Randal Sprecher founded the brewing company sporting his name in 1985, after a stint as brewing supervisor at Pabst Brewing. During the first ten years the company grew steadily and its following of loyal customers increased. Sprecher Brewery needed to expand its operation, so he purchased and remodeled a former elevator car factory, filling it with everything necessary to meet the ever-increasing needs of his customers.
Wisconsin had a rich beer history decades before it even became a territory, much less a state – with every community having its own brewery. But by the late 1980’s the number of operating breweries could be counted on one hand, with only one being a “giant.” Most of the earlier decline was due to Prohibition and The Great Depression that closely followed.
While the huge beer companies struggled, Sprecher and other craft beer gurus have revived both the distinctive quality of regional beer and the Old World methods. They focus on specialty craft beers, with an eye on quality, much to the delight of your favorite Beer of the Month Club!
Hefe Weiss is a coarse-filtered wheat ale fermented with a German yeast culture for a refreshingly light spiciness and hints of citrus fruit. A cloudy appearance and an immense creamy head are characteristic of this lightly hopped Bavarian Brew.
Oktoberfest Lager was first brewed at Sprecher in 1986, using caramel, Munich and Pale malts, and Hallertau and Mt. Hood hops. Traditionally brewed to celebrate the harvest season, this reddish-brown lager has a rich caramel character and a long flavorful finish. Malty sweetness is accented by a slightly fruity bouquet and a mild hop flavor.
Featured Beer from Sprecher Brewery:
Hefe Weiss Wheat Ale and Oktoberfest Lager
www.sprecherbrewing.com
LAGER – Sprecher Brewery’s Oktoberfest Lager: This month’s only bottom-fermented brew, lagers are aged for several months at very cold temperatures, which gives them a smooth, refined taste. (The word “lager” means “to store.”) Best served cold, straight from the cooler, with salads, fruit or desserts.
HEFE WEISS WHEAT ALE – Sprecher Brewery’s Hefe Weiss Wheat Ale: This top-fermented summer ale of Bavaria is brewed with at least 50% wheat malt plus light Pilsner malt. Usually unfiltered, it is cloudy, pale gold to amber, with a fluffy white head. Refreshing, serve with a lemon wedge with pickled herring, cheese and crusty breads.
