Wisconsin Brewery Daytrip #1

Pack up your troubles and take a brewery daytrip to Wisconsin. This installment will guide you through a satisfying day of beer flights and brewery tours in the Madison, Wisconsin area.

Madison is a great small city. With as many as 16 breweries within 60 miles, some large, some not-so-large, and a slew of residents who appreciate good brew, Madison is a classic beer destination. Plan a daytrip to visit a few brewpubs, an experience you'll never forget.

First, call ahead. You may be able to schedule a tour with the brewmaster if you know what day you're traveling. Breweries often schedule weekend tours at specific times. It's good to check in advance.

Next, find a designated driver and a reliable vehicle. It's going to be a full day of driving - and herding you and your friends - so choose someone who will stay safe, sane and sober. I suggest chartering a bus or van. Complete with driver and insurance, the charter eliminates any worries so you can focus on enjoying your day. Plus, you can split the cost among a larger group, lowering the price per person.

Third, pack snacks and beverages. You'll want to stay hydrated throughout the day's drinking and will want some food in your belly after your first pint or two. Except for the New Glarus Brewery, all breweries on the tour serve great food, but you never know when the munchies might hit while you're in between stops. Bring a cooler, too, that way you'll be able to keep cold the growlers and six-packs you buy along the way.

Last, and certainly not least, have fun. You will be tasting some of the best beer on the planet and meeting some of the nicest brewers ever. Beer geeks in your bunch may note the similar components in every brewery (mash tun, boil kettle, fermenters, etc...), each one uniquely adapted for that specific brewhouse.

These six brewhouses would make a fantastic Madison-area brewpub daytrip:

New Glarus Brewery, New Glarus (10 am), self-guided tour

Grumpy Troll Brewery, Restaurant & Pizzeria, Mt. Horeb

Gray's Tied House, Verona

JT Whitney, Madison

Great Dane, Madison

Ale Asylum, Madison

Have a great time (and don't forget to tell me about your experience)!

Stay tuned for the second Wisconsin Brewery Daytrip installment: Milwaukee.