Every year, Black Friday has become one of the most anticipated days on the beer calendar, with a slew of interesting – and often barrel-aged, boozy or both – brews on tap.

Here’s what area breweries are doing on Black Friday this year. Remember to check back as we will continue to update this guide as information is released by local brewers.

Click the brewery name for a link to its website with address, phone and other information.

Note, too, that the Riverwest Brewery Syndicate's free Five Three Brew One Two shuttle will be running between that neighborhood's five breweries from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Black Friday (but will not be operating on Saturday).

City Brew Tours MKE also brings back its free shuttle between from 1 until 5 p.m. on Black Friday. The route will be staffed with more buses than last year to provide a smoother operation.

There are two routes. The South route starts at 1840 in Bay View, and goes to Component, Torzala, Indeed, Broken Bat, Wizard Works and ends at The Explorium. The North route goes to Pilot Project, Dead Bird and Eagle Park and The Explorium, which serves as a transfer point between the routes.

1840 Brewing

Bay View's 1840 Brewing will be open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Black Friday.

According to owner Kyle Vetter, 1840 will release...

1. Plumpy - Black. Our annual Black Friday release is a fruited sour with Blackberry, Black Cherry, Black Currant, and milk sugar.
2. Sleepless Knights. Our popular BA Imperial English Porter “Neon Knights” with the addition of Stone Creek Coffee.
3. Kind Gesture (Batch 005) – 10mg 1:1 D9/CBD seltzer water flavored with white peach and mango. Zero sugar, alcohol or calories.

Customers can pre-order online for pickup anytime between Black Friday and Sunday Nov. 26. Sale link will be emailed to mailing list members on Monday morning, Nov. 20, before the sale goes live that day at noon and runs through 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

3 Sheeps Brewing

The Wolf imperial stout, aged in Barton's 1792 Bourbon barrels, (ABV tbd) returns on Nov. 24 in 12-ounce cans and (about $10 each) and on draft in the Sheboygan taproom. Variants (The Wolf with pecans, vanilla and cocoa nibs aged in Willett barrels) will be available at select accounts around the state.

"These are beers that we've always talked about doing larger releases of, and Black Friday seems like the perfect time to finally do it. Aging the Wolf in 1792 Bourbon barrels was a no-brainer," according to 3 Sheeps Marketing and Communications Manager, Josh Joyce. "These are barrels that have quickly become some of our favorites and seem to always elevate every beer we age in them.

"We've always loved using nuts in our beers, but we've never experimented with pecans until now. Something about adding pecans makes this beer feel seasonal and nostalgic. The sweet, nutty flavor of pecans, along with their mild earthiness make them a great compliment to the rich chocolate notes of The Wolf. The addition of coconut and vanilla accentuate flavors that are already present in The Wolf and make this beer irresistible."

Amorphic Beer

"We will have two beers this year for Black Friday," vows brewer/owner Ron Hockersmith. "One like everyone makes – BBA imperial stout – and one trying to be a bit more unique!

"Toasted Coconut Major Particles (is an) 11.5 percent ABV imperial stout aged in Heaven Hill bourbon barrels, some one year, some for two years, then aged on top of a crap ton of toasted coconut.

"Last year we did one keg with toasted coconut, and it was amazing, so every single keg and can will get that treatment!

"Bermuda Storms (is) 11 percent ABV. When I'm not drinking beer, it's usually water. But when it's not beer or water, it's dark rum. My favorite cocktail is a Dark and Stormy (dark rum, ginger beer, lime), so we are creating something to remind us of that.

"The base beer is a strong golden-orange colored beer with honey malt for some sweetness. It then went into a variety of Caribbean rum barrels for a year that had quite a bit of residual liquid in them when they arrived. The beer will then get aged on top of candied ginger and lime for a few weeks before being packaged."

Both beers will be available in 16-ounce cans and on tap and there will be an online pre-sale for the cans (maybe with a mixed four-pack of the two beers, says Hockersmith) with pickup on Black Friday, so stay tuned.

Black Husky Brewing

Black Husky will release about 300 bottles of Timotheus, a Belgian quad that's part of the Riverwest brewery's "Chien Noir" linup of Belgians, on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, as is its tradition.

"I’m actually brewing it tomorrow," says Tim Eichinger, on the day before Halloween. "I plan on brewing an 18 percent Belgian Quad. We’ll see if I hit my numbers tomorrow for starting gravity and how the yeast performs the next couple of weeks."

Central Waters Milwaukee

Central Waters will release a stout aged in 15-year Pappy Van Winkle barrels; a peach brandy barrel-aged honey barleywine; Bliss Maple Syrup barrel-aged honey barleywine; and a blend of the peach brandy and Bliss Maple barrel honey barleywine.

"A long, long time ago, we were able to come across some pretty special barrels," says CW's Jordan Steffen. "We immediately knew these were destined to become something great for our 25th anniversary. 

"We took the thoroughbred of our base beers for our anniversary stout, knowing that the lower mash temperatures and lower body would blend perfectly into the wheated bourbon from these 15-year-old Pappy Van Winkle barrels."

The beer was aged for 52 months, and according to CW, "showcases the balance of wonderful bourbon flavors and delicate stout flavors. We set some of these bottles aside to release again for Black Friday."

The stout will be packaged in 22-ounce bombers and the barleywines will be in 12-ounce four-pack cans.

According to Steffen, the barleywine has, "a deep mahogany color, brewed with Dark Buckwheat and Dark Wildflower honey from Kallas Honey in Milwaukee.

"Caramel and toffee candy forward, with the magic development from the peach brandy and maple barrels."

The peach brandy barrel is aged a year; Bliss Maple Syrup barrel rested for 19 months, and maple and peach is a blend of the two.

Company Brewing

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The Riverwest brewery will open at 9 a.m. on Black Friday (as will its kitchen) and will have four beers releasing that day. It's also a stop on the Riverwest Brewery Syndicate Shuttle, which makes a 35-40 minute loopbetween Amorphic, Gathering Place, Black Husky, Company Brewing and Lakefront.

The four beers will be released on draft and in four-pack cans. There will also be a mixed four-pack with two cans of the base beer and one each of Whack and Unwrap, and Thousandfold Rum Blend variants.

Here are descriptions, courtesy of Marketing Manager Chris Geick.

Holiday Party 2023 Rum Barrel-Aged Belgian Quad (10.4 percent ABV). "Aged in Barbadian rum barrels, this year's batch is loaded with aromas of rum-raisin, toffee, and vanilla, while the warming sensation from the substantial alcohol content emphasizes flavors of bananas foster, nutmeg and molasses."

Holiday Party Whack and Unwrap Rum Barrel-Aged Belgian Quad with Orange Peel & Chocolate (10.4 percent ABV). "Aged in Barbadian rum barrels, this year's Whack and Unwrap variant is loaded with aromas of chocolate, orange peel, rum-raisin, toffee and vanilla, while the warming sensation from the substantial alcohol content emphasizes flavors of bananas foster, nutmeg, and molasses. Whack and Unwrap, and make it a holiday favorite!"

Holiday Party / Thousandfold Blended Belgian Imperial Stout Aged in Rum Barrels (10.2 percent ABV). "Holiday Party 2023 Belgian Quad and Thousandfold Imperial Stout, blended and aged in Barbadian rum barrels. This blend is loaded with aromas of rum-raisin, toffee, bakers chocolate and vanilla, while the warming sensation from the substantial alcohol content emphasizes flavors of bananas foster, mocha, nutmeg and molasses."

Thunder Thiols (The weird Turn Pro series) Dry Hopped Thiolized Lager (8 percent ABV). "Mega Motueka, X25, experimental 09326 hops."

Component Brewing

Component's DJ Kowalski says, "Three beers will be ready for the big day including our first ever bottles of barrel-aged stout.

"Supreme Haze the Lord is an imperial (8.5 percent) version of our flagship hazy IPA; Barrel-Aged Ho Ho Hold My Beer is a 9.1 percent BA version of our Christmas ale; and BA Swirled Stout bourbon barrel-aged stout is our first-ever bottle release."

That stout release (13 percent) will be available in very limited quantities.  Hella Haze the Lord and BA Ho Ho Hold My Beer will available in cans and all three will be on draft.

Hot Dish Pantry will be on site on Black Friday serving a special food menu from 1 until 8 p.m. or until they sell out. They will also have desserts from Midwest Sad.

Dead Bird Brewing

Dead Bird will be open on Black Friday from noon until 6 p.m. for bar service only. The only food on hand will be popcorn and chips, according to owner and brewmaster Nick Kocis.

As for beer, Kocis says, "We’re doing a bit of a throwback vibe and re-releasing two big stouts from our first Black Friday and sticking up in two old favorites now brewed on our fully functional five-barrel system:

"Beanut Putter is an imperial peanut butter stout ringing in at around 9 percent. Loads of peanut butter fills the aroma while soft chocolate fills out the palate.

"Bean Water, our coffee, vanilla, cocoa bean imperial stout features locally roasted coffee, Tahitian vanilla and rich Dutch cocoa. It should be in just under 10 percent."

Both of these will be available in "super limited" 16-ounce cans, Kocis says.

"The returning favorites are Gotdambier, our German kolsch (style0, and Literally Just Orange Juice, our hazy pale featuring Amarillo, Cascade, and Simcoe hops and a thiolized yeast from Omega."

Kocis says these will also be canned in 16-ounce containers and will be a bit more plentiful than the cans of stout.

"They might be on a bit before but we are making sure we have them for Black Friday," he adds.

Duesterbeck's Brewing

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Elkhorn's farmhouse brewery will have two Black Friday beers when the taproom opens at noon.

Roll Out The Aged maple bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout was aged for a full year in select bourbon barrels and blended.  According to DBC, the 12.5 percent ABV beer has pronounced notes of dark chocolate and roasted coffee. The aging process in the bourbon barrels adds layers of caramel-like sweetness and a distinct bourbon character without overwhelming the beer’s foundation and warm, boozy finish. Available on Black Friday in the taproom in 100  22-ounce bottles. Only 100 bottles will be available so they will go fast.

The second one is the 5.6 percent ABV Homemade Harvest Butter Pecan Stout. According to Duesterbeck's, expect to find a smooth blend of caramelized nuts and a hint of vanilla, much like the filling of a buttery pastry. The finish is creamy and full, with a buttery texture. This one will be available on tap and in crowlers and growlers to go on Black Friday.

Eagle Park Brewing

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Eagle Park will have at four Black Friday beers, says co-founder and Brand Director Jake Schinker.

There will be Fly By Night, a blend of imperial stouts with ages ranging from 23 to 33 months in a mix of Elija Craig, Templeton Rye, and Heaven Hill barrels and then conditioned on a  generous amount of Papua New Guinea vanilla beans. 

Koko Kleiber was brewed in collaboration with Oceanside, California's Horus Aged Ales. Schinker says, "Koko Klieber is a bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout brewed with maple syrup sourced from (Horus') Kyle Harrop’s family farm located less than two hours north of our brewery, then aged on heaping amounts of toasted coconut.

"Decadent coconut plays with notes of semisweet chocolate that give way to delicate maple brûlée and subtle roast."

The Raspberry Vanilla Cheesecake Incident, says Schinker, "isoe of our favorite beers in our collaboration series with Mikerphone Brewing, this version is a berliner weisse with raspberry, vanilla, graham cracker and cheesecake flavoring."

Lastly, a massive Milkshake IPA brewed with over 60 percent oats, dry hopped with Mosaic and Cashmere, and finished off with Papua New Guinea vanilla beans.

East Troy Brewery

Lead Brewer Scott Slauson says that the brewpub will have two barrel-aged beers this season but note that they are available beginning at 4 p.m. on Nov. 1, NOT on Black Friday. They are:

10 Month Quad is a 10.1 percent, 22 IBS Belgian quad that's aged 10 months in a J. Henry bourbon barrel. Only 144 bottles of this sweet and malty brew were produced.

WEE Heavy Honey is an 11 percent Scottish wee heavy, that Slawson describes as, "a strong full bodied barrel aged beer that is sweet and malt forward with very little hoppiness." There are just 240 bottles of it.

"The journey started with a fresh barrel from F.E.W distilling that had bourbon in it for two years. It was then filled with East Troy Honey for a year and then filled with our Scottish wee heavy for six months. It pours a rich amber color and has moderate carbonation. You will pick up the taste of toffee, caramel as well as a touch of peat smoked malt."

Enlightened Brewing

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"We are excited to be putting a beer out for Black Friday and we are happy to have it already lagering in the tanks," Co-Owner/Director of Operations James Larson tells me in late September.

"We launched our lager program this year and kicked it off with Moral Luck German Pilsner, we then released Vienna Circle Marzen and we are going to close the year out with a Czech Dark Lager called Cosmic Nihilism."

This lager clocks in at 5.2 percent ABV and is available in 12-ounce cans.

The Explorium Brewpub

The Explorium will release five variants of Milwaukee County Stout – Oat Whiskey, Stranahan's Irish Whiskey, Baker's Bourbon, Willett Rye and Heaven Hill – on Black Friday.

There will also be four barrel-aged non-stout drinkers. They are William 1066 brandy barrel Barleywine (15 percent ABV); Big Doc scotch wee heavy (13.1 percent); Triple Bock lager (9.8 percent); and New Quad on the Block aged with Peruvian cacao nibs Belgian-style quadrupel (11 percent).

The Southridge location will open at 6 a.m. for MCS sales and a $16 brunch buffet. Live music starts at 11 a.m., when the menu switches to the full pub menu. Chazy Luper performs 11-2, and Doghouse Charlie is on from 3 until 6 p.m.

The Downtown location opens at 9 a.m. for MCS sales and $16 brunch buffet with bottomless mimosas and bloodys, until noon, when the full pub menu kicks in, as does live music by Hearthfire.

There will be eight variants heading out to our partner locations and those release dates and times vary by location. The Stillery holds its beer exclusively for members of its Bourbon Club. Check with the partner for specifics on its release. Rach partner beer uses a barrel from single-barrel whiskey pick by that partner:

    Aman's Beer + Wine – Driftless Glen
    Aman's Beer + Wine – Maker's Mark
    Bottle Shop of Grafton – Eagle Rare
    Consumer Beverage – 1792
    Jeff's Spirits on Main – 1792
    Tenuta's Delicatessen – Elijah Craig
    The Stillery – Col. EH Taylor
    The Stillery – Redemption Bourbon

Faklandia

Owner Nathan Fakler says, "We will be doing our Mantaycore imperial stout as a bottle release again this year.  Its flavors are, coconut, hazelnut and cinnamon." Cans will be available and there will also be bottles of last year's Mantycore for sale.

The Fermentorium

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“To celebrate our fifth year of Sweater Weather variants, we journeyed down memory lane by revisiting some beloved favorites," says owner Kristopher Volkman. "In addition to the standard Sweater Weather, we're delighted to reintroduce three sought-after variants: the rich and comforting English Toffee, the nostalgic and indulgent Cookies & Cream, and the luxuriously creamy Double Vanilla."

Available in both taprooms – 7481 State Road 60, Cedarburg, and 6933 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa – starting at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 22.

Foxtown Brewing

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"First up is our Double Barrel Barleywine at 9.5 percent ABV," says Sales Manager/General Beer Guy Kyle Smith. "This will be available in 16.9-ounce bottles ($15) and on draft at Foxtown on Black Friday.

"Brewed for release on Black Friday 2023," Smith adds, the barleywine, which is part of the Foxtown Brewing Reserve Series, "was aged for 9 months in a freshly-emptied brandy barrel, then finished for an additional 10 months in a fresh apple brandy barrel. Characteristics include notes of toffee, spices, apples some dark fruits."

"Next is our What’s Next Double Barrel Rye Stout at 13 percent. We teamed up with Liquor Guys on 117th and North Avenue for this one. Bottles will be available for purchase on Black Friday at his store, and on draft and bottle at Foxtown in Mequon."

The 16.9-ounce bottles are $15.

Lastly, there an imperial rye stout, brewed for release on Black Friday 2023 and the first anniversary of Liquor Guys.

"This was aged for 2.5 years in a Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey barrel from Heaven Hill Distilling, then finished in a fresh Buffalo Trace Bourbon barrel," Smith says. "Smooth, warm and complex, expect notes of chocolate, bourbon, oak, with a lingering taste of coffee."

Sam Gill, owner of Liquor Guys, provided the Buffalo Trace barrel, which he'd personally selected barrel.

Gathering Place Brewing

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Gathering Place will have 100 bottles each of two Black Friday beers this year: Turbo Hop Triple IPA and Mélange Imperial Blended Ale. Pre-sale starts Friday, Nov. 17 with pickup beginning on Black Friday. The beers will also be on tap at both taprooms on Black Friday, too.

Turbo Hop is a DDH Triple India Pale Ale (ABV: 9.6 percent, IBU: 53)

"We start with a big, boozy IPA and dry hop it twice – once during primary fermentation to boost aromatics through biotransformation and then again post fermentation to give a pop of hop flavor," Yeado says. "Get ready for some big citrus and tropical flavors in this surprisingly drinkable, bold Triple IPA!"

Mélange is an imperial blended ale (ABV: 9.5, IBU: 30) that's a vintage 2020 beer blended with a fresh imperial stout.

"The result is a wonderfully complex beer with notes of stone fruit and cherry alongside beautiful chocolate flavors and roasty finish," he adds.

Great Lakes Distillery

Here's a twist. On a day when so many breweries are releasing beers aged in whiskey barrels, Great Lakes Distillery is releasing bourbon aged in beer barrels!

At noon, Still & Oak Black Friday Bourbon Whiskey goes on sale. This bourbon was aged more than two years in new white oak barrels and then spent another two years aging in Lakefront Brewery’s Black Friday Imperial Stout barrels. How can you resist?

Hacienda Beer Co.

Hacienda in releasing two Black Friday beers this year.

Obnoxious Heckler (12 percent ABV) is a barleywine hopped heavily with El Dorado, with a special candi syrup from Belgium added and then aged in bourbon and Irish whiskey barrels from Hatch Distilling.

The 2023 Velvet Bulldozer (16 percent) is the latest version of an annual imperial stout release. According to Hacienda, Prairie Pils and English chocolate malts provide a robust backbone, while wheat and oats contribute to a luxurious mouthfeel." It's aged in bourbon barrels with vanilla and cacao nibs. Also this year, Hacienda will have some of last year's Velvet Bulldozer (12 percent) available.

Pre-order online here.

Indeed Brewing

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Indeed Brewing’s Walker's Point pilot brewery and taproom will release bottles of the 8.5 percent ABV Spumoni Imperial Cream Ale on Black Friday, which is layered with pistachio, cherry and chocolate flavors: a little sweet, a little tart, a little nutty. $22 per 750ml bottle. Pre-order here and pick up in the taproom on Black Friday.

Inventors Brewpub

Port Washington's brewpub – which is still working on the construction of its new location – will release a pair of vintage brews this Black Friday, says the brewery's Sean Dineen.

50 Quad Buck is a 2021 Belgian quad and Bucky Fuller's is a 2019 barleywine.

Lakefront

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There will be four Black Friday beers at Lakefront this year:

2023 Black Friday Imperial Stout – Aged in bourbon and brandy barrels, the 2023 version of the famous brew combines massive caramel and roasted malts with huge vanilla and oak flavor. There are under 3,000 19.2-ounce cans being sold for $20 plus tax each.

2023 Black Friday Triple Black IPA – Big, bold, and hoppy, this Triple Black IPA hits the glass obsidian black with a foamy tan head kicking up aromas of chocolate, orange zest, and rose water. Gratuitous Cascade, Chinook and Centennial hops yield up-front citrus and tropical fruit notes, while malts lend balance and sweet cocoa and caramel flavors. There are under 1,000 19.2-ounce cans being sold for $20 plus tax each.

2023 Black Friday Double Barrel-Aged Christmas Cookie Barleywine – Back by popular demand, this big, chewy barleywine is brewed with honey, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon that forms the base of this delicious treat. It was first aged in rum barrels for a year, before it was transferred to bourbon barrels for another year. The double barrel-aging imparts layered flavors of oak plank, toasted almond and molasses. There are under 1,000 19.2-ounce cans being sold for $30 plus tax each.

2023 Black Friday 5-Year-Old – This big stout has been asleep in bourbon barrels since 2018. The big, roasty, chocolatey Imperial Stout left all traces of alcohol heat behind in the barrel and picked up flavors of vanilla, pecan praline, marzipan, and a touch of pipe tobacco. There are under 1,000 19.2-ounce cans being sold for $30 plus tax each.

The cans are individually printed and boxed, and they are colorful, dynamic and rare. There will be no limit to the number of cans individuals can purchase, and they can be purchased in any combination. A minimum of four Black Friday cans purchased gets you a new, collectible, souvenir-dated Black Friday glass, while supplies last.

Lakefront Brewery's CurdWagon and merchandise tent will open for sales at 4:30 a.m. and the main bar and Beer Hut open at 8. Black Friday will be available on tap. Lakefront’s first brewery tour on Black Friday will be at 2 p.m., and the Friday Fish Fry will run as normal.

Lakefront will also host a Warm Hearts Community Coat Drive for the students of nearby Dr. George Washington Carver Academy. Every new or gently used coat fans donate will get a 2022 Black Friday bottle, with a two-bottle per person max. The 2022 Black Friday bottles will also be for sale for $20 plus tax when purchasing your Black Friday cans.

Lion's Tail

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The Tosa taproom will open at noon on Black Friday and Lion's Tail will have two special concoctions.

Bourbon Trail-Maker's Mark Barrel, 10.8 percent ABV, will be available in two-pack 12-ounce cans.

Every year the Lion's Tail 'Bourbon Trail' series features imperial stouts aged a year in bourbon barrels from six different distilleries. This year, the second in the 2023 series arrives on Black Fridayand uses Maker's Mark Bourbon casks.

There's also Quad Only Knows Belgian quad. The 10.8 percent ABV brew will be on tap and in 12-ounce four-pack cans.

New Barons Brewing Co-Op

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New Barons hosts a bottle release party starting at 9 a.m. with live music starting 30 minutes later with Craig Bauman. Roxie Beane will play at 11:15. Roll N Waffles food truck will be onsite along with Jamaican Fair Trade Coffee.

"Our first offering is this year's brew, BA-BR, a Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout," says CEO John Degroote. "It was fermented with a blend of Belgian and American yeasts then aged and blended in a mix of bourbon and rye barrels from our friends next door at Twisted Path."

The beer was aged for a year in the barrels and then blended before packaging.

"This stout features strong whiskey and vanilla oak barrel notes on the nose followed by a pleasant roasty chocolate grain flavor that is smooth and clean with a hint of banana esters from the Belgian yeast," Degroote adds. "The name is an acronym for Belgian American Bourbon Rye stout and the logo is stylized like the legendary NYC punk venue CBGB."

This one will be available in bottles and on tap with bottle pre-orders going live on Nov. 10, earlier for member-owners, who will also get exclusive access to the second beer, which is Q, a rum barrel-aged Belgian quad.

"This full bodied Belgian ale has dark caramel and fruit flavors mixed with spicy phenolics and esters reminiscent of vanilla and plum," says Degroote. "Made with Paraguayan molasses and aged now for nearly two years, this beer is sweet and smooth, making it perfect as an after dinner dessert beer."

New Barons is currently holding a membership drive, which ends on Black Friday. Sign up between now and 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 24 to you will be entered into a raffle for win a $300 gift card, plus have access to that new Belgian quad.

More info at the event page.

Ope!

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The West Allis brewery will have a barrel-aged quad and two variants of a barleywine releasing this Black Friday at 9 a.m.

The BA quad – available in 16-ounce cans – is a Belgian-style quadruple aged in cherry brandy barrels, and Barrel Aged Full Send is an English-style barleywine aged in double-oaked bourbon barrels. That's also packaged in 16-ounce cans.

A variant, available in 500ml bottles is the barleywine aged in oak barrels.

Perspective Brewing

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"We'll be releasing our Bourbon Barrel-Aged Barleywine for Black Friday," says Dan Naus, Director of Brewery Operations at West Allis' Perspective Brewing Co. "This is a 13.2 percent beer aged for 375 days," in a FEW Spirits barrel.

"We'll also be releasing this year's batch of 'Lactarius,' our candy cap mushroom stout."

Perspective will also offer 20 percent off its flagship four-packs to-go. 

Raised Grain

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The Waukesha brewery will have four beers for Black Friday, including the return of Santa’s Sack Christmas Ale, brewed with nutmeg, cinnamon, fresh ginger and star anise.

There's also #1,000 Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Coffee Stout, with extra sweet cinnamon and locally roasted coffee beans added. They say this stout has a robust flavor profile with a hint of bourbon and a touch of sweet spice.

Then there are two variants of Doc’s Old-Fashioned Brandy Barrel-Aged Imperial Red Ale 2023, aged in brandy barrels and then "doctored" with spices, orange peel, and cherries.

"This is our take on a Brandy Old-Fashioned, a true Wisconsin classic," says Andrew Nordquist. It will be available in mixed four-packs with two 16-ounce cans alongside two cans of Doc’s Old-Fashioned Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Red Ale 2023.

It's the same base beer but aged in bourbon barrels, which give it more vanilla and oak.

Sahale Ale Works

Owner and brewmaster Matthew Hofmann says that the Grafton brewery will release two Black Friday beers this year. "They are both Imperial Sour Ales brewed with Merlot grapes and fermented with a mixed culture, producing the major differences in the two beers.

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"It's Tearin' Up My Tart When I'm With You (13.4 percent ABV) is drier and more acidic/tart and Quit Playing Games With My Tart (13.6 percent ABV) is more complex and funky, with more character from the wine barrel it was aged in.

"Both brews have been aging/developing for four years in used wine barrels and are finally ready for release. This project inspired our popular wine-inspired beer series, The Graped Crusader, which explores the different varietals of grapes."

The beers will be available on draft and in a limited number of 500 ml bottles.

"While it will actually be released the Wednesday before Black Friday, we also will again be releasing very high ABV IPA. This year the plan is to brew our first Quadruple IPA that will be 14-plus percent ABV. It will feature Necteron hops."

This beer, called Set The World A'Haze, will be available on draft and cans to go. Sahale will keep normal hours on Friday, 3-10 p.m. It will also be open the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, from 5 until 11 p.m. The Quadruple IPA will be available both days.

Sprecher Brewing

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Sprecher will release Bourbon Barrel Aged Black Bavarian schwarzbier on Nov. 22. Black Bavarian, long a Sprecher favorite, has won awards for Milwaukee's first craft brewery and is one of Sprecher's top sellers. This version was aged 10 months in months in J. Henry Bourbon barrels and has notes of caramel, vanilla and complex depth, the brewery vows.

The 9.5 percent ABV fire-brewed dark lager uses Mt. Hood Hallertau hops and caramel, black patent and chocolate malts.

Supermoon Beer

Bay View's Supermoon has three Thanksgiving releases available for pre-order and for Wednesday pickup. They are: "Cadette" Unfiltered Munich Style Helles Lager, 5.6 percent ABV; Available in four-pack bottles and on draft; "The Frightener" French Oak-Aged Abbey-Style Quad brewed collaboratively Mobcraft and Radix Fermentation, 9.5 percent, available in 375ml bottles and on draft; and "Saison Fernwood" Farmhouse Style Amber Ale Bière de Garde, 6 percent, available in 500ml bottles and on draft.

On Black Friday, Supermoon will host a pizza brunch beginning at noon with Pizza Ortolana serving a brunch pizza special. Saison Bay View Beermosas will be $5 until 4 p.m. and all three of the new beers will be available on draft.

Third Space

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"We're doing something pretty exciting for Black Friday this year," says Third Space's Lizzie Tenant. "For our annual Deconstructed Dessert series, we'll be creating our first ever mixed six-pack.

This year's series is inspired by the components of the classic Linzer Torte.  There will be the basical imperial stout, plus variants lemon & vanilla, honey & cinnamon, pecan, red currant, and, of course, the final mash-up of all the flavors: the the Linzer Torte Stout.

In the past, other themes have included Mudslide and German Chocolate Cake.

"Previously we've sold this series in four-packs and you could only purchase one variant at a time. This six-pack will be perfect for holiday tasting parties, barrel-aged beer aficionados and festive dessert fans alike.

A taproom-only, Black Friday release and will be $45.

Torzala Brewing

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Down in Bay View, Tricia Torzala says her famil owned brewery will have a new brew called The Squash Blossom spiced harvest ale and they're bringing back our first Black Friday beer, Cream City Calling fruited cream ale, the latter of which will be available in four-packs to go.

The Squash Blossom (2023), she says, is a "twist on a traditional Hefeweizen. For this beer, we thought it would be fun to combine locally sourced pumpkins, roast them, and add them to a traditional Hefe recipe. The caramelized pumpkin notes and holiday spices, combined with clove and banana notes from the Hefe yeast, create a brew to be shared at all of your holiday gatherings.

" Continuing the concept of art in a glass for our Black Friday release, this year we focused on combining the art of farming along with the iconic artist Georgia O’Keeffe. With both having roots in Wisconsin, we felt this would be the perfect expression showcasing the result of hard work and determination. Georgia, through her life, dismissed sexist stereotypes to become known as the 'Mother of American Modernism.' One her famous paintings is the Squash Blossom. With that in mind, and being the fall harvest, we gathered and roasted pumpkins from our friends and local farmers at Schuett Farms for this brew. We offer to you our interpretation of what we feel Georgia would have appreciated for our art in a glass. Our inspiration lies with one of her quotes, “When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it's your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else.”

This one is 12 IBU and 5.9 percent ABV.

Cream City Calling, Torzala says, "was inspired with the concept of art in a glass. That led us to think about Mark di Suvero’s creation 'The Calling,' the orange I-beam sunburst found at Museum Center Park. Each year we brew up a unique batch for the holidays that will bring some warmth and a smile to your face to share with your peeps. This year’s variant – and our first – was designed after Jake’s favorite bread to make.

"His bread along, with this brew, pairs basswood honey from Mallory Meadows in Eagle, Door County cherries, Wisconsin-grown Steven’s Variety cranberries, and bitter oranges not from Wisconsin infused into our Cream Ale."

Thirteen IBU and 8.5 percent ABV.

Torzala is also a stop on the south route of the free shuttle.

Urban Harvest Brewing

Owner/brewer Steve Pribek says that Urban Harvest Brewing will have seven of its Special Release beers from previous years available in 16-ounce cans, along with a taproom release on Black Friday of Alice who the HELLES Alice.

The seven beers are 2020 Big Ring Bourbon Red, 2020 Brown Mumbler Bourbon Brown Ale, 2021 WhiScotchsin Whiskey Scotch Ale, 2021 Two Naught Naught Chocolate Bourbon Espresso Amber, 2021 Whiskey Porter, 2021 Imperial Chocolate Whiskey Stout and 2021 Deux Stappen French Cognac Belgian Dark Strong.

They will be available for pre-order beginning Wednesday, Nov. 23 at noon. Pre-order pickups and walk-in orders of any remaining beers start at 11 a.m. on Friday when the taproom opens. Cans are $10 each or $60 for one of each of the seven.

Vennture Brew Co.

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Vennture will release three new beers at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 22 and will continue until the beer runs out or the place closes. Then, because everyone needs a break from basting, Vennture will be open on Thanksgiving day from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. for coffee and beer. It's open on Black Friday from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. All of the beers will be on tap and the releases are (with details from Vennture's Simon McConico)...

Mumble Biscuits: Barley Wine Aged in J. Henry Bourbon Barrels (13 percent ABV). The return of our English Barleywine and tossed into barrels for some long term care. Limit two per person. 200 bottles.

Grandma's Boyfriend: Double West Coast IPA with Sultana and Citra. He's flashy and interesting. Probably did something cool in the '40s and now he's hanging out ready for fisticuffs over the wishbone. Well. Drink with family or because of them. amirite? Pale, hop saturated, and full of dank pineapple and citrus smells. This is a lovely pairing with your aunt's fruit jello that you take so she doesn't give you the side eye. Cheers!

Thanksgiving Sangria Bruv: Berliner Style Ale with Pomegranate, Cranberry, Orange, and Zinfandel Juice. A beautiful tart wheat beer that brings fruit that is ready to party. Zippy with a melding of flavors. Dark red Zinfandel juice co-fermented with our Berliner base with heaps of fruit added to bring the flavor punch you deserve.

Water Street Brewery / The Brewery

According to Director of Brewing Operations George Bluvas, Water Street Brewery is planning a keg of Robust Rosemary Whiskey Stout, which will be available only at The Brewery Milwaukee (on Water and Highland), which opens at 4 p.m. on Black Friday. It's a 7.2 percent ABV brew with 30 IBU.

"For Irish Fest we experimented with 'hopping' Irish whiskey with fresh rosemary from (my) garden. This Whiskey Rosemary tincture was then blended with our Irish Stout and served at Irish Fest, to great fanfare. We have created a stronger base beer, brewed with Milwaukee based Proximity Malt's Chocolate Rye. Extra Stout would be the general style, but the alcohol climbed into the 'Imperial' range.

"Another rosemary Irish whiskey tincture was blended in, the resulting beer tasting of dark chocolate and coffee with hints of vanilla and honey from the Irish whiskey. Rosemary comes through in the nose, with wood and sweet undertones in the body."

The Brewery MKE will also release Sour Cherry Mead.

"We are about to celebrate our 35th anniversary, and we brew a mead every five years," Bluvas says.  "We blended one keg with Door County cherries to produce a sparkling cherry red mead.  Mead is just honey and water fermented.  We will release other versions of this mead in the coming months."

Non-alcoholic fresh hop water made with hops from the brewersmaster's garden will also be available to sample.

Wizard Works

Chris Ragaisis, owner/brewer at the Third Ward brewery and taproom, says, "We’ll be doing a bourbon barrel aged strong ale – Santa’s Wrath.  It will be available in limited edition hand numbered bomber bottles and on tap."