‘Green Circle Pale’ goes year-round, gives back to local trail system

FOR THE GAZETTE

STEVENS POINT — The Stevens Point Brewery is unveiling its latest year-round brew, a true-to-style American pale ale named Green Circle Pale. The concept, the flavor, and the cause were all inspired by a love of the local Green Circle Trail. The new brew is sold in kegs, 6-packs and 12-packs of 12-ounce cans.

“The concept for Green Circle Pale was conceived by one of our brewery production workers,” explains Marketing Director Julie Birrenkott. “He’s an avid cyclist and loves biking the Green Circle Trail. We all enjoy it. But he had the clever idea for the name and then literally drew out a label with the tagline ‘Libation for Recreation.’ It was perfect.”

To pay homage to the 27-mile trail system that surrounds Stevens Point, Brewmaster Mike Schraufnagel details how the beer came to life. “We wanted to craft a new pale ale with moderate hop aroma using Mosaic and Talus hops. It’s really bright, refreshing, and balanced — just hoppy enough, just malty enough, and you’re ready for another,” said Schraufnagel. “The trees on the label artwork and the fresh aroma really remind you of being outside enjoying nature.”

The Stevens Point Brewery spent months developing Green Circle Pale. “We brewed six test batches to arrive at this recipe,” Schraufnagel adds. “It floored us in a final blind taste test conducted in the Point Patio beer garden. The results were tallied, the winner was clear, and now we have Green Circle Pale.”

Green Circle Pale doesn’t just represent the Brewery’s hometown — it represents their values. “The Stevens Point area community is very important to us and the Green Circle Trail plays a big role in our recreational fun,” adds Birrenkott. “We approached members of the Green Circle Board early in development to make sure they were in agreement. They were excited about the idea and we are happy to donate to this recreational gem.” A contribution based on sales will go back to the Green Circle Trail system.

The Green Circle

The Green Circle is a 27-mile scenic hiking and biking trail that loops through the Stevens Point area and connects with over 45 miles of additional trails. It winds through forests and parks, over wetlands, and along rivers, recalling the days of huge pineries, pioneer settlements, and the lore of the Wisconsin and Plover Rivers.

Since 1989, Portage County residents, businesses, local governments, and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point have worked together to develop the Green Circle, one of the first in the nation to encircle an entire community.

The main loop of the Green Circle is made up of 12 connecting trail segments. All urban residents are within 10 minutes of the trail system, and yet, more than 80 percent of the Green Circle travels through secluded parks and natural areas.

Stevens Point Brewery

Home to Point Special Lager, Point Craft Beers, Ciderboys Hard Ciders, Whole Hog Brews, and Point Sodas, the Stevens Point Brewery has survived and thrived for more than 165 years thanks to a loyal community in Wisconsin, which radiates out.