New Glarus and Verona, Wisconsin

After a week of work in our Minneapolis office, two more Twins games that didn't rain out, including the first win I got to see in the new ballpark and some more family visits; the following weekend was here.  After hearing that Pedro's wedding was going to be near Madison, Bauer and I decided it would be the perfect opportunity to venture to New Glarus Brewing Company, a highly coveted beer that has such high demand that it isn't sold outside of Wisconsin. We left at 7am in order to make it at a reasonable time and then have time to change for the wedding. New Glarus recently relocated to a brand spankin new brewery just down the road from the old town that was settled by the Swiss and looks more like an alpine village than a Southern Wisconsin town. 

When you get into the brewery, you pay for the tour and get a (US) pint glass to go fill up in the tasting room down the hall. They had 7 different beers on tap, with a couple that were pretty rare (Golden Ale brewed in Trappist style and a Cherry beer that was like a Lambic). Then you can take the self-guided tour which includes some bad-ass wort tanks!

After the self-guided tour, Bauer and I decided to do the tasting as well, as it is like kids in a candy shop when Bauer and I are in a brewery. 

After the glorious tasting we headed downstairs to the bottleshop and picked up some for after the wedding. It is definitely worth taking a weekend from Minneapolis (or Chicago) to visit the brewery. 

Of course the tour isn't complete without heading into town to the Glarner-Stube (I think) to get some Swiss-themed food (and another New Glarus - the only beer served on tap). As you can see, it was full of character. 

We departed from the restaurant in haste to make it to the wedding in Verona for Pete and Jenny's wedding. The lovely couple had a great day as the weather was beautiful and all their friends and family were there to share the day!  The restaurant was at a really beautiful golf course that served great food and wine all night. The dance was wonderful and everyone had a great time.

Pete was so high in demand that I barely had a chance to sneak a photo with him. Congratulations Pedro and Jenny, thanks for the great night!!!