One for the Environment</STRONG></SPAN></H2> <P><SPAN class="main-text"><A href="http://www.centralwaters.com/" target="_blank">Central Waters Brewing Company</A> in Amherst, Wisconsin is “making the world a better place, one beer at a time”—and that’s not just by serving great-tasting beer.</SPAN></P> <HR class="ccm-blog-post-preview-break"/> <P><SPAN class="main-text">With 1,000-square feet of solar collectors (24 panels), radiant floor heating and a tap room made of recycled products, this microbrewery is all about being “green.” In fact, it was the first green-powered brewery in Wisconsin. Besides converting solar energy into brewing power, Central Waters practices sustainability in other aspects of its beer production. It harvests grain from an on-site silo, minimizing packaging waste. The brewery also works with local farmers to recycle the grain into feed for livestock or compost after the brewing process is complete. By committing to these practices, Central Waters has drastically reduced its use of natural gas, and thus, its carbon footprint. Now that’s a beer you can really feel good about drinking!</SPAN></P> <H2><SPAN class="main-text bold-large-text"><STRONG>A Green Beginning</STRONG></SPAN></H2> <P><SPAN class="main-text">In 1996 friends Mike McElwain and Jerome Ebel bought at old brick building in Junction City. They cleaned and restored it, then installed used dairy equipment, retrofitted for brewing beer. Voila! Central Waters Brewing Company was born. The brewery officially opened in 1998, serving the suds in growlers and kegs. It has since changed hands, relocating to its current location in Amherst with owners Paul Graham and Anello Mollica. Central Waters now bottles its craft beer, serving over 200 retail locations in Central Wisconsin and 18 styles of the frothy beverage.</SPAN></P> <H2><SPAN class="main-text bold-large-text"><STRONG>Wisconsin-Proud Pints</STRONG></SPAN></H2> <P><SPAN class="main-text">From the <EM>Honey Blonde Ale</EM> to the <EM>Bourbon Barrel Cherry Stout</EM>, Central Waters’ brews are accented with flavors and geographic inspiration from around the state. The <EM>Honey Blonde Ale</EM> contains hints of real Wisconsin honey, the <EM>Glacial Trail India Pale Ale</EM> is named for the historic trail running through Central Wisconsin, and the <EM>Hop Harvest Ale</EM> features Wisconsin-grown barley and hand-picked hops, supporting the farmers that make brewing possible. And, coming full-circle back to the brewery’s environmental efforts, a portion of the sales from <EM>Shine On Ale</EM> helps to fund renewable energy and sustainability through a partnership with the <A href="http://midwestrenew.org/home" target="_blank">Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA).</A></SPAN></P> <P><SPAN class="main-text">Thirsty? Care to sample a few? We’ll spare you the road trip up north… </SPAN><BR/><SPAN class="main-text"> and help you get to know this upstanding brew house more intimately. </SPAN><BR/> <BR/><SPAN class="main-text"> <STRONG>Dream Dance Steak is hosting Central Waters Brewing Company for a beer dinner with owner, Anello Mollica on Monday & Tuesday, September 24 & 25.</STRONG> The dinner features five craft beers paired with <A title="central-waters-beer-dinner-menu.pdf" href="/download_file/view/2301/">delectable dishes prepared by Head Chef, Matt Baier.</A> </SPAN></P> <P><SPAN class="main-text">Courses include:</SPAN></P> <UL> <LI><SPAN class="main-text"><STRONG>Crispy Pork Belly</STRONG> topped with romesco sauce, trumpet royale mushrooms and Grand Cru Surchoix cheese and hop dust. <EM>Paired with Glacial Trail IPA<BR/> <BR/> </EM></SPAN></LI> <LI><SPAN class="main-text"><STRONG>Muddy Puppy Braised Short Ribs</STRONG> served with Dauphinoise sweet potatoes, parsnip chips and purple cauliflower. <EM>Paired with Muddy Puppy Porter</EM> </SPAN></LI> </UL> <P><SPAN class="main-text"> <BR/>Cost is $55 per person. <EM>The Monday dinner is already sold out; reservations are being accepted for the Tuesday night dinner only. </EM><A title="Online Reservations" href="/">Make your reservations today.