Pull up a stool in “Middleton’s Backyard” and raise a pint to Capital Brewery & Bier Garten as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. Since its founding in 1984 in downtown Middleton, Wisconsin, this trailblazing craft brewery has united beer lovers with its award-winning German-style lagers and vibrant community spirit.
Back in the ‘80s, when craft breweries were scarce, founders Ed Janus and Tony Frey started with a dream and no assets. Through word-of-mouth crowdfunding—before the internet made it trendy—they raised $500,000 by selling $10 shares to 300 investors, now grown to 1,600. They transformed a historic egg factory, imported German brewing kettles, and launched a legacy.
As the Midwest’s oldest continuously operating micro craft brewery, Capital has racked up over 240 awards, including a crowning achievement: Grand National Champion at the 2013 U.S. Open Beer Championship. Led by President Scott Wiener, General Manager Kevin Bagstad, and Brewmaster Tanner Brethorst, the brewery balances tradition with innovation. Brethorst, who joined in 2021, experiments with new brews on their seven-barrel system, noting, “Seeing smiles when people taste my beer—that’s the real reward.”
The expanded Bier Garten, open from spring to snowfall, hosts live music, welcomes carry-ins, and fosters community with events like weddings and fundraisers. The Capital Brewery Bike Club, started in 2009, rides three times weekly, while the indoor Bier Stube, with its century-old Chicago speakeasy bar, keeps the vibe cozy year-round.
Capital’s lineup, including Pilsner, Munich Dark, flagship Wisconsin Amber, and the six-time platinum-winning Blonde Doppelbock (tapped at Bockfest, Feb. 21, 2025), continues to shine. Their small size allows flexibility to can new brews or revive classics, keeping fans happy. Wiener reflects, “We’re woven into Middleton’s fabric, and hitting 40 years with a Grand National Champion title is incredible.”
Cheers to Capital Brewery for 40 years of craft, community, and championship brews!
Current Beers available at Capital Brewery:
Wisconsin Amber
Style: Amber Lager
ABV: 5.2%
IBU: 28
Description: A rich amber lager with a perfect balance of roasted caramel malts and clean hop flavors. Brewed since 1995, it’s Capital’s flagship beer, synonymous with Wisconsin’s craft beer heritage. Ideal for any occasion, it’s smooth, flavorful, and widely available in cans.
Capital Pilsner
Style: German-Style Pilsner
ABV: 4.7%
IBU: Not specified
Description: A classic European-style Pilsner brewed with imported malts and noble hops. It offers a slight sweetness from pilsner malt, balanced by clean, dry bitterness. One of Capital’s original Garten Brau beers, it’s crisp, refreshing, and a timeless favorite.
Munich Dark
Style: Dunkel Lager
ABV: 5.4%
IBU: Not specified
Description: A traditional European Dunkel lager with a dark caramel malt flavor and a smooth, dry finish. One of Capital’s original beers, it’s their most award-winning brew, known for its rich, approachable taste.
Sticky Paw Honey Blonde Ale
Style: Blonde Ale
ABV: 5.0%
IBU: 16
Description: A light, easy-drinking blonde ale brewed with pure Wisconsin honey for a refreshing, subtly sweet experience. Crafted by Brewmaster Tanner Brethorst, it’s perfect for both craft beer enthusiasts and those new to the scene. Now bottled and sold year-round due to its popularity.
Supper Club
Style: American Lager
ABV: 5.0%
IBU: Not specified
Description: An eminently drinkable American lager with a classic Wisconsin malt profile. It features a moderate mouthfeel, mild bitterness, and superb drinkability, evoking the nostalgic vibe of a Wisconsin supper club.
Island Wheat
Style: American Wheat Beer
ABV: 4.5%
IBU: Not specified
Description: A crisp, refreshing wheat beer brewed with Wisconsin wheat. Known for its mild, approachable drinkability, it offers a floral hop aroma and a silky-smooth finish, making it a crowd-pleaser for warm days.
Mutiny IPA
Style: India Pale Ale
ABV: 6.2%
IBU: Not specified
Description: Capital’s first IPA, featuring a bright amber hue and a bold, floral-citrus hop aroma. Six unique hops deliver assertive bitterness balanced by subtle malt sweetness, making it remarkably drinkable despite its punch.
Seasonal Beers
Awesummer Ale (Available: May – July)
Style: Blonde Ale
ABV: 5.0%
IBU: 18
Description: A summer seasonal blonde ale brewed with sweet and bitter orange peel and Mandarina Bavaria hops. It bursts with fresh orange aroma and flavor, offering a light, easy-drinking experience perfect for warm days. Note: May not be available in August but included for completeness.
Winter Skal (Available: November – February)
Style: Amber Lager
ABV: 5.4%
IBU: Not specified
Description: A warming amber lager with a rich malt heritage and a smooth hop flavor. Its amber hue and mild bitterness make it a cozy companion for cold winter months. Note: Not currently available in August but listed for reference.
Limited-Release Beers
Blonde Doppelbock (Available: February, tapped during Bockfest)
Style: Doppelbock
ABV: 7.8%
IBU: Not specified
Description: A deep golden lager with intense malt character, yet surprisingly drinkable. This six-time platinum winner at the World Beer Championships is a highlight of Capital’s annual Bockfest (next on Feb. 21, 2025). Treat this “malt monster” with respect for its rich, bold flavor.
Pumpkinataur
Style: Pumpkin Beer
ABV: Not specified
IBU: Not specified
Description: A dark copper-colored pumpkin beer with bold cinnamon and pumpkin aromas, accented by a pinch of nutmeg. Its creamy pumpkin palate delivers sweet, fantastic flavors without overwhelming spice, making it smooth and crave-worthy. Likely available in fall, so check the tap list for current status.
Ash’s SMaSHes Part 1
Style: Blonde/Golden Ale or Pale Ale
ABV: Not specified
IBU: Not specified
Description: A single-malt-and-single-hop (SMaSH) beer featuring Amarillo hops and Capital’s pale base malt. It sits between a blonde and pale ale, offering a bright, hop-forward profile with citrusy notes and a clean malt backbone. Check tap availability for this limited release.
Bavarian Lager
Style: Helles Lager
ABV: Not specified
IBU: Not specified
Description: A mild, classic German Helles-style lager with a clean, refreshing profile. It’s light and approachable, perfect for those seeking a traditional lager experience. Availability may be limited, so confirm with the brewery.
Dark Doppelbock
Style: Doppelbock
ABV: 7.8%
IBU: Not specified
Description: A rich, dark lager with smooth, toasted malt flavors of espresso, dark chocolate, and burnt caramel. Perfect for toasting the end of fall or warming up in winter, it’s a full-flavored experience with a subtle hop presence.
🍻 #CapitalBrewery #40YearsStrong #USOpenBeerChampion