When a meeting in Milwaukee calls for a toast, planners would be wise to ditch the stemmed wine-filled glasses for pint glasses golden with a local brew.
There are several fun ways for groups to get acquainted with the city’s famed beer scene, including a tour at MillerCoors Brewery.
The large-scale brewing operation offers tours that conclude at the Miller Cave, where a hologram of Frederick Pabst addresses tour participants as they sample ice-cold Miller beers.
The cave is one of a handful of MillerCoors’ special event spaces, which also include the Bavarian-style Miller Inn, the outdoor Beer Garden and the High Life Room.
For an exploration of Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward and Walker’s Point, groups can book a pub crawl with Milwaukee Pedal Tavern, a 16-person mode of transportation including drink specials at all stops. Participants all take part in pedaling the vehicle.
According to Ryan Lloyd, co-owner of the tour company, the two-hour outing provides groups a great way to see, taste and experience two of the best neighborhoods in Milwaukee.
“The typical group makes three to four stops at different pubs along the way,” he says, citing Milwaukee Ale House as a popular standby option.
Milwaukee also does beer Belgian-style at Cafe Benelux, where groups will find a number of Belgian imports and Belgian-style ales.
In association with the cafe and its sister Lowlands Restaurant Group (LRG) eateries, including Cafe Hollander and Cafe Centraal, which both have private spaces for group events, is Bierklasse.
“Each class includes a welcome beer, beer samples, salty snacks and knowledge and anecdotes from a qualified beer-fessor,” says Emily Erler, Bierklasse director for LRG.
And Lakefront Brewery, according to its Tours/Environmental Director Chris Ranson, is the ideal place to take a group for a true Milwaukee experience.
“Entertaining guides will explain the craft-brewing process as guests tour the historic Cream City building,” he says, adding that participants will receive four glasses of award-winning beer during the tour as well as a take-home souvenir pint glass.
