Sand Creek Brewing Company

Sand Creek Brewing Company was founded in 1999 by Cory Schroeder and Jim Weisender in a converted milk house on the old Schroeder farm in tiny Downing, Wisconsin . Back then, their beer was only available on tap in select taverns in nearby Menomonie and in half-gallon growlers. Fortunately for me, Downing is close to my home and our local liquor store started carrying the growlers. They only brewed their Golden Ale and their English Style Special Ale at that time. I seem to remember an Imperial Stout, but their website today makes no mention of it. Perhaps I am wrong. That happens occasionally.

Things took off quickly for Cory and Jim. Their beer was extremely popular with us locals. I found myself giving growlers of their brew to friends outside Sand Creek's distribution area (not very far). I started getting requests for cases of growlers at a time. I doubt Jim or Cory knew about my free-lance, non-profit distributorship of their product. That's okay. We beer-lovers have to help each other out.

By 2004, Sand Creek had grown enough revenue to join forces with Todd Krueger to purchase Pioneer Brewing Company in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. Pioneer already had a history of producing some really great beers, including an Oatmeal Stout and an Oktoberfest/Marzen that each won gold medals in the 2000 World Beer Cup.

Today, Sand Creek still produces their Golden Ale and their English Style Special Ale. I have been drinking these beers since 1999, and I can honestly say that the taste has not changed one bit. The growlers are gone though, replaced by the more practical 12 oz. longnecks. Thank God too because, even though both beers are delicious, it was hard for one guy to polish off a half gallon of beer before it went flat.

With the purchase of Pioneer also came several recipies that the trio chose to add to their beer menu. I have not tried all of them yet, but the ones I have tried were pretty good.

Oscar's Chocolate Oatmeal Stout is dark and nutty with a sweet initial mouthfeel and a bitter coffee aftertaste. This is a nice beer for a thick steak or hearty beef stew, but on a cold December night, in front of a warm fire, all it would need is a plate of sharp cheddar cheese and a few whole wheat crackers.

Woody's Wheat is a great summer beer. With a nose full of clove and a nice, quenching citrus aftertaste, this beer is best cold, when it's really hot outside. The alcohol is subdued enough not to buzz you up too bad. This beer is best enjoyed while standing in front of the grill while you're searing the heck out of any dead animal. Barbeque chicken is best though.

Groovy Brew is a delicious kolsch-style beer that should be taken far more seriosuly than the 60's-inspired name would imply. It's psychedelic label and stupid name hides a world-class beer that would make a German native sit up and take notice. This is a good spicy-food beer. I like it with pizza.

Pioneer Black River Red is pretty good, but it didn't wow me. It may have won an award, but I can honestly say I've tasted better. That's just my opinion though. It was very pleasant as it washed over my tongue, but I thought the aftertaste was a little too dry and hoppy. I would pair this beer up with a garden salad and a vinagrette dressing (to offset the aftertaste).

Badger Porter is definitely a one-glass-thank-you-very-much-I'm going-to-bed-now kind of beer. Thick, creamy, sweet, roasty, and heavy. How many other adjectives can I attribute to this one? This is a sipping beer. Pair it with salted cashews, but for something really unusual, drink it with a Werther's Original candy in your mouth. Don't choke on it though.

They also offer Pioneer Lager, Wild Ride India Pale Ale, Pioneer Oderbolz Bock, and a Cranberry Special Ale (!). I have not tried these yet, so if you have, please tell me what you think of them.

Later, friends!

Russ