think one brewery would do that to another.
Maybe we are a bit to altruistic in our dealings. I sure hope not since it is what makes this micro-brewing business we all love so great. I got into this business after 14 years of working in corporate USA. I saw the good and I saw the bad. I saw in the craft brewing industry something better. We as a small industry grow together and need each other. As more small brewers come into the business more and more people find that craft brewed beers are better, more interesting and the back stories on the places where they are made are pretty darn interesting. I would hate to see a small start up brewery's back story darkened when each and EVERY craft brewery is important to us all.
/rant
I feel better now -
Jim
Its fun.
Now - you are asking yourself - What does this have to do with the price of tea in China?
You may have noticed that I have posted a picture of one of our products on right side of our blog - Pioneer Pale Ale. As most of you are aware The Sand Creek Brewing Company purchased the Pioneer Brewing Company back in 2004. This included the Pioneer Brand and all of its products. Back in June of this year it came to our attention that a small start up brewery was going to name one of their products "Pioneer Pale Ale". I sent them a rather nice note congratulating them on their start up brewery and politely asked them to remove the references to the Pioneer Pale Ale off of their website since it was a beer that is owned by the Sand Creek Brewing Company.
They responded with an apology, that they would remove the name from the web site and rework the name of their beer. Cool -just what I think a bunch of brewers would do. After all, we are a close-knit fraternal organization - right?
Wrong.
Fast forward to the first week in October. It comes to our attention that the previously still unnamed brewery STILL is using the Pioneer Pale Ale name and has added the TM mark to the name itself. I sent them another note and this time I get back the response:
I was not aware of any ownership of the trademark Pioneer Pale Ale. Would you please forward me any evidence asserting ownership of the name?
I don't get it. This is the same brewery that came to us about contract brewing their beer to get them off the ground. This is the same brewery that learned our entire history when they visited us last winter. This is the same brewery who said they would rectify the matter. Wow just..wow.
As a member of a very select and unique group of business owners, I wouldn't think one brewery would do that to another.
Maybe we are a bit to altruistic in our dealings. I sure hope not since it is what makes this micro-brewing business we all love so great. I got into this business after 14 years of working in corporate USA. I saw the good and I saw the bad. I saw in the craft brewing industry something better. We as a small industry grow together and need each other. As more small brewers come into the business more and more people find that craft brewed beers are better, more interesting and the back stories on the places where they are made are pretty darn interesting. I would hate to see a small start up brewery's back story darkened when each and EVERY craft brewery is important to us all.
/rant
I feel better now -
Jim
Cliff Clavin knows his stuff -
I was reading on the web today that alcohol consumption may reduce brain size. I am thinking Cliff from the Cheers TV show was dead on about the buffalo theory.
The article article on the brain shrinkage can be found here
CNN Health News.
You be the judge - I think the Cliff is wise!
Ok more news - Todd is brewing up another batch of our One Planet Ale. Dangerous Dan and Donna will be in Neenah for the brewfest this Friday night. The Tap room will be open for it's usual fun and frivolity on Friday night as well.
I want to shoot a special thanks to Pheasant Ridge and the Rajin' Cajuns who were up for a shoot over the weekend! What a great weekend and much fun was had by one and all. Also, our friend Kevin won the rib cookoff contest on Saturday night!
Talk with you all later
'Well you see, Norm, it's like this . . . . A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Now, as we know, excessive intake of alcohol kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. And that, Norm, is why you always feel smarter after a few beers.
The article article on the brain shrinkage can be found here
CNN Health News.
You be the judge - I think the Cliff is wise!
Ok more news - Todd is brewing up another batch of our One Planet Ale. Dangerous Dan and Donna will be in Neenah for the brewfest this Friday night. The Tap room will be open for it's usual fun and frivolity on Friday night as well.
I want to shoot a special thanks to Pheasant Ridge and the Rajin' Cajuns who were up for a shoot over the weekend! What a great weekend and much fun was had by one and all. Also, our friend Kevin won the rib cookoff contest on Saturday night!
Talk with you all later
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Oktoberfest aftermath
Well another one is in the books! What a great Oktoberfest celebration! This year's attendance was over 1500 strong. It was a gorgeous fall day with bright sunshine and temps about 70 (ish). We were fortunate to have over 20 of the COOLEST looking cars at our first attempt at a shine and show Carshow.
The music was great. Wally Pikal and Harvey started out the entertainment and got the mood set right. At 12:30 - we through in an Celtic twist with having our friends from Atlantic Wave come on up and play till 3:30. Great drinking songs and they even did my favorite the Mull River Shuffle. Last but certainly not least was Gary Brueggen and the Ridgland Dutchmen! Gary was inducted into the Concertina Hall of Fame on the day of our fest and then drove like mad to make our event! They ended our our evening with a full on polka dance going on.
The food and refreshments were flowing well. I do need to take a moment and throw out a huge special thank you to Kevin and Liz from the Tegarosa Cattle Company for making all that smoked goodness for us. Kevin and Liz have been huge supporters of Sand Creek/Pioneer since day one and without their support, efforts, and dedication our little brewery would be diminished greatly. Thanks a ton Kevin and Liz! Additionally this "little" food venue wouldn't have been possible without the efforts of the Pic brothers throwing themselves into the organizing and executing a catering event of no small magnitude. In fact this event wouldn't have been possible at all without the help from a small army of volunteers that help put this festival together. It is a privilege and an honor to have so many friends associated with this brewery, event and community. THANKS!
Moving right along..
Todd is brewing up some beer for our friends and the Fox Deluxe brewing company of Chicago and another batch of our Wild Ride IPA.
Keep in mind that the Saturday tours are now done until next spring. This weekend Dangerous Dan and Donna will be up in Ashland for the big fest up nort.
Be well and have a great week!
PS Only 361 days till Oktoberfest 09 (See the counter!)
The music was great. Wally Pikal and Harvey started out the entertainment and got the mood set right. At 12:30 - we through in an Celtic twist with having our friends from Atlantic Wave come on up and play till 3:30. Great drinking songs and they even did my favorite the Mull River Shuffle. Last but certainly not least was Gary Brueggen and the Ridgland Dutchmen! Gary was inducted into the Concertina Hall of Fame on the day of our fest and then drove like mad to make our event! They ended our our evening with a full on polka dance going on.
The food and refreshments were flowing well. I do need to take a moment and throw out a huge special thank you to Kevin and Liz from the Tegarosa Cattle Company for making all that smoked goodness for us. Kevin and Liz have been huge supporters of Sand Creek/Pioneer since day one and without their support, efforts, and dedication our little brewery would be diminished greatly. Thanks a ton Kevin and Liz! Additionally this "little" food venue wouldn't have been possible without the efforts of the Pic brothers throwing themselves into the organizing and executing a catering event of no small magnitude. In fact this event wouldn't have been possible at all without the help from a small army of volunteers that help put this festival together. It is a privilege and an honor to have so many friends associated with this brewery, event and community. THANKS!
Moving right along..
Todd is brewing up some beer for our friends and the Fox Deluxe brewing company of Chicago and another batch of our Wild Ride IPA.
Keep in mind that the Saturday tours are now done until next spring. This weekend Dangerous Dan and Donna will be up in Ashland for the big fest up nort.
Be well and have a great week!
PS Only 361 days till Oktoberfest 09 (See the counter!)
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Its that time of the year!
Greetings Everyone!
We have had quite the summer with our sales just a booming! So first off I just need to send you all a BIG THANK YOU for your support! Without great beer fans like you we wouldnt be were we are today! Thanks Again!
OK - SO whatcha doing this Saturday?
Hmmm?
Well I have the event for you!
This Saturday the 4th is the 2nd Annual Oktoberfest Celebration being held at your favorite brewery. The event runs from 10am -7pm(ish)
This years events include: a car show, 20 craft vendors, kids games, scavenger hunt, pumpkin and dessert contest, brewery tours, alpacas, specials in the local businesses, and of course great food from the Tegarosa Cattle Company, Beer and Music!
This years entertainment will be provided by:
The Legendary Wally Pikal -10am - Noon.
Atlantic Wave - 12:30-3:30 (Music of Ireland, Scotland and Cape Breton)
Gary Brueggen and The Ridgeland Dutchmen - 4pm - 7pm (Wisconsin's OWN Concertina Kid) (Its also Gary's Birthday!)
If that's not enough.. We are also selling a commemorative 22oz ceramic tankard! It is emblazoned with a nifty Oktoberfest Medallion. We are selling them for $25 bucks with a free fill of beer! All proceeds from the sale of the mugs are going for western Wisconsin flood relief. The really cool thing is that your 3 bucks you were going to spend on that 16 oz beer cup? Yup, you can fill up your BIG mug for the same price!
Well that is all for now. Hope to see you all on Saturday!
Sand Creek Brewing Company
320 Pierce Street
Black River Falls, WI 54615
We have had quite the summer with our sales just a booming! So first off I just need to send you all a BIG THANK YOU for your support! Without great beer fans like you we wouldnt be were we are today! Thanks Again!
OK - SO whatcha doing this Saturday?
Hmmm?
Well I have the event for you!
This Saturday the 4th is the 2nd Annual Oktoberfest Celebration being held at your favorite brewery. The event runs from 10am -7pm(ish)
This years events include: a car show, 20 craft vendors, kids games, scavenger hunt, pumpkin and dessert contest, brewery tours, alpacas, specials in the local businesses, and of course great food from the Tegarosa Cattle Company, Beer and Music!
This years entertainment will be provided by:
The Legendary Wally Pikal -10am - Noon.
Atlantic Wave - 12:30-3:30 (Music of Ireland, Scotland and Cape Breton)
Gary Brueggen and The Ridgeland Dutchmen - 4pm - 7pm (Wisconsin's OWN Concertina Kid) (Its also Gary's Birthday!)
If that's not enough.. We are also selling a commemorative 22oz ceramic tankard! It is emblazoned with a nifty Oktoberfest Medallion. We are selling them for $25 bucks with a free fill of beer! All proceeds from the sale of the mugs are going for western Wisconsin flood relief. The really cool thing is that your 3 bucks you were going to spend on that 16 oz beer cup? Yup, you can fill up your BIG mug for the same price!
Well that is all for now. Hope to see you all on Saturday!
Sand Creek Brewing Company
320 Pierce Street
Black River Falls, WI 54615
Monday, September 15, 2008
Weekend in Review!
Greetings everyone,
Well it was quite the weekend for your favorite brew crew. Barry and I worked the Great Lakes Brewfest in Racine this past Saturday. Twas a rainy and damn humid but the 4000+ people managed to get over it. Great event all around - Special thanks to Kurt Foreman for organizing a first class beer fest. The gang down there took great care of the brewers! We will definitely be back for next year.
Barry and I rounded out our Saturday by heading back north and paying a visit to our favorite Irish pub - Paddy's! Woody and Paddy were excellent hosts and their vast variety of EXCELLENT Scotch and Whiskey were sampled - at length. If you find yourself in the neighborhood of Paddy's - Stop in, drink a Woody's Wheat and tell em the Sand Creek gang sent ya!
Mark and the gang handled the Grumpy Troll Brewfest this weekend as well. Preliminary reports from the field have revealed that the event was a rousing success as well!
Todd is brewing once again today - More cranberry and blueberry I believe.
Few events coming up this weekend (20th). First off the 6th annual Big Lake Brewfest in Superior is being held at the Wessman Arena from 4pm - 8pm. We will also be represented at the Iowa City Brewfest. This event is being held at the Coralville Old Chicago from 11am - 5pm.
Dont forget! Our 2nd Annual Oktoberfest Celebration is coming up soon! Rain or Shine we will be having a great time!
Thats all for now!
Oh yeah GO PACK!
Jim
Well it was quite the weekend for your favorite brew crew. Barry and I worked the Great Lakes Brewfest in Racine this past Saturday. Twas a rainy and damn humid but the 4000+ people managed to get over it. Great event all around - Special thanks to Kurt Foreman for organizing a first class beer fest. The gang down there took great care of the brewers! We will definitely be back for next year.
Barry and I rounded out our Saturday by heading back north and paying a visit to our favorite Irish pub - Paddy's! Woody and Paddy were excellent hosts and their vast variety of EXCELLENT Scotch and Whiskey were sampled - at length. If you find yourself in the neighborhood of Paddy's - Stop in, drink a Woody's Wheat and tell em the Sand Creek gang sent ya!
Mark and the gang handled the Grumpy Troll Brewfest this weekend as well. Preliminary reports from the field have revealed that the event was a rousing success as well!
Todd is brewing once again today - More cranberry and blueberry I believe.
Few events coming up this weekend (20th). First off the 6th annual Big Lake Brewfest in Superior is being held at the Wessman Arena from 4pm - 8pm. We will also be represented at the Iowa City Brewfest. This event is being held at the Coralville Old Chicago from 11am - 5pm.
Dont forget! Our 2nd Annual Oktoberfest Celebration is coming up soon! Rain or Shine we will be having a great time!
Thats all for now!
Oh yeah GO PACK!
Jim
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Brew Day
Hey everyone!
Well it's 10:30 pm and I am just starting my days work.
By the 6:00 pm news I will have brewed another cases of beer.
Gosh I just love brewing.
Cranberry season has started so I am brewing the first of many batches of our Cranberry Special ale. For the new readers this is a clean smooth cranberry beer made with a large amount of cranberry juice. By large I mean 55 gal. drums of the stuff.
We're not going to make a fruit beer and just get by adding a gallon of "essence" to give the beer the taste.
We use the real juice in our beers not like our friends North of here. Their ads on the radio say that their "shanty beer" has "all natural flavoring".
Here is an idea...Try using the real fruit juice!!
Friday night was the Sand Creek world premere of 99 bottles, Wisconsin brewery documentary in the tap room.
We all got a kick at seeing both Jim and myself in the movie. Remarks were flying at a breakneck pace!
All in all I think we did a great job. Most of the viewers thought that we were the most professional looking and sounding. I don't think it takes much against some of these guys :).
It was good to see some of our old friends on the screen too.
Jim is working on getting a few more copies to sell here in the tap room.
So keep your eyes open.
Well, all for now.
I've got beer mashing and I have to go stir it or I will be making pancake batter!
See you all soon.
Todd
Well it's 10:30 pm and I am just starting my days work.
By the 6:00 pm news I will have brewed another cases of beer.
Gosh I just love brewing.
Cranberry season has started so I am brewing the first of many batches of our Cranberry Special ale. For the new readers this is a clean smooth cranberry beer made with a large amount of cranberry juice. By large I mean 55 gal. drums of the stuff.
We're not going to make a fruit beer and just get by adding a gallon of "essence" to give the beer the taste.
We use the real juice in our beers not like our friends North of here. Their ads on the radio say that their "shanty beer" has "all natural flavoring".
Here is an idea...Try using the real fruit juice!!
Friday night was the Sand Creek world premere of 99 bottles, Wisconsin brewery documentary in the tap room.
We all got a kick at seeing both Jim and myself in the movie. Remarks were flying at a breakneck pace!
All in all I think we did a great job. Most of the viewers thought that we were the most professional looking and sounding. I don't think it takes much against some of these guys :).
It was good to see some of our old friends on the screen too.
Jim is working on getting a few more copies to sell here in the tap room.
So keep your eyes open.
Well, all for now.
I've got beer mashing and I have to go stir it or I will be making pancake batter!
See you all soon.
Todd
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall!
Well I know we make alot of beers but not quite 99 bottles.. What I am referring to is a cool documentary on the beer history of some of the breweries in the state! Last February, Todd and I were interviewed by David Oplinger and Glen Popple about our brewery. Instead of a tour approach to the brewing business it was more along the lines of "how the heck did you get in this" and "What kind of people do you meet" and other such tales. It was a good day Todd the lucky dog got to do his portion of the interview in our comfortably warm tap room. I lucked out and sat on the forklift in a COLD warehouse!(Colder than a witches wazoo btw!) At any rate, the documentary "99 Bottles of Beer" is now out for your viewing pleasure. Cant say that we have seen it yet but I bet we will this weekend!
For more information on the Documentary, just check out their website at:
99 Bottles of Beer!.
Ok - now for other news. This weekend is the Clearwater Brewfest being held at the Eau Claire Expo Center from 3 - 6pm. We are the beer sponsors of the event and it is a great opportunity to go out and sample some of the best darn beer made in the state. There will be breweries from all over the state attending. Be there or be square.
Todd has been busy brewing another award winning beer again. Today he brewered up some fine Woody's Wheat - Award winning you ask? Of course it is,our favorite Woody's Wheat beer is now the GRAND CHAMPION WHEAT BEER according to the United State Beer tasting Championship! More information on the event can be found here:
United States Beer Tasting Championships
Congrats Todd!
So there! Gives more credence to the term "Gimme a Woody!"
Anywho - back to brewing. Todd also brewed up our next batch of Sand Creek Special Reserve. This time around it is..well, hard to describe. A Scotch ale. Well thats not accurate. A winter warmer with a twist. That might be closer. Truthfully there is no classification to this beer. It has a traits of many beers and it will be big in the warming department and bigger in the malt and flavor department! More details as soon a we can make them up! Stay tuned!
We will have our usual fun on Friday but will be CLOSED on Saturday due to the fest up in Eau Claire! Woody and his darling bride will be at the Lions Brewfest in Wisconsin Rapids.
Later folks! Check out the web site for more details! Leave a comment! (anybody reading these?)
For more information on the Documentary, just check out their website at:
99 Bottles of Beer!.
Ok - now for other news. This weekend is the Clearwater Brewfest being held at the Eau Claire Expo Center from 3 - 6pm. We are the beer sponsors of the event and it is a great opportunity to go out and sample some of the best darn beer made in the state. There will be breweries from all over the state attending. Be there or be square.
Todd has been busy brewing another award winning beer again. Today he brewered up some fine Woody's Wheat - Award winning you ask? Of course it is,our favorite Woody's Wheat beer is now the GRAND CHAMPION WHEAT BEER according to the United State Beer tasting Championship! More information on the event can be found here:
United States Beer Tasting Championships
Congrats Todd!
So there! Gives more credence to the term "Gimme a Woody!"
Anywho - back to brewing. Todd also brewed up our next batch of Sand Creek Special Reserve. This time around it is..well, hard to describe. A Scotch ale. Well thats not accurate. A winter warmer with a twist. That might be closer. Truthfully there is no classification to this beer. It has a traits of many beers and it will be big in the warming department and bigger in the malt and flavor department! More details as soon a we can make them up! Stay tuned!
We will have our usual fun on Friday but will be CLOSED on Saturday due to the fest up in Eau Claire! Woody and his darling bride will be at the Lions Brewfest in Wisconsin Rapids.
Later folks! Check out the web site for more details! Leave a comment! (anybody reading these?)
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Summer is movin fast
Hey all you beer drinkers!
Figured I should try to get everyone up to date with what we have going on. First of all I want to take a moment and welcome Nate Peck to our crazy band of beer guys. Nate has moved up here from Madison and will be getting the scoop on how to be Todd's new Assistant Brewer! Welcome Aboard Nate - Welcome to the Asylum!
We have had some pretty amazing events over the last several weekends. Events have been held in Chetek, Minoqua, Clayton, Marshfield and of course THE Great Taste of The Midwest which is held in Madison. I want take a moment and thank all of the great folks that help us out at these events. Without your dedication we couldn't pull it off.
The month of September will be a busy one for us as well. We have many events including the 9th Annual Clearwater Brewfest which will be held on September 6th at the Eau Claire Expo Center from 3pm to 7pm. This event is sponsored by the Eau Claire Jaycees, The Coffee Grounds, Clearchannel and...The Sand Creek Brewing Company! WOO HOO! (2nd year in a row!) Come check out the fun on that day.
This weekend we will have our usual tours and general fun on Friday starting at 3pm and we will be open for our tours this Saturday from 12noon till 4pm.
I have added a few google/gadgets to our blog so you can keep track of our favorite Wisconsin teams.
Also check out our keen logo for our 2nd Annual Oktoberfest! Plan on attending this great event on Saturday October 4th from 10am - till 7pm (ish). Three bands (2 polka and 1 Celtic), smoked goodness from our friend Kevin from the Tegarosa Cattle Company, arts and craft vendors, carshow, kids games and a ton more things!.
As always you can find out the entire scoop on our website.
Have a great one!
Figured I should try to get everyone up to date with what we have going on. First of all I want to take a moment and welcome Nate Peck to our crazy band of beer guys. Nate has moved up here from Madison and will be getting the scoop on how to be Todd's new Assistant Brewer! Welcome Aboard Nate - Welcome to the Asylum!
We have had some pretty amazing events over the last several weekends. Events have been held in Chetek, Minoqua, Clayton, Marshfield and of course THE Great Taste of The Midwest which is held in Madison. I want take a moment and thank all of the great folks that help us out at these events. Without your dedication we couldn't pull it off.
The month of September will be a busy one for us as well. We have many events including the 9th Annual Clearwater Brewfest which will be held on September 6th at the Eau Claire Expo Center from 3pm to 7pm. This event is sponsored by the Eau Claire Jaycees, The Coffee Grounds, Clearchannel and...The Sand Creek Brewing Company! WOO HOO! (2nd year in a row!) Come check out the fun on that day.
This weekend we will have our usual tours and general fun on Friday starting at 3pm and we will be open for our tours this Saturday from 12noon till 4pm.
I have added a few google/gadgets to our blog so you can keep track of our favorite Wisconsin teams.
Also check out our keen logo for our 2nd Annual Oktoberfest! Plan on attending this great event on Saturday October 4th from 10am - till 7pm (ish). Three bands (2 polka and 1 Celtic), smoked goodness from our friend Kevin from the Tegarosa Cattle Company, arts and craft vendors, carshow, kids games and a ton more things!.
As always you can find out the entire scoop on our website.
Have a great one!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Busy, Busy,Busy
Hey everybody!
Been working my butt off getting beer out to the worlds greatest beer drinkers.
I just spent 9 days in Georgia enjoying the sweltering heat and humidity, couldn't imagine brewing in that heat all day!
We stopped in to see a bunch of brewpubs and the gang at Terrapin brewing.
Stopped in on a Friday afternoon and the place was about done for the week but in the world of beer we always have time to tip a few back with fellow brewers.
John rolled out a couple of their 22oz. bombers full of rauchbier. That was nicely smoked and very drinkable.
We also had some of their imperial pilsner and I think it was an imperial IPA, both great beers.
Everything we tried was good, Nancy was glad we stopped, so was Kirsten.
We also stopped in at the 5points bottle shop store in Athens, Man they had the selection.
We were in single malt heaven and the beers were well taken care too.
I think there might be another trip in the plans for beer drinking down south!
But for now I must get back to keeping production up so that we don't run out of beer.
The Great Taste is next weekend and I'm not sure if we will be open, It's best to check the phone message before you drive out to see us.
Later,
Todd
Been working my butt off getting beer out to the worlds greatest beer drinkers.
I just spent 9 days in Georgia enjoying the sweltering heat and humidity, couldn't imagine brewing in that heat all day!
We stopped in to see a bunch of brewpubs and the gang at Terrapin brewing.
Stopped in on a Friday afternoon and the place was about done for the week but in the world of beer we always have time to tip a few back with fellow brewers.
John rolled out a couple of their 22oz. bombers full of rauchbier. That was nicely smoked and very drinkable.
We also had some of their imperial pilsner and I think it was an imperial IPA, both great beers.
Everything we tried was good, Nancy was glad we stopped, so was Kirsten.
We also stopped in at the 5points bottle shop store in Athens, Man they had the selection.
We were in single malt heaven and the beers were well taken care too.
I think there might be another trip in the plans for beer drinking down south!
But for now I must get back to keeping production up so that we don't run out of beer.
The Great Taste is next weekend and I'm not sure if we will be open, It's best to check the phone message before you drive out to see us.
Later,
Todd
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Summertime!
Greetings!
Well we are definitely into the summer mode of fun. The humidity is up and festivals are now in full swing. This weekend we have a lot going on. Locally, it is Black River Falls annual Karner Blue Butterfly Festival. Many events going on including:
Brewery Tours - Saturday 9am - 4pm
5k - 10k Fun Run
Parade
Crafts
Lumberjacks with axes even!
Chicken dinner
Music
Also this weekend you can find our fine products at the Oshkosh Blues and Brews Festival. Woody Burns and his darling bride along with my brother and his wife will be pouring for us.
Stop in and say "hi!"
Well we are definitely into the summer mode of fun. The humidity is up and festivals are now in full swing. This weekend we have a lot going on. Locally, it is Black River Falls annual Karner Blue Butterfly Festival. Many events going on including:
Brewery Tours - Saturday 9am - 4pm
5k - 10k Fun Run
Parade
Crafts
Lumberjacks with axes even!
Chicken dinner
Music
Also this weekend you can find our fine products at the Oshkosh Blues and Brews Festival. Woody Burns and his darling bride along with my brother and his wife will be pouring for us.
Stop in and say "hi!"
Friday, June 27, 2008
Friday is here!!
Well we have made it through another week. Today - well at least starting in the late hours of Thursday, Todd started brewing up another batch of our famous Sand Creek Hard Lemonade! Odd, we seem to have a hard time keeping it in stock thanks to all of you!
There is also a batch of Furthermore's Proper being run through the beer machine today as well with help from El Fuego.
Tom and I went out and poured beer at The Black River Rumble last night at Camp NCN. This event attracts about 1000 bikers for camping, riding and general mischief. The beer flowed well and it seemed everyone was having a good time. We had many of the folks there happy to see us again and met many new folks trying Sand Creek Hard Lemonade, Groovy Brew and Oscar's Chocolate Oatmeal Stout for the first time!
We will be open at 3pm for our usual Stammtisch and tours. We will also be open on this saturday for tours from Noon till 4pm.
PLEASE NOTE! The brewery will be closed next Friday and Saturday in observance of the 4th and some well needed time with friends and family. You can however, stop out and enjoy the fireworks and music from Vic Ferrari at the annual Fest in the Park. All activities are held at the Lunda Park.
Have a safe weekend everyone!
There is also a batch of Furthermore's Proper being run through the beer machine today as well with help from El Fuego.
Tom and I went out and poured beer at The Black River Rumble last night at Camp NCN. This event attracts about 1000 bikers for camping, riding and general mischief. The beer flowed well and it seemed everyone was having a good time. We had many of the folks there happy to see us again and met many new folks trying Sand Creek Hard Lemonade, Groovy Brew and Oscar's Chocolate Oatmeal Stout for the first time!
We will be open at 3pm for our usual Stammtisch and tours. We will also be open on this saturday for tours from Noon till 4pm.
PLEASE NOTE! The brewery will be closed next Friday and Saturday in observance of the 4th and some well needed time with friends and family. You can however, stop out and enjoy the fireworks and music from Vic Ferrari at the annual Fest in the Park. All activities are held at the Lunda Park.
Have a safe weekend everyone!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
New Change at the Brewery!
Greetings everyone!
Just wanted to drop a quick note - but effective this past Monday (the 16th), the Sand Creek Brewing Company has done the dramatic change of switching over to pry off bottles. No more twist offs! I will keep a list of proprietary beers that have been bottles in the margins of the blog. We did this since our glass bottle changed again and we decided to go with the pry off bottle. This will help keep our beer fresher as well as help out our home brewing buddys!
Enjoy and start using that opener!
Just wanted to drop a quick note - but effective this past Monday (the 16th), the Sand Creek Brewing Company has done the dramatic change of switching over to pry off bottles. No more twist offs! I will keep a list of proprietary beers that have been bottles in the margins of the blog. We did this since our glass bottle changed again and we decided to go with the pry off bottle. This will help keep our beer fresher as well as help out our home brewing buddys!
Enjoy and start using that opener!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Beer in the Works.
Greetings everyone - as usual we have a lot going on here at the brewery.
Today - Todd is brewing up another batch of Golden Ale - hard to keep kegs in stock when it is selling so well. He is also brewing the Shipwreck Blond for our friends up in Door County.
Last week Wednesday the brewery had a fella by the name of Daniel McConnell (and his droooling dog Rocky!) swing by the brewery. Daniel is a Vet crossing the good 'ol USA - checking out the country and meeting interesting folks. Rocky's job is to drool wherever he goes! Both are doing their jobs quite well and the tale of his travels can be found HERE! We hosted a smaller version of our steak feed with our friends from the brewery and a good time was had by one and all.
The planning for our 2nd Annual Oktoberfest celebration is going well - looks like we will be adding a Show and Shine Car show for the event as well as expanding the number of craft/street vendors. The date has not changed and it is still scheduled for the first Saturday of October (the 4th) and will run from 10am - 7pm(ish) Rain or shine! Music will be provided by the Legendary Wally Pikal followed by Gary Brueggen and the Ridgeland Dutchmen and capped off by our friends Atlantic Wave. I think with this range of music we should appeal to just about everyone. Food and Drink of course will be available in copious amounts. We will also be selling a Limited Edition 22 oz beer stein for the event. A portion of the proceeds from the mug sales will be used to provide flood relief for Wisconsin.
Well thats all for now - dont forget we are open this Saturday from 12noon - 4pm for tours. If your around - feel free to stop by!
Today - Todd is brewing up another batch of Golden Ale - hard to keep kegs in stock when it is selling so well. He is also brewing the Shipwreck Blond for our friends up in Door County.
Last week Wednesday the brewery had a fella by the name of Daniel McConnell (and his droooling dog Rocky!) swing by the brewery. Daniel is a Vet crossing the good 'ol USA - checking out the country and meeting interesting folks. Rocky's job is to drool wherever he goes! Both are doing their jobs quite well and the tale of his travels can be found HERE! We hosted a smaller version of our steak feed with our friends from the brewery and a good time was had by one and all.
The planning for our 2nd Annual Oktoberfest celebration is going well - looks like we will be adding a Show and Shine Car show for the event as well as expanding the number of craft/street vendors. The date has not changed and it is still scheduled for the first Saturday of October (the 4th) and will run from 10am - 7pm(ish) Rain or shine! Music will be provided by the Legendary Wally Pikal followed by Gary Brueggen and the Ridgeland Dutchmen and capped off by our friends Atlantic Wave. I think with this range of music we should appeal to just about everyone. Food and Drink of course will be available in copious amounts. We will also be selling a Limited Edition 22 oz beer stein for the event. A portion of the proceeds from the mug sales will be used to provide flood relief for Wisconsin.
Well thats all for now - dont forget we are open this Saturday from 12noon - 4pm for tours. If your around - feel free to stop by!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
A word from above
Hey everyone!
No I haven't fallen in to the tank(yet), I have just been very busy.
Beer sales have been great this summer and we are working as hard as we can to keep up.
Not a bad problem.
Today is a brew day and the boys are making Lemonade.
Donna came in so that we can have boxes for bottling tomorrow.
There is always something to do around here.
I missed out on the smoked brisket last Friday, I had to move my daughter into a new apartment in Whitewater.
I did make it back in time for the last round, so all was not lost.
The Rustic Mill re-opened last week so we have again a new customer selling our beers.
The gang down at Nico's on Water st. are also new to the resturant business here in town.
We had some of their fine Mexican food about a week ago, good stuff!!
Rossario's opened up while back as a bar with pizza but they are working on a kitchen so they can roll out their Italian foods.
Re-Pete's and the Orange Moose are also suporting us with our beers on tap.
A big thanks to all and we wish you the best in your businesses.
If you are in town looking for a place to eat please stop in and support the places that support us.
On a sad note Molly's shut down a couple of weeks ago so the biggest local account is now gone.
There are rummors that it might open again soon.
Keep your eyes open for news!
We will be in Eagle River this weekend at the Great Northern beer fest.
www.greatnorthernbeerfestival.com/
Tours continue on Saturdays from Noon 'til 4 pm so if you're in town stop by.
No I haven't fallen in to the tank(yet), I have just been very busy.
Beer sales have been great this summer and we are working as hard as we can to keep up.
Not a bad problem.
Today is a brew day and the boys are making Lemonade.
Donna came in so that we can have boxes for bottling tomorrow.
There is always something to do around here.
I missed out on the smoked brisket last Friday, I had to move my daughter into a new apartment in Whitewater.
I did make it back in time for the last round, so all was not lost.
The Rustic Mill re-opened last week so we have again a new customer selling our beers.
The gang down at Nico's on Water st. are also new to the resturant business here in town.
We had some of their fine Mexican food about a week ago, good stuff!!
Rossario's opened up while back as a bar with pizza but they are working on a kitchen so they can roll out their Italian foods.
Re-Pete's and the Orange Moose are also suporting us with our beers on tap.
A big thanks to all and we wish you the best in your businesses.
If you are in town looking for a place to eat please stop in and support the places that support us.
On a sad note Molly's shut down a couple of weeks ago so the biggest local account is now gone.
There are rummors that it might open again soon.
Keep your eyes open for news!
We will be in Eagle River this weekend at the Great Northern beer fest.
www.greatnorthernbeerfestival.com/
Tours continue on Saturdays from Noon 'til 4 pm so if you're in town stop by.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Long overdue
Greetings everyone,
Been awhile since I have had the opportunity to post anything - had a bit of a technological challenge when my PC got infected with a nasty virus. Shut down my ability to post to the blog, use google or ANY search engine for that matter. Not sure how the infection got into the system - just disappointed that McAffee choked and did not intercept the intrusion. They lost a customer over that one. I am pretty happy with PCTOOLS and the Kaspersky site for cleaning and detecting all of the bugs.
Anyway - onto beer business.
Today - Todd and Brian are brewing up another batch of our Hard Lemonade. It should be ready in about 2 weeks or so. We have been pretty darn busy here at the brewery - we are averaging about 120 bbls of beer production per week. Tomorrow we are planning on bottling up another 800 cases or so.
This weekend Mark will be down in Middleton at the "Burgers and Brews" fest. And next weekend Pic and I will be up in New Richmond for their "Brews and Blues" fest. For all the details you can check out our events calender on our web site.
Great news on the Oktoberfest planning for 2008! Our 2nd Annual Oktoberfest celebration will be held on the first Saturday of October - Oct. 4th. Music will be provided by Wally Pikal, Gary Brueggen and the Ridgeland Dutchman, and for an Irish twist - Atlantic Wave !
Atlantic Wave will also be playing at the Jackson County Fair in the Sand Creek Brewery / Sunset Tavern Acoustic tent on August 2nd. There will be additional music provided as soon as we figure out who it is.
Thats all for now! Wish for warm weather - it was damn near freezing again this AM.
Been awhile since I have had the opportunity to post anything - had a bit of a technological challenge when my PC got infected with a nasty virus. Shut down my ability to post to the blog, use google or ANY search engine for that matter. Not sure how the infection got into the system - just disappointed that McAffee choked and did not intercept the intrusion. They lost a customer over that one. I am pretty happy with PCTOOLS and the Kaspersky site for cleaning and detecting all of the bugs.
Anyway - onto beer business.
Today - Todd and Brian are brewing up another batch of our Hard Lemonade. It should be ready in about 2 weeks or so. We have been pretty darn busy here at the brewery - we are averaging about 120 bbls of beer production per week. Tomorrow we are planning on bottling up another 800 cases or so.
This weekend Mark will be down in Middleton at the "Burgers and Brews" fest. And next weekend Pic and I will be up in New Richmond for their "Brews and Blues" fest. For all the details you can check out our events calender on our web site.
Great news on the Oktoberfest planning for 2008! Our 2nd Annual Oktoberfest celebration will be held on the first Saturday of October - Oct. 4th. Music will be provided by Wally Pikal, Gary Brueggen and the Ridgeland Dutchman, and for an Irish twist - Atlantic Wave !
Atlantic Wave will also be playing at the Jackson County Fair in the Sand Creek Brewery / Sunset Tavern Acoustic tent on August 2nd. There will be additional music provided as soon as we figure out who it is.
Thats all for now! Wish for warm weather - it was damn near freezing again this AM.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Tour Day
Well, it is finally tour day (Saturday) here at the brewery!
Yes we are now open on Saturdays May thru September from noon until 4pm.
Last week was a week full of catching up on maintenance issues that have been building up plus 5 batches of beer too.
Friday night was Tom's birthday party, everyone had a great time.
I heard rumors that Tom reached a milestone, or was it a kidney stone?
Great to see everyone celebrating Tom's big day.
Thanks for the munchies!!
Next week is a week full of bottling and of course brewing.
See you all when you're in town.
Yes we are now open on Saturdays May thru September from noon until 4pm.
Last week was a week full of catching up on maintenance issues that have been building up plus 5 batches of beer too.
Friday night was Tom's birthday party, everyone had a great time.
I heard rumors that Tom reached a milestone, or was it a kidney stone?
Great to see everyone celebrating Tom's big day.
Thanks for the munchies!!
Next week is a week full of bottling and of course brewing.
See you all when you're in town.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Beer news
Hi again,
Well, it's the middle of the night and I'm brewing.
Today it's Fatty Bomblatty and English Special on the brew list.
We had a great time at the City brewery beer & cheese event last weekend, Woody and Donna said they had fun in Wausau too.
Then there is Jim and Pic, it was old home weekend for them up in Menomonee Saturday afternoon.
Well, it's the middle of the night and I'm brewing.
Today it's Fatty Bomblatty and English Special on the brew list.
We had a great time at the City brewery beer & cheese event last weekend, Woody and Donna said they had fun in Wausau too.
Then there is Jim and Pic, it was old home weekend for them up in Menomonee Saturday afternoon.
We all saw some freinds and all in all it was good to be out.
I found Jim's picture of our money we sent over to Germany a while back and thought you might want to see it. Remember, it's only for a 1 year supply of hops.
Alright, maybe not all of it but it is a whole bunch!
Friday night was another hoot, Sherry brought in her homemade pizza, Carl had some bear sausages and Tom & Char loaded up the bar with cheese and crackers.
That is just the ones that I ate, I'm sure I saw more but can't keep track of all the good food.
Thanks to everyone!
Speaking of food, The beer fest is coming up soon.
Sounds like there will be plenty of beer, wine, cheeses and meats to go around!
The athletic boosters are doing a great job getting things lined up.
Now all we need is good weather on May 17.
Tickets are available on line at www.sandcreekbrewing.com , here at the brewery, Buzz and Brew downtown and the Coop Credit Union.
Hope to see you all there!
Well got to go, the beer is waiting.
Todd
Friday, April 11, 2008
Winter aint' gone yet!
Hey everyone,
Things are getting busy around here but we are just waiting for spring.
We would like to welcome our newest employee, Brian Crabtree, who started this week.
Being the slavedriver that I am, I worked his fingers bloody in only 4 days.
He bottled, kegged and helped me brew 2 days this week and still says he will be back Monday!
Things are getting closer for the Black River Brew Fest, tickets and posters are at the printers.
Sand Creek will be the on-line sales site along with the Buzz and Brew shop and Co-op Credit Union here in town.
So far it looks like about 12 breweries, 10 wineries and 6 local butcher shops and cheese vendors will be here for the event.
This is more than beer, the sports boosters have linned up meat and cheese vendors so you don't have to just drink you can try some great local food.
Things are getting busy around here but we are just waiting for spring.
We would like to welcome our newest employee, Brian Crabtree, who started this week.
Being the slavedriver that I am, I worked his fingers bloody in only 4 days.
He bottled, kegged and helped me brew 2 days this week and still says he will be back Monday!
Things are getting closer for the Black River Brew Fest, tickets and posters are at the printers.
Sand Creek will be the on-line sales site along with the Buzz and Brew shop and Co-op Credit Union here in town.
So far it looks like about 12 breweries, 10 wineries and 6 local butcher shops and cheese vendors will be here for the event.
This is more than beer, the sports boosters have linned up meat and cheese vendors so you don't have to just drink you can try some great local food.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Hey everybody!
Things are rolling along here at the brewery, I'm brewing and Woody's kegging Frostop rootbeer.
I will be brewing St. Croix Maple today. Thats two brews this week ! Griesedieck Pils http://www.gb-beer.com/
was brewed yesterday.
Saturday tours will start MAY 3.
Tours take about 40 to 60 min. and include samples of our products.
Friday tours are after 3pm.
The bar stays open for a few hours more!
See you there.
I will be in Superior this weekend with my darling bride and the "FOB"s Kevin & Lizzie.
As always your favorite brewmaster,
Todd
Things are rolling along here at the brewery, I'm brewing and Woody's kegging Frostop rootbeer.
I will be brewing St. Croix Maple today. Thats two brews this week ! Griesedieck Pils http://www.gb-beer.com/
was brewed yesterday.
Saturday tours will start MAY 3.
Tours take about 40 to 60 min. and include samples of our products.
Friday tours are after 3pm.
The bar stays open for a few hours more!
See you there.
I will be in Superior this weekend with my darling bride and the "FOB"s Kevin & Lizzie.
As always your favorite brewmaster,
Todd
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Friday nights party, JSonline.com
Hi everyone Todd here,
Big news 'round the brewery this weekend. We were featured in the Travel Section of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Click HERE for Journal Sentinal Article.
We knew it was coming up but did not think it would be so soon.
Great article and pictures, thanks for the great work Gary.
Gary also stopped in to see Hideaway Jacks in Chaseburg, a really cool bar with a tasty beer selection!
The SC**W WINTER party was held on Friday night with smoky success. Kevin did his normal job of perfection with everything on the smoker. Beef brisket, pork tenderloin, beef tenderloin, salmon, pork chops, chicken and whatever slowed down to be smoked was on the menu for the night.
We of course had more food than needed, but that just means leftovers!
A big thanks goes out to Bill for dropping us some cash for the pork and beef along with everyone else who brought in goodies for the evening.
We had quite a few new faces in at the bar and made a bunch of new friends.
That is what beer is good for.
Big week planned, 2 days of brewing to start with and bottling first thing on Wednesday followed with filtering and more brewing.
Dan will be hard at work kegging and making Frostop root beer too.
2 weeks to go before the Gitchee Gumee in Superior, www.ggbrewfest.com
See you there!
(Brewery Tours are held on Friday's at 3pm and starting May 3rd - Saturday's from 12n - 4pm)
Big news 'round the brewery this weekend. We were featured in the Travel Section of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Click HERE for Journal Sentinal Article.
We knew it was coming up but did not think it would be so soon.
Great article and pictures, thanks for the great work Gary.
Gary also stopped in to see Hideaway Jacks in Chaseburg, a really cool bar with a tasty beer selection!
The SC**W WINTER party was held on Friday night with smoky success. Kevin did his normal job of perfection with everything on the smoker. Beef brisket, pork tenderloin, beef tenderloin, salmon, pork chops, chicken and whatever slowed down to be smoked was on the menu for the night.
We of course had more food than needed, but that just means leftovers!
A big thanks goes out to Bill for dropping us some cash for the pork and beef along with everyone else who brought in goodies for the evening.
We had quite a few new faces in at the bar and made a bunch of new friends.
That is what beer is good for.
Big week planned, 2 days of brewing to start with and bottling first thing on Wednesday followed with filtering and more brewing.
Dan will be hard at work kegging and making Frostop root beer too.
2 weeks to go before the Gitchee Gumee in Superior, www.ggbrewfest.com
See you there!
(Brewery Tours are held on Friday's at 3pm and starting May 3rd - Saturday's from 12n - 4pm)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
St Patty"s
Hi everyone!
Looks like we made it thru another St Patty's day. I myself had a bit of the Irish whisky last night to celebrate. A bit of Oscar's didn't hurt either!
Things are looking better on the hop front for us but I am not going to say it's perfect yet, let's just get thru this year.
Over the weekend Woody and Donna went up to Tomahawk to do some sampling and as per usual Donna sold clothes like they were water in a desert. That girl has a nack for selling panties!
This Friday is our *uc* Winter party here at the brewery. Everyone is invited for the $1 pints and food. Kevin is bringing in the smoker and he will be cooking up pork tenderloin and beef brisket. If you haven't been around to taste his work you are missing it. Why Kevin spent his life getting stressed out in prison I'll never know. His calling was smoking, heck he could have been just as stressed out running a restaurant! The fighting and threats would have been the same!
If your coming just bring in a little something to pass.
This weekend is Easter so make sure you are stocked up on your favorites because the Easter bunny is just like Santa, he likes to find a little something waiting for him when he's delivering the Easter eggs!
Well, it's the middle of the night and I'm brewing so I best get back to work.
Hope to see you all on Friday.
Monday, March 10, 2008
4 Years in Black River Falls!
On March 10th of 2004 the Sand Creek Brewing was officially moved to Black River Falls! So I guess this is our Anniversary! Whats going on you may ask? Well true to form , Todd was in at the wee hours of the morning to make sure that we have our famous Sand Creek Hard Lemonade available!
Other than that business has been good and you can tell spring is in the air. Look for us up in Tomahawk this Saturday! The event will be staffed by the infamous Woody Burns and his darling bride Donna. Don't worry folks - Donna will have plenty of thongs to sell!
Be sure to stop in on Fridays for our great tours and tap-room time. Door opens at 3pm.
Also! starting May 3rd - the brewery will be open for tours and fun from 12 noon till 4pm.
See you all soon!
Other than that business has been good and you can tell spring is in the air. Look for us up in Tomahawk this Saturday! The event will be staffed by the infamous Woody Burns and his darling bride Donna. Don't worry folks - Donna will have plenty of thongs to sell!
Be sure to stop in on Fridays for our great tours and tap-room time. Door opens at 3pm.
Also! starting May 3rd - the brewery will be open for tours and fun from 12 noon till 4pm.
See you all soon!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Thanks Brett!
Well all you diehard Packer fans - we knew this day was coming. It was interesting how I found out about #4 retiring. Yesterday I was on the way over to the Wisconsin Brewers Guild quarterly meeting in Stevens Point (at the Point Brewery - thanks Joe!) and whilst driving, being the news junkie that I am caught at the VERY last sentence of the broadcast "Coach McCarthy announces Brett's retirement". The radio station immediately goes back to playing music.
No comment, No nothing?
WTF!?
I then start channel surfing and get nothing, nada zip zero zilch. Ok guess I will find out later. Which I did finally after my meeting 5 hours later on the way home. What i thought was interesting is that even the PBS stations were devoting an hour of their air time in tribute!
Well that being said, I know he will be sorely missed in the grand scheme of football. I know my kids will miss him too. Truly the greatist quarterback/ironman in the NFL.
Brett - if you ever find your way in BRF - the beer is on me!
Had to post a picture of when he played his best game EVAH! - Oakland - MNF! 399 yards thrown! 4 touchdowns what a tribute to Big Irv. Nuff said!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
March fun
Well it's another lovely day in BRF. We have a bit of brewing to do along with some repairs to our bottle filler. Our buddy Tom is coming down from MSP to give us a hand. Tom really knows his stuff about our filler. So it looks like I will be up to my pits in grease again today. I won't be alone, Kevin wants to come in and help. I think its the "pain is only pleasure in disguise" thing he likes!
On another note we are still waiting on our first hop order, I would rather spend the money on other things this time of the year but the hop guys want money first. I heard the mob was tough, they never met the hop guys!
Dan and Donna did the Hops and Props last weekend in Oshkosh with great success. Donna sold out of panties!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Its getting warmer!
Lemme tell you how I really feel about winter:
Ok on to the good stuff - Todd has been brewing like mad! First batch of Woody's Wheat ale was brewed along with a delicious batch of Oscar's Oatmeal Stout. Gotta love Oscar! Do you know Oscar? Events coming up this weekend are the Hops and Props at the EAA in Oshkosh - this event will be tended to by Woody Burns and his darling bride along with my big brudder Scott and his wife Jan. Stop by - say hello and try some of the beers they brought along. Our man Mark will be also in the Fox Valley and will be doing double duty by pouring beer at the Kohler Suds and Tubs as well as the Fond Du Lac Ag show. Please stop by and help support your local brewery wherever you are!
PS: Dopplebock has shipped to the fox valley, Milwaukee - Madison area and around the home turf. Pick up a 4 pack of the Oleator and let us know what you think. Tis a sure sign of spring!
Nuff for now! oh hey! If you have any comments please leave them! I know folks are reading my thoughts but comments are always welcome!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Winter time in wisconsin - ok who is tired of this now?
Well it is another snowy Monday - got nailed again over the weekend and by the time we get done counting today it will probably be another 4-5" of the white stuff. When is spring showing up?
It has been a series of brewing days for Todd. Over the last three days (not counting the weekend) a total of 260 bbls of beer will have been brewed by end of the day on Tuesday the 18th. Thats a lot of beer folks approximately 3600 cases worth. Good to have full tanks of beer this time of year. It is a good portent for the spring.
Had a great weekend which was kicked off by our Friday "Stammtisch" . Stammtisch by the way is a German term for regular's table or loosely translated regular get together! We do open the doors at 3pm for tours on Friday - maybe you should come on up and join us by becoming a regular at our Stammtisch! Saturday - Todd took off to handle the Manitowoc Beer Festival. Great event and our product was well received. More events coming up soon - just check out the calendar on the main Sand Creek website. Some of the talk around the beer fest between brewers was about hops.
If you are not aware - the price of hops has gone up a boggling 547% in the past 6 months. This has been mainly due to the poor European and Australian crops, a high demand in craft brewing market (thats us!) and the switch from the hop farmers from low Alpha aroma hops to super high alpha bittering hops. Many breweries are unable to procure them and the price for any of them is quite high. The increase translates from $4-$5 a pound to an average now of around $16 a pound with some as high as $45!!
Luckily for us here - I was able to procure our supply from two sources - one of which is direct from Germany. To also help our fellow Wisconsin breweries, I contacted several of fellow brewers and they also have the opportunity to purchase hops on the same order. More than ever its important to support your local brewery! This crazy market will be this way for at least another year or so before pricing settles down.
Events coming up this weekend on the 23rd are The Bid 'n Brew in Fond Du lac and the Chamber Beer Fest in New London. Oh yeah - it is also the weekend for the local Scout troops Pinewood derby!
One last thing - the Oleator Dopplebock will be shipping out this week! Look for it in our Special Reserve 4 packs!
Thats it for now!
Sláinte!
It has been a series of brewing days for Todd. Over the last three days (not counting the weekend) a total of 260 bbls of beer will have been brewed by end of the day on Tuesday the 18th. Thats a lot of beer folks approximately 3600 cases worth. Good to have full tanks of beer this time of year. It is a good portent for the spring.
Had a great weekend which was kicked off by our Friday "Stammtisch" . Stammtisch by the way is a German term for regular's table or loosely translated regular get together! We do open the doors at 3pm for tours on Friday - maybe you should come on up and join us by becoming a regular at our Stammtisch! Saturday - Todd took off to handle the Manitowoc Beer Festival. Great event and our product was well received. More events coming up soon - just check out the calendar on the main Sand Creek website. Some of the talk around the beer fest between brewers was about hops.
If you are not aware - the price of hops has gone up a boggling 547% in the past 6 months. This has been mainly due to the poor European and Australian crops, a high demand in craft brewing market (thats us!) and the switch from the hop farmers from low Alpha aroma hops to super high alpha bittering hops. Many breweries are unable to procure them and the price for any of them is quite high. The increase translates from $4-$5 a pound to an average now of around $16 a pound with some as high as $45!!
Luckily for us here - I was able to procure our supply from two sources - one of which is direct from Germany. To also help our fellow Wisconsin breweries, I contacted several of fellow brewers and they also have the opportunity to purchase hops on the same order. More than ever its important to support your local brewery! This crazy market will be this way for at least another year or so before pricing settles down.
Events coming up this weekend on the 23rd are The Bid 'n Brew in Fond Du lac and the Chamber Beer Fest in New London. Oh yeah - it is also the weekend for the local Scout troops Pinewood derby!
One last thing - the Oleator Dopplebock will be shipping out this week! Look for it in our Special Reserve 4 packs!
Thats it for now!
Sláinte!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Dopplebock Is coming out soon
Well its been a long winter. The good news is that we are definitely on the back side of this particular season. The better news is we will be releasing the second in a series of "Special Reserve" beers. This time around it is the Oleator Dopplebock (yeah i know it can also be spelled Doppelbock too!). Todd did an amazing job with this beer - big bold taste with great body. It runs about 9% ABV. We will probably start shipping it out by the end of next week. I think it will be a great follow-up in the Special Reserve Series to the Imperial Porter.
Speaking of the Special Reserve - there are rumors in the Tap Room on last Friday night that the next release may be a Scotch Ale.
Let see whats currently on tap:
Griesedieck Golden Pilsener
Sand Creek Golden Ale
Groovy Brew
Woody's Wheat
Cranberry Special Ale
Wild Ride Special Ale
Oscar's Chocolate Oatmeal Stout
Hard Lemonade
Frostop
....oh yeah and a special cask conditioned Imperial Stout on tap #1
Dan, Todd, and Kevin have been working hard at getting our home-made depalletizer designed-built and run. Should be pretty cool and help bottling day when we are all up and running. I may post some pictures when its all said and done.
Continue to work the Hop market to get supplied - they are expensive and scarce! Luckily we have procured enough to get us through.
Mark will be down at the Food and Froth at the Milwaukee Public Museum on Saturday. He will also be at the Milwaukee Ale House on Sunday (and I imagine home recovering on Monday ha!). Our friend Ted from Madison is representing us at the MHTG event on Sunday as well. Might try to slide on down to visit with our friends in Madison.
All for now
Sláinte!
Speaking of the Special Reserve - there are rumors in the Tap Room on last Friday night that the next release may be a Scotch Ale.
Let see whats currently on tap:
Griesedieck Golden Pilsener
Sand Creek Golden Ale
Groovy Brew
Woody's Wheat
Cranberry Special Ale
Wild Ride Special Ale
Oscar's Chocolate Oatmeal Stout
Hard Lemonade
Frostop
....oh yeah and a special cask conditioned Imperial Stout on tap #1
Dan, Todd, and Kevin have been working hard at getting our home-made depalletizer designed-built and run. Should be pretty cool and help bottling day when we are all up and running. I may post some pictures when its all said and done.
Continue to work the Hop market to get supplied - they are expensive and scarce! Luckily we have procured enough to get us through.
Mark will be down at the Food and Froth at the Milwaukee Public Museum on Saturday. He will also be at the Milwaukee Ale House on Sunday (and I imagine home recovering on Monday ha!). Our friend Ted from Madison is representing us at the MHTG event on Sunday as well. Might try to slide on down to visit with our friends in Madison.
All for now
Sláinte!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Brew day
Brewing Oscar's this morning and waiting for the rain. Yes rain and 40 in January 28 in Wisconsin.
I bet tomorrow will be a great day for driving.
We will be at the Jackson County tavern league party tonight. I won a gun last year, how about 2 in a row!
Our buddy Chuck from MSP will be stopping in today with his home brew versions on Bad Monkey. He won 2nd place in a contest in Minn. Maybe we can kick the Monkey up a bit and release it as a special release.
I'm planning on working on the depalitizer this week, got to get it done before the spring rush.
Looks like we have another Beer Club order to fill this spring, keep an eye on the blog for more info.
Speaking of beer clubs, we met with the BRF sports boosters and Skip from Buzz and Brew
http://www.buzzandbrewshop.com/ last night to work out some of the particulars for the beer and food event here in town May 17. Sounds like they are getting things worked out.
Well. back to brewing.
I bet tomorrow will be a great day for driving.
We will be at the Jackson County tavern league party tonight. I won a gun last year, how about 2 in a row!
Our buddy Chuck from MSP will be stopping in today with his home brew versions on Bad Monkey. He won 2nd place in a contest in Minn. Maybe we can kick the Monkey up a bit and release it as a special release.
I'm planning on working on the depalitizer this week, got to get it done before the spring rush.
Looks like we have another Beer Club order to fill this spring, keep an eye on the blog for more info.
Speaking of beer clubs, we met with the BRF sports boosters and Skip from Buzz and Brew
http://www.buzzandbrewshop.com/ last night to work out some of the particulars for the beer and food event here in town May 17. Sounds like they are getting things worked out.
Well. back to brewing.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
A day of morning
Well everyone the day of morning has passed.
Yes the Packers had no defence on Sunday and lost to the Giants.
Oh boy, Look's like a great Superbowl with the Pat's*(*cheaters*) and the Giants.
I guess I will have an open weekend.
I hear shopping and movies are empty that day.
News here at the brewery.. Brewing more Wild Ride and Oscar's this week.
Fest update, Jim, Mark or Dan will be at the Clintonville, Port Washington and the Neenah fests Friday and Saturday. Fest list: http://www.sandcreekbrewing.com/events.php
Black River Falls Boosters will be having a fest Saturday May 17 at the Fairgrounds. More news to come.
We made it thru the first sub zero weekend of the year with no frozen beer (70+hours below 0).
Sounds like another cold day or two to come this week.
OLEATOR Dopplebock is ready to be packaged, look for it in the next few weeks!
See you at a fest or the brewery soon!
Yes the Packers had no defence on Sunday and lost to the Giants.
Oh boy, Look's like a great Superbowl with the Pat's*(*cheaters*) and the Giants.
I guess I will have an open weekend.
I hear shopping and movies are empty that day.
News here at the brewery.. Brewing more Wild Ride and Oscar's this week.
Fest update, Jim, Mark or Dan will be at the Clintonville, Port Washington and the Neenah fests Friday and Saturday. Fest list: http://www.sandcreekbrewing.com/events.php
Black River Falls Boosters will be having a fest Saturday May 17 at the Fairgrounds. More news to come.
We made it thru the first sub zero weekend of the year with no frozen beer (70+hours below 0).
Sounds like another cold day or two to come this week.
OLEATOR Dopplebock is ready to be packaged, look for it in the next few weeks!
See you at a fest or the brewery soon!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Burrrr.....
Hi everyone.
I'm in brewing for the third time this week, Half Acre, Furthermore Proper and Port Washington Mile Rock. Things are picking up in the brewing world here.
The home brewing club was in last night and we had Kevin in hosting.
A big thanks go out to Kevin! Working on a nighttime bottling run or maybe a brew later this year, just our way to show the home brewers how this place runs.
The Packers are playing this weekend so it looks like a time to enjoy a few beers, I'm thinking about a couple of Griesedieck Pils.
The temps. at the game are to be about 0 for Sunday with the Packers favored by 7.
I'm thinking the Pack 21 Giants 10.
Sure would make watching the Superbowl this year more fun.
Jim's been working on our World Beer Cup entries, hope we can blow them out of the water again!
I'm in brewing for the third time this week, Half Acre, Furthermore Proper and Port Washington Mile Rock. Things are picking up in the brewing world here.
The home brewing club was in last night and we had Kevin in hosting.
A big thanks go out to Kevin! Working on a nighttime bottling run or maybe a brew later this year, just our way to show the home brewers how this place runs.
The Packers are playing this weekend so it looks like a time to enjoy a few beers, I'm thinking about a couple of Griesedieck Pils.
The temps. at the game are to be about 0 for Sunday with the Packers favored by 7.
I'm thinking the Pack 21 Giants 10.
Sure would make watching the Superbowl this year more fun.
Jim's been working on our World Beer Cup entries, hope we can blow them out of the water again!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Winter Brewing
It might be quiet out in the beer world today but Todd has another 40 bbls of fine beer being brewed for our friends at Furthermore. Beer in the tank = good karma! Snowing well outside. Gonna be COLD out later. Perfect weather for football! Go Pack! Should be a balmy 4 degrees above zero for game time on Sunday! Welcome to Lambeau Field!
Mark our partner and Sales Manager is in house today and getting ready for an event at Pettibone Resort in La Crosse. He will doing a sampling or tasting at the Cannery Wine and Spirits in Sun Prairie on Friday (4 - 7pm)
Mark our partner and Sales Manager is in house today and getting ready for an event at Pettibone Resort in La Crosse. He will doing a sampling or tasting at the Cannery Wine and Spirits in Sun Prairie on Friday (4 - 7pm)
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The start of something!
Greetings everyone!
We here at the Sand Creek Brewing Company decided we would start a blog which would let you all know what is going on at the brewery. Might be what we did, what we brewed or whatever. Might just be comments on what is going on in our world or in the Craft Brewing Industry as a whole.
Here is a little background. The Sand Creek Brewing Company is a small Micro-brewery located in Black River Falls Wisconsin. It is run by Jim and Todd with lots of help from our family, friends, employees,partners and of course our great customers!.
We are located in a 151 year old building which was built on the site of the first large scale Western Wisconsin Brewery back in 1856. Since we bought the joint in 2004 we have been growing like mad (anywhere from 35 - 56%) each and every year! Instead of rehashing the history you can just go check us out at:
www.sandcreekbrewing.com
Thats it for now!
We here at the Sand Creek Brewing Company decided we would start a blog which would let you all know what is going on at the brewery. Might be what we did, what we brewed or whatever. Might just be comments on what is going on in our world or in the Craft Brewing Industry as a whole.
Here is a little background. The Sand Creek Brewing Company is a small Micro-brewery located in Black River Falls Wisconsin. It is run by Jim and Todd with lots of help from our family, friends, employees,partners and of course our great customers!.
We are located in a 151 year old building which was built on the site of the first large scale Western Wisconsin Brewery back in 1856. Since we bought the joint in 2004 we have been growing like mad (anywhere from 35 - 56%) each and every year! Instead of rehashing the history you can just go check us out at:
www.sandcreekbrewing.com
Thats it for now!
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