B5QB Brewery Focus: The Lone Girl Brewing Company

Listen, everyone. I know last Saturday was annoying and awful and we’ve basically been reliving it all week, which is even worse! But, it’s Friday now and I don’t think we’ve looked ahead to tomorrow night’s game with Iowa enough. I HATE IOWA! God, I hate them so much. They are a worse Wisconsin in every single aspect of their football team, university, and state.

Sorry, this is a post about a brewery, not about how much I hate Iowa (which is a lot). The Lone Girl Brewing Company in Waunakee is the brewery we are featuring this week and if you haven’t made it out to check their beers, I think you should. They have a full food menu and are open until at least midnight every day of the week. As someone who lives in a different suburb, that is unfathomable to me. Get your life in order, western suburbs of Minneapolis!

If you aren’t headed down to Iowa City for the game, stop by The Lone Girl and grab some beer to go for Saturday night. Here is the fourth brewery profile of the season!

Brewery Vitals

Name: The Lone Girl Brewing Company

Location: 114 E. Main St. #101, Waunakee, WI 53597

Website: http://thelonegirl.com/

Twitter: @lonegirlbrewing

Instagram: @lonegirlbrewing

Key Beers: SpeaKEEasy Light Light Ale; Yes Please! East Coast Pale Ale; Dark Hondo American Porter

Awards Won: They have a kickass-looking rooftop patio, which is better than any awards imo.

Brewery Tour: First Sunday of every month. Reserve your spot here.

Here is my interview, conducted via email and lightly edited, with brewmaster John Russell.

What got you started in the brewing industry?

Actually, I started as a homebrewer. I used to have a homebrew gathering at my house every year and one of my friends (the current brewery owner) used to tell me if he opened a brewery that he wanted me to brew for him. Little did I know that it would come true.

What did you go to school for?

I actually have my PhD and currently still hold a position as a scientist in the Department of Surgery at UW-Madison. (Author’s note: Ummmmmm, wut? This is easily the smartest person that has had their words on this website.)

When did you change your career path to brewing?

I didn’t change my career path; I currently hold two full-time jobs.

What is your favorite beer that your brewery makes?

I say the same thing to everyone that asks this question. “They are like my children. I love them all equally.” The beer I tend to drink the most is Yes, Please!, which is our 4.9% pale ale.

What is your favorite beer that another brewery in Wisconsin makes?

That is a really good question. I really enjoy all of the bourbon barrel stuff that Central Waters puts out. I also like the Brut IPA from Working Draft Brewing Co. and Hidden Stash from Hop Haus.

Do you follow the Wisconsin Badgers?

I do follow and cheer for the Badgers, but I’m originally from Kansas and went to Kansas State and will always be a Wildcat!!

If so, how do you think they’ll do this week against Iowa?

After the disappointing loss to BYU, I think they will take it to Iowa.

Is your beer distributed in Madison?

Our beer is currently sold out of the brewery only.

Which beer should Badgers fans drink before/during the game?

I tend to like to have a few during football games, so I would recommend some low-ABV beers. SpeaKEEasy Light, Oktoberish (Marzen style ale), and Yes Please! (pale ale) would fit the bill.

What do you listen to while brewing?

I’m a metal guy, so usually something with a lot of energy to keep me going.

Why is beer important to you?

As a scientist I deal with a lot of numbers. I think brewing beer allows me to express myself and do something more creative and fun.