If any beverage entity in Milwaukee deserves to celebrate an anniversary, it’s MKE Brewing. The local craft brewer whose continued existence was far from a sure thing two years ago will give a big nod to their persistence and combine it with some seasonal flavor when they throw a combination anniversary/Halloween bash Oct. 26 at their recently opened taproom.
The taproom itself is an example of MKE Brewing’s dogged refusal to disappear, which was absolutely on the table when the previous iteration of Milwaukee Brewing Co. put itself up for sale in 2022. That’s when Eagle Park Brewing & Distilling co-founders Max and Jackson Borgardt and Jake Schinker stepped in to acquire the beloved brand, along with all its recipes.
One thing not included in the deal was the Milwaukee Ale House on Water Street that ultimately shut its doors in September of 2022. Nearly two years later, the re-energized MKE Brewing opened a new taproom at 2335 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. in Bay View — a location that will get a “spine-chilling transformation,” according to a press release, for the 27th anniversary/Halloween party.
"MKE Brewing has been one of the founding craft breweries in this state for 27 years,” Max Borgardt said in the release. “We are honored to carry on the brand’s legacy, and what better way than with an epic party — with a spooky surprise."
Spoiler alert: The surprise is that Louie’s Resurrection is, as the name suggests, rising from the grave. The “crank it up to 11” version of Louie’s Demise has long been a favorite in the MKE Brewing line, coming in at an ABV north of 10.0 thanks to its bourbon-barrel aging process. The party will feature firkins of Louie’s Resurrection infused with Madagascar vanilla and the brewery’s Outboard variety infused with peach rings as part of a schedule that includes:
- Noon — Tapping the first firkin: Outboard infused with peach rings
- 1 p.m. — Live music begins
- 2 p.m. — Tapping the second firkin: Louie’s Resurrection infused with Madagascar vanilla
- 7 p.m. — Evening band performance
- 8 p.m. — Costume contest with prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place
- 9 p.m. — DJ to close out the night
The party runs until midnight and will have at least one more special beverage guest according to Max Borgardt, who shared in the release that they’re preparing “a 10mg mystery-flavored Alto from Eagle Park’s THC-infused seltzer line.” Among the drink specials available throughout the event are $7 specialty old fashioneds, a $7 beer-and-shot combo and a selection of anniversary cocktails. Anyone in costume will also receive a drink ticket redeemable for a $2 beer of their choice.
“This party reflects our dedication to making MKE a staple of the Bay View neighborhood and the city as a whole,” Schinker said in the release. “We strive to embody the great spirit of our city to locals and visitors alike.”
For more information and updates about MKE Brewing’s 27th anniversary (and Halloween) bash, visit the Facebook event page.
