Givin’ ‘er at Mink River Basin

A few weeks back I mentioned a telephone call from a Madison writer who was doing a story about Door County growing into a beer destination. Here is another reason to accept that as a fact – Mink River Basin in Ellison Bay has added another 20 taps lines to its 14-tap lineup.

Mink River Basin owner Linden Ray pours a Golden Amber Lager from the Wisconsin Brewing Co., one of 34 beers he now has on tap. Photo by Jim Lundstrom.

“At least 24 of those are Wisconsin craft beers,” said owner Linden Ray.

Back when he opened in 2000, Ray said he had six tap beer lines. That eventually grew to 14 lines.

“But there are so many good breweries and so many great craft beers out there, and so many beers I wanted to bring in,” he said.

The additional tap lines required installation of a cooler behind the bar. The system went live on June 20.

I had to stop and check it out. I felt like a kid in a candy store. So many choices, so little time.

I started things off with a beer from Kirby Nelson’s new venture. Kirby was the longtime brewmaster at Capital who was lured away to a brand-new brewing venture called Wisconsin Brewing Co. The beer on tap was a Golden Amber Lager. When I ordered, Ray said it is his personal favorite. This is not a typical American lager, but a malty, rich lager.

Next up was Good Juju Ginger from the Left Hand Brewing Co. I’m a big fan of ginger, so was happy to be greeted with a big ginger aroma. The sharp bite of ginger has been mellowed in the brewing process, but ginger is definitely present. Yum!

With time for just one more beer, I deserted to end with dessert in the form of Java Lava Stout from Pearl Street Brewing of LaCrosse. If you like coffee in your beer, this beer’s for you.

I will be heading back to try the Alaskan Brewing Co.’s Summer Kolsch-Style Ale (a favorite style of mine), Breckenridge’s Ophelia Hoppy Wheat, Oskar Blues Mama’s Little Yellow Pils and Ale Asylum’s Unshadowed Wheat.

Ray said folks have really been enjoying one of my favorites, Founders Rye IPA (“A lot going on there,” he said), as well as Anderson Valley’s Summer Solstice Cream Ale.

He said Door County Brewing Co. also does well with his customers.

“Polka King Porter is selling really well, and so is Little Sister Wit,” Ray said.

If you prefer cider, Ciderboys Hard Cider from the Stevens Point Brewery is on tap, and there is a perry (pear cider) from Crispin’s (be forewarned – Crispin’s was bought by MillerCoors in 2012).

If you like your beverages on the hard liquor side, Ray has beefed up his offerings in the whiskey/bourbon/rye/scotch as well.