Last week, to our surprise, we received an e-mail from Open Table that we were voted “Best Restaurant” in three categories; Brunch, Neighborhood Gems and Group Bookings. These are voted on by Open Table users so it means a ton to us to receive these kudos for just being us. You like, you really like us!
We’ll continue to “up our game” and make sure we provide the coolest diner’s in world the best place to come, gather and enjoy!
Warm up with Cocktails and a Delicious Pig Roast by Aaron Patin at Central Standard’s Inaugural Outdoor Winter Luau!
February in Wisconsin is just the worst! We’re past January and the days are getting longer, but freezing temps linger. Central Standard and Smokey Woods want to do our part by throwing a parking lot party to celebrate that the end of the cold and snow is finally in sight. Our Winter Luau will be a great day designed to support a great cause, the Milwaukee Police Foundation. Cocktails by Central Standard and Food by Aaron Patin, formally of Iron Grate!
With ticketed admission each attendee will receive a food voucher (mouth watering plate of award winning BBQ pulled pork, two home style sides and cornbread), your first drink at the bar and luau swag! LETS HAVE A PARTY FOR A GREAT CAUSE!
Local Hospitality Pro Ben Cook joins Central Standard’s Crafthouse & Kitchen as Event Sales Manager of the Distillery’s downtown restaurant, guided tastings and events space.
Ben, who brings 10-plus years of hands-on expertise to the role, will book corporate and private events, as well as weddings.
Contact Ben before entertaining clients; planning your wedding; or scheduling your next leadership-team meeting, CEO dinner, retirement party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner or private event.
We loved seeing the Crafthouse & Kitchen included in Milwaukee Magazine’s awesome article. We are glad to be a part of a vibrant and growing community of great bars and restaurants in Milwaukee and continuing to get people downtown and explore all the great spaces there are to offer, including ours!
Check out the article here to see if your fav’s are any of other 10 mentioned
There’s something new to crave this holiday season as our newest addition in the Flannel Series arrives today: North Wisconsin Chocolate brandy, a decadent combination of North Wisconsin brandy and dark chocolate.
“Our new Chocolate brandy is a ‘must try’ this season as almost a pound of dark chocolate is infused into each bottle,” said distillery Cofounder Evan Hughes. “The result is a rich, flavorful and festive brandy with hints of dry cherry, vanilla and, of course, chocolate. It tastes like the holidays in a bottle.“
To help make the season bright, mixologists from the Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen created eight all-new cocktail recipes featuring the new North Wisconsin Chocolate Flannel Series brandy. The easy-to-make-at home recipes can be found at thecentralstandard.com/flannel-series .
Cocktail recipe highlights include the “Nostalgic Nightcap” (North Wisconsin Chocolate brandy, Irish cream, and half & half on the rocks); Chocolate Snap (North Wisconsin Chocolate brandy, ginger beer and an orange twist in a Collins glass); and The Zoolander (North Wisconsin Chocolate brandy, Triple Sec, simple syrup, and Central Standard Daily Grind Coffee Vodka on the rocks or as a martini).
“No matter folks’ level of behind-the-bar experience, our North Wisconsin Chocolate brandy and these new recipes makes whipping up festive cocktails easy,” said Central Standard Cofounder Pat McQuillan. “Our new chocolate brandy is also the perfect bottle to gift the host of your next holiday gathering or place under the tree for that someone special.”
The new North Wisconsin Flannel Series Chocolate brandy sells in 750ml bottles and is priced between $29.99 and $34.99. Only a limited number of bottles are being released.
“And, when we’re sold out, we’re sold out, no matter if it’s next Tuesday or the week before Christmas,” Hughes added. “This year, we say skip the pie and start a new tradition when you gather with friends and family by enjoying a cocktail with our new Chocolate brandy after your big holiday meal instead.”
Creator of the World’s Largest Old Fashioned; a Former Wisconsinite Who Treks Home for Her Favorite Cocktail & a 90-Year-Old Grandpa, Who Died Before Today’s Announcement, Among the 2022 Honorees
Today we unveil the inductees into the first-ever Brandy Old Fashioned Hall of Fame. In all, we received 90-plus nominations from all corners of Wisconsin and from as far away as Colorado and Missouri.
Nominating stories included cocktail recipes passed down over multiple generations, fathers famed for home-muddled cherries, and even former residents who now travel back to the Badger state to enjoy a true bourbon-less Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned Cocktail.
“We were floored by the sheer number of nominations and the quality of their stories,” McQuillan said. “Reviewing the submissions reminded all of us of the passion and love that everyday Wisconsinites and folks from across the country have for our state’s favorite cocktail.”
The 2022 Slate of Brandy Old Fashioned Hall of Fame inductees includes:
Tony Berg (from Milwaukee) who received 12 nominations. In one, his brother Nick noted “While ice fishing on Round Lake, Tony created possibly the world’s largest Brandy Old Fashioned.”
Charlotte Berndt (from Raymore, Mo.) was nominated by her daughter Lisa Macy, who said “The bane of her existence is that she can’t get a Brandy Old Fashioned sweet worth anything outside of Wisconsin. She now lives in Missouri and comes back often to Wisconsin to get a decent cocktail.”
Karl Klatt (from Madison) was nominated by his wife, who wrote “To say my husband is passionate about Old Fashioneds is an understatement. He muddles his $20 cherries and puts his heart into it. For Karl, the Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned is a lifestyle.”
Tim Vertz (from Milwaukee) was nominated by seven including his wife, Joy, who wrote “Tim won as the top amateur for his Brandy Old-Fashioned at the 2016 State Fair and turned this talent into fundraising for Wisconsin nonprofits, raising over $75,000 in the past 10 years.”
David Lardinois (from Pewaukee, Wisc.) received 11 nominations, including one from his daughter, Linda Reis, who wrote “Since the 1970’s, my dad has been known for his Old Fashioneds. They were a must on ski trips, while boating and during holidays. He even created his own labels for his mix.”
And, finally 90-year-old Eugene Kasprzak (from Sussex, Wisc.). Nicknamed “Old Fashioned,” Eugene was nominated by his granddaughter Jessica Kasprzak. In her nomination, she wrote “My biggest memory of my grandfather will always be his love of Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioneds.” Sadly, Eugene passed away after he was nominated and two weeks before today’s announcement.
Fame, Free Brandy & So Much More
Each inductee will receive a year’s supply of Central Standard’s North Wisconsin brandy; a custom bottle of North Wisconsin brandy with their photo on it; lifetime VIP status at the Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen at 320 E. Clybourn St. in downtown Milwaukee; and their name displayed in the Brandy Old Fashioned Hall of Fame, which is housed at the Crafthouse & Kitchen.
The Road to the Hall of Fame
Starting September 1 as part of Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned month, Hughes and McQuillan began asking folks from across the state and country to nominate individuals deserving of Brandy Old Fashioned Hall of Fame status. Anyone could nominate a potential hall of famer by going online and explaining why he or she was worthy in 50 words or less. Nominations were accepted through Sept. 30, and a panel of judges selected the inaugural class of Brandy Old Fashioned Hall of Fame inductees based on the strength of their nominations and their Brandy Old Fashioned stories.
“Brandy Old Fashioned month and the new hall of fame were both designed to connect Wisconsinites with the great local distilleries we have here in the state,” said Hughes, who is also a board member of the Wisconsin Distillers Guild. “The spirits industry in Wisconsin supports more than 39,000 jobs from family farmers and truck drivers to glass-bottle makers and those in the hospitality industries. In all, Wisconsin distilleries impact billions of dollars in economic activity every year in our state and beyond.”
Central Standard Unveils 1st Global Collab in it Brewmasters Brandy Series
Distillery Co-Founders Team with German Brewing Icon Hofbräu München to Release Special Limited-Availability Bottling of North Brandy Combined with Hofbräu Winter Spezial Delicator.
Central Standard Craft Distillery is going global with the unveiling of the next release in the distillery’s Brewmasters Brandy Series: a collaboration with Hofbräu München, the renowned 400+ year-old brewery known for Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival in Munich.
“For our latest Brewmasters-series release, we wanted to make it a truly global collaboration,” Hughes said. “And no better brewery to partner with than Hofbräu München, the top name in German brewing and owner of the most famous beer hall in the world.”
The new beer brandy, which hits retail shelves across the Midwest in a limited supply starting October 1, combines Central Standard’s North Brandy with Hofbräu’s Doppelbock seasonal special Hofbräu Delicator, which is bottled as Hofbräu Winter Spezial and available in six packs in the United States.
The result is a flavorful beer brandy with notes of dark chocolate, cherry and dried fruit. “When I had my very first taste of it, I knew I wanted to bring it to Oktoberfest in Munich and share it with the world,” said Hans Weissgerber, Managing Director of Old German Beer Hall in Milwaukee. “It’s just that good. Combining the heritage of the Hofbräu München Brewery and the hand-crafted spirit of the Central Standard Distillery creates a truly must-try collaboration.”
“The new Hofbräu North Brandy collaboration has something for beer and brandy fans alike,” said Jim Kanter, Chief Commercial Officer of Central Standard Distillery. “Beer lovers will appreciate the roasted caramel malt flavor and subtle beer sweetness,” he said. “Brandy fans will love the bold, rich flavor. It tastes like a cozy Bavarian night.”
The collaboration offered Hughes and Kanter an opportunity to celebrate their hometown and state. “This new beer brandy really embraces the Germanic roots of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and the Midwest,” said Hughes. “Teaming with Hofbräu München and specifically their Winter Spezial Delicator made the ideal match for our North Brandy.”
The new Beer Brandy sells in 750ml bottles and is priced between $24.99 – $29.99. Only a limited number of bottles are being released. “And, when we’re sold out, we’re sold out,” Kanter added.
About Hofbräu München
Hofbräu München began with a culinary challenge more than 400 years ago: Since he found the beer brewed in his court in Munich to be of poor taste and quality, William V, the Duke of Bavaria, founded the Hofbräuhaus in 1589 – the birthplace of the brewery and gastronomy. The brewing demand outgrew the location in the heart of the city in no time but what’s left is a “must-visit” when in Munich: the “Hofbräuhaus am Platzl”.
Around 1.3 million visitors enjoy the “most famous tavern in the world” every year and 17,000 hectoliters of beer are served in the “Schwemme” (beer hall) and “Bräustüberl” (brewpub) annually.
Today, Hofbräu München is the only Bavarian-State-owned traditional Munich brewery and one of the only 6 Munich breweries that are eligible to pour beer at the famous Oktoberfest. HB beers are known and enjoyed all over the world and especially in the United States.
“Hofbräu München stands for the passionate commitment to the city, its people and the Bavarian lifestyle”, says brewery director Dr. Michael Möller. “Forward thinking, but with feet firmly rooted in Bavarian tradition and brewing craftsmanship: With this recipe we succeed to maintain the Hofbräu brand with its fine beers and further develop it carefully.”
Current Retail Locations: (alphabetical by city)
| Location | Address | City |
| COYOTE ROAD HOUSE | 3026 CTY E | BAILEYS HARBOR |
| PIERCE’S EXPRESS MARKET | 935 8TH ST. | BARABOO |
| OTTOS BAYSIDE WINE+SPIRITS | 8834 N PORT WASHINGTON RD | BAYSIDE |
| COSTCO WAREHOUSE | 2355 COSTCO WAY | BELLEVUE |
| SENDIKS CORNERS | 20222 LOWER UNION STREET | BROOKFIELD |
| SENDIKS FINE FOODS | 18985 W CAPITOL DRIVE | BROOKFIELD |
| TOTAL WINE | 17300 W BLUEMOUND RD STE 200 | BROOKFIELD |
| OTTOS WINE CASK [63607] | 4600 W BROWN DEER RD | BROWN DEER |
| CAMBRIDGE COOLER | 109 JEFFERSON STREET | CAMBRIDGE |
| OTTOS BEV CENTER-CEDARBURG | W63 N157 WASHINGTON AVENUE | CEDARBURG |
| CLINTON FOODS | 603 CHURCH STREET | CLINTON |
| DAYBREAK MOBILE | 622 GENESEE STREET | DELAFIELD |
| SENTRY FOODS | 3255 W GOLF ROAD | DELAFIELD |
| FIRE2FORK | N2484 CTY RD O SOUTH | DELAVAN |
| FESTIVAL FOODS DEPERE | 1001 MAIN STREET | DEPERE |
| WINE CELLAR | 801 MAIN AVENUE | DEPERE |
| WISCONSIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY | W372 S9727 WI-67 | EAGLE |
| OTTOS ELM GROVE LIQUOR | 15380 WATERTOWN PLANK RD | ELM GROVE |
| SENDIKS FOOD MARKET | 13425 WATERTOWN PLANK ROAD | ELM GROVE |
| FISH CREEK MARKET | 4164 HWY 42 | FISH CREEK |
| HILL STREET | 4149 MAIN STREET | FISH CREEK |
| SENDIKS FOOD MARKET | 5200 W RAWSON AVENUE | FRANKLIN |
| SENDIKS FOOD MARKET | N112 W15800 MEQUON ROAD | GERMANTOWN |
| TOTAL WINE | 5850 NORTH BAYSHORE DRIVE | GLENDALE |
| COSTCO WAREHOUSE | 950 PORT WASHINGTON ROAD | GRAFTON |
| SENDIKS FOOD MARKET | 2195 1ST AVENUE | GRAFTON |
| THE STILLERY | 1304 12TH AVENUE | GRAFTON |
| COSTCO WHOLESALE | 5401 W INTEGRITY WAY | GRAND CHUTE |
| BADGER | 1047 W MASON STREET | GREEN BAY |
| FESTIVAL FOODS | 2534 STEFFENS CT | GREEN BAY |
| FESTIVAL FOODS | 2430 UNIVERSITY AVENUE | GREEN BAY |
| FESTIVAL FOODS | 2250 W MASON ST | GREEN BAY |
| FESTIVAL FOODS | 2348 LINEVILLE ROAD | GREEN BAY |
| RIDGEVIEW LIQUOR | 2202 S RIDGE ROAD | GREEN BAY |
| WOODMANS FOOD MARKET | 2400 DUCK CREEK PKWY | GREEN BAY |
| HINTERLAND BREWERY | 1001 LOMBARDI AVENUE | GREEN BAY |
| FESTIVAL FOODS | 4777 S 27TH STREET | GREENFIELD |
| SENDIKS FOOD MARKET | 7901 W LAYTON AVENUE | GREENFIELD |
| TOTAL WINE | 8700 WEST SURA LANE | GREENFIELD |
| CONSUMERS OUTLET BEV CNTR | 5313 S 108TH ST | HALES CORNERS |
| FESTIVAL FOODS | 5600 S 108TH STREET | HALES CORNERS |
| FESTIVAL FOODS | 1275 BELL AVENUE | HARTFORD |
| HARTFORD WINE + SPIRITS | 714 E SUMNER STREET | HARTFORD |
| SENDIKS FOOD MARKET | 600 HARTBROOK DRIVE | HARTLAND |
| FESTIVAL FOODS | 600 N HOLMEN DRIVE | HOLMEN |
| FESTIVAL FOODS | 3207 80TH STREET | KENOSHA |
| FESTIVAL FOODS | 6000 31ST STREET | KENOSHA |
| TENUTA’S DELI LIQUOR + WINES | 3203 – 52ND ST | KENOSHA |
| HOUSE OF GERHARD | 3927 75TH STREET | KENOSHA |
| MARS CHEESE CASTLE | 2800 120TH AVE I-94 + 142 | KENOSHA |
| SWEDE’S | 510 56TH ST | KENOSHA |
| UNION PARK TAVERN | 4520 8TH AVENUE | KENOSHA |
| WOODLAKE MARKET-LIQUOR | 795 WOODLAKE RD | KOHLER |
| BWP LIQUOR EXPO | 21 WISCONSIN DELLS PKWY | LAKE DELTON |
| MAXWELL MANSION | 421 BAKER STREET | LAKE GENEVA |
| MAIN ST. LIQUOR | 216 MAIN ST | LODI |
| HY-VEE | 675 S. WHITNEY WAY | MADISON |
| PROST! | 401 E. WASHINGTON AVE. | MADISON |
| HY-VEE WALL TO WALL | 7475 MINERAL POINT RD | MADISON |
| COSTCO WHOLESALE | W162 N9325 PERSHING AVENUE | MENOMONEE FALLS |
| OTTOS BEVERAGE CENTER | N88 W15413 MAIN ST | MENOMONEE FALLS |
| WOODMANS FOOD MKT | W124 N8145 HWY 145 | MENOMONEE FALLS |
| DEVINE LIQUORS / MENOMONIE | 116 11TH AVENUE W | MENOMONIE |
| SENDIKS FOOD MARKET | 10930 N PORT WASHINGTON RD | MEQUON |
| AVENUE WINE + LIQUOR | 4075 S HOWELL AVE | MILWAUKEE |
| DISCOUNT LIQUOR | 5031 W OKLAHOMA AVE | MILWAUKEE |
| OTTOS BEVERAGE CENTER | 4163 N 76TH STREET | MILWAUKEE |
| OTTOS BEVERAGE CENTER | 3476 N OAKLAND AVENUE | MILWAUKEE |
| SENDIK’S | 500 E SILVER SPRING DR | MILWAUKEE |
| THE WATERFORD WINE COMPANY | 2120 N FARWELL AVENUE | MILWAUKEE |
| OLD GERMAN BEER HALL | 1009 N OLD WORLD THIRD STREET | MILWAUKEE |
| VON TRIER | 2235 N FARWELL AVE | MILWAUKEE |
| FESTIVAL FOODS | 5740 WASHINGTON AVENUE | MT PLEASANT |
| MUSKEGO WAREHOUSE BEER + LIQUOR | S75 W17308 JANESVILLE RD | MUSKEGO |
| CELLARS WINE + SPIRITS | 113 N GREEN BAY RD | NEENAH |
| COSTCO WHOLESALE | 15300 W GRANGE AVENUE | NEW BERLIN |
| SENDIKS] | 3600 S MOORLAND | NEW BERLIN |
| SENDIKS FOOD | 1450 OLYMPIA FIELDS DRIVE | OCONOMOWOC |
| THE OCONOMOWOC LAKE CLUB | 4668 LAKE CLUB CIRCLE | OCONOMOWOC |
| FESTIVAL FOODS | 1260 CROSSING MEADOW RD | ONALASKA |
| COSTCO WAREHOUSE | 443 PEWAUKEE ROAD | PEWAUKEE |
| COSTCO WHOLESALE | 7704 94TH AVENUE | PLEASANT PRAIRIE |
| FESTIVAL FOODS | 2915 NEW PINERY ROAD | PORTAGE |
| TIMERS #2 BEVERAGE CENTER | 3800 NORTHWESTERN AVENUE | RACINE |
| THE STILLERY | W204 N14025 FOND DU LAC AVE | RICHFIELD |
| DEVINE LIQUORS / RIVER FALLS | 703 B N MAIN STREET | RIVER FALLS |
| HOMETOWN LIQUOR | 1141 S. MAIN | RIVER FALLS |
| JAKES 75TH STREET | 26229 75TH ST | SALEM |
| TITO’S BAR + GRILL | 28836 SILVER LAKE ROAD | SALEM |
| PIGGLY WIGGLY 88 SAUKVILLE | 810 E GREEN BAY ROAD | SAUKVILLE |
| CHARLIES COUNTY MARKET | 521 S MAIN STREET | SHAWANO |
| LONGHOUSE AXE BAR | 1133 INDIANA AVE | SHEBOYGAN |
| ZEKE’S VILLAGE MARKET | 2361 MILL ROAD | SISTER BAY |
| FESTIVAL FOODS | 1600 ACADEMY AVENUE | STEVENS POINT |
| THE KITCHEN | N64 W23316 MAIN STREET | SUSSEX |
| DISCOUNT LIQUOR | 919 N BARSTOW ST | WAUKESHA |
| SENDIKS FOOD MARKET | 701 N MEADOWBROOK DRIVE | WAUKESHA |
| NEIL’S VILLAGE LIQ/WAUN | 204B S. CENTURY AVE. | WAUNAKEE |
| FESTIVAL FOODS | 110 S 17TH AVENUE | WAUSAU |
| METCALFE MARKETS | 6700 W STATE STREET | WAUWATOSA |
| RAY’S WINE + SPIRITS | 8930 NORTH AVE | WAUWATOSA |
| SENDIK’S FOOD MARKET | 8616 W NORTH AVENUE | WAUWATOSA |
| FESTIVAL FOODS | 11111 W GREENFIELD AVE | WEST ALLIS |
| RATAS WHOLESALE | 2068 S 55TH STREET | WEST ALLIS |
| THE DRUNK UNCLE | 1902 S 68TH STREET | WEST ALLIS |
| SENDIKS FOOD MARKET | 280 NORTH 18TH AVENUE | WEST BEND |
| MOUSEHOUSE CHEESEHAUS | 4494 LAKE CIRCLE | WINDSOR |
Famed Wisc. Comedian Charlie Berens to Serve as 1st “Cocktails for a Cause” Guest Mixologist to Benefit the Near West Side Partners at the Crafthouse & Kitchen from 5-7 p.m. Sept. 13
Central Standard Co-Founders Evan Hughes and Pat McQuillan are unveiling an all-new monthly guest bartending-for-charity happy hour and the inaugural guest mixologist will be comedian Charlie Berens.
Berens, a New York Times best selling author and the creator of the Manitowoc Minute, will mix up cocktails to benefit one of his favorite nonprofits from 5-7 p.m. on Sept. 13 at the Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen, 320 E. Clybourn St. in downtown Milwaukee.
To celebrate September as Brandy Old Fashion Month, Berens is teaming with Central Standard mixologists to create his personal twist on Wisconsin’s famed cocktail. All tips during the happy hour and $5 from every one of Charlie’s signature Brandy Old Fashioneds will support the Near West Side Partners (NWSP), a non-profit working with public and private partners to revitalize and sustain thriving business and residential corridors on Milwaukee’s near west side. For non-cocktail drinkers, Charlie will also be pouring his favorite beer, Leinenkugel’s, during the charity happy hour Sept. 13.
“Charlie is Wisconsin through and through and giving back to the community is in his, as well as our DNA,” Hughes said. “We couldn’t think of a better guest bartender or charity to kick off this new community-build initiative. For us, it’s all about ‘Local Helping Local.’ That and ‘Crafted Together’ are the guiding principles that we founded Central Standard on.”
Curling Gold Medalist Matt Hamilton has also agreed to make an appearance behind the Crafthouse & Kitchen bar as a “Cocktail-for-a-Cause” guest bartender in the coming weeks.
“We are honored to have Charlie and Matt among our first guest bartenders for charity,” McQuillan said. “We’re also looking for others to get behind the bar to spotlight and support their favorite nonprofits.”
To inquire about serving as a future guest bartender to benefit a local charitable cause, please email your contact information and favorite charity to info@thecentralstandard.com.
Returning to work after a long weekend can be rough. But Central Standard co-founders Even Hughes and Pat McQuillan are helping folks to take the edge off with a very special happy hour that celebrates Wisconsin’s favorite cocktail: the brandy old fashioned.
Having worked with the Wisconsin governor’s office to proclaim September Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned Month and the first day of fall (Sept. 22 in 2022) as Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned Day, the partners are kicking off the month-long festivities by inviting Wisconsinites to join them at the Crafthouse & Kitchen on Tuesday, Sept. 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. for a complementary old fashioned.
“There’s no better way to commemorate Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned Month than raising a free glass of our famed Old Fashioned featuring our North Wisconsin brandy,” notes McQuillan.
But that’s not all.
“For us, there is so much to celebrate this September,” says Hughes. “There’s Brandy Old Fashioned Month, the return of football session, the unveiling of our new fall menu and so much more,” Hughes said.
Along with the new fall menu, which is expected to drop soon, Central Standard is also rolling out a number of September specials which help to celebrate Brandy Old Fashioned Month.
Guests who visit the Downtown bar and restaurant will find a new specialty old fashioned cocktail menu, commemorative t-shirts and posters and the opportunity to revisit Freese’s Candy Shoppe’s Wisconsin State Fair-famous old fashioned s’mores on a stick.
The dessert, which received high praise at this year’s Fair, will be available on the menu at Central Standard throughout the month of September.
“If you haven’t tried an Old-Fashioned S’Mores on a Stick yet, you’re truly missing out on one of the highlights from this year’s state fair,” McQuillan said. “We’re excited to bring a limited-run of them to the Crafthouse for Brandy Old Fashioned Month and support another local, family-run Milwaukee company.”
Soliciting Nominations for Inaugural Hall of Fame Class, Billboards Statewide & Surprise Rounds of Free Craft Cocktails – All Part of Distillery’s Plans to Celebrate Wisc. Brandy Old Fashioned Month
Starting Thursday, Central Standard Craft Distillery Co-Founders Evan Hughes and Pat McQuillan are launching a month-long campaign encouraging Wisconsinites to request hand-crafted brandy from local, family-owned distilleries in their Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned cocktails.
“We’d love for everyone to ask for our North Wisconsin brandy when ordering their Old-Fashioned cocktails,” McQuillan said. “But more importantly, we want to encourage people to drink locally, support hard-working Wisconsin families and taste brandy from local distillers.”
To build awareness for their drink-local crusade, Hughes and McQuillan worked with the Wisconsin governor’s office to proclaim September Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned month and the first day of fall (Sept. 22 in 2022) as Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned Day.“
Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned month is all about showcasing and connecting Wisconsinites with great local distilleries,“ said Hughes, who is also a board member of the Wisconsin Distillers Guild. “Here in Wisconsin, the spirits industry supports more than 39,000 jobs from family farmers and truck drivers to glass-bottle makers and those in the hospitality industries. In all, Wisconsin distilleries impact billions of dollars in economic activity each and every year in our state.”
An All-New Hall of Fame Worthy of Wisconsin
Starting Thursday, Hughes and McQuillan will ask folks from across the state and country to nominate individuals deserving of Brandy Old Fashioned Hall of Fame status. Anyone can nominate a potential hall of famer by going online to thecentralstandard.com/brandy-old-fashioned-hall-of-fame and explaining why he or she is worthy in 50 words or less.
“We continually hear almost unbelievable Brandy Old Fashioned stories — 88-year-old grandmothers who enjoy one every week; bartenders who’ve perfected their recipe over decades; and folks who’ve moved away but return home every month as they just can’t find a quality Old Fashioned outside Wisconsin,” Hughes said. “This new hall of fame will commemorate those stories and honor everyday folks who love and celebrate the Brandy Old Fashioned.”
Nominations will be accepted through Sept. 30, the last day of Brandy Old Fashioned month. A panel of judges will select the inaugural class of Brandy Old Fashioned Hall of Fame inductees based on the strength of their nomination and their Brandy Old Fashioned story. The honorees will be announced in mid-October.
Brandy Old Fashioned Hall of Fame inductees will receive a year’s supply of North Wisconsin brandy; a custom bottle of North Wisconsin brandy with their photo on it; lifetime VIP status at the Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen, the Midwest’s first urban distillery and restaurant, which opened last August at 320 E. Clybourn St. in downtown Milwaukee; and their photo displayed in the Brandy Old Fashioned Hall of Fame in the Founders’ Room at the Crafthouse & Kitchen.
A Wisconsin-Wide Grassroot Effort
Starting Thursday, Hughes and McQuillan will also begin advertising their drink-local campaign on billboards statewide. In addition, Central Standard will offer a specialty Old Fashioned cocktail menu and sell commemorative t-shirts, as well as posters at their Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen.
“When we ask, people share that they often order the same old brandy because that’s just what they’ve always done,” McQuillan added. “When they taste ours and others made here in Wisconsin, they’re floored by the flavor. That’s our ask: Next time you order an Old Fashioned, and especially during Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned month, give one from a local Wisconsin distillery a try as we’ll put the taste of our North Wisconsin brandy up against any competitors across the country or around the world.”
Along with the billboards and hall of fame, Hughes and McQuillan are: