By Taylor J. Hale
Reporter

AMHERST — Beer lovers battled the unforgiving tundra that is Wisconsin to get to the Central Waters 21st
Anniversary Party on Jan. 26.

A long line of approximately 3,000 attendees extended into the frigid parking lot, filtering into the warmth and comfort of the renown Amherst brewery.

“Craft beer as a whole has grown,” said Central Waters Head Brewer Simon Nielsen, in an exclusive interview with the Gazette. “Amherst is very craft focused, and also very locally focused. There is a lot of organic farmers and local produce in general here, and I think Central Waters really resonates with the community.”

The beer tasting anniversary events first began gaining notoriety in 2012 during their 14th celebration, when they released their first-anniversary beer, Fourteen Fourteen. The small-batch stout won the brewer a Great American Beer Festival Gold Medal. Guests this year got a chance to try the new Anniversary beer, aptly named 21.

Central Waters staff prepares drinks for thirsty anniversary attendees. (Photo: Taylor Hale)

Central Waters understands keeping an organic and wholesome relationship with the community is vital. Nielsen is grateful for the bonds he has made with the area.

“One of our grain silos outside is filled with malt grown just a mile up the road,” he said. “The farmer’s daughter is one of our bartenders. We are very in touch with the local community.”

It’s not just Wisconsinites enjoying the high-caliber brews. Elliot Hile and his team from the Artisan Brewing Company, based in Minnesota, drove to this year’s event via bus. Artisan Brewing Company is the exclusive distributor of Central Waters in Minnesota.

“Central Waters makes clean, great beer that’s true to style,” Hile said. “They are always pushing the limits with their barrel aged stuff. They are leading the industry in terms of what we have seen in midwest production, and that’s great.”

Hile tells the Gazette that Central Waters is in high demand in Wisconsin’s neighbor state. It seems the local craft brewery is spreading its fan base. Central Waters may be growing in popularity, but the spirit of the brewery will always reside in Portage County.

For more info on Central Waters Brewing Company visit https://centralwaters.com.