Samson Smasher

Dedicated to the gorilla that made Milwaukee famous. Through a gift from Pabst Brewing, Samson was brought to Milwaukee’s Washington Park Zoo as a baby in 1950. He became the star attraction known for his legendary arm smashes against the glass enclosure. Thought to be a sign of anger, this was an act of loneliness attempting to connect with onlookers as he was starving for affection. 

Inspired by our annual participation at Zoo Brew and our friend DANKO’s artwork, we’ve revamped South Side Crusher with an eye towards Samson. Being a tasty cream ale made with the richest tri-blend vanilla, local basswood honey, and bitter orange peel, we’re sure he would have enjoyed a pint or two with friends. Here’s to you, Samson! Milwaukee raised, Milwaukee legend, Milwaukee strong. We love ya buddy! 

Rare Optics

A clean malt bill was chosen to highlight a massively hopped, yet crisp & clean IPA including cryogenic hops and thiolized yeast. The result is a brew with tropical flavors and aromas, such as passionfruit, grapefruit and mango.

Unity Bridge

Inspired by one of Jeff Torzala’s favorite IPAs that emphasizes balance over intensity. This brew has a clean malt bill blending 2-row Pale Ale and Pilsner malt, along with some Caramel thrown in to develop a classic copper appearance. For the hop profile, we chose Magnum for bitterness balanced by Chinook, Simcoe, and Centennial for an aromatic and flavor blend of pine, resin, and citrus.

Pole-To-Pole

We are stoked to introduce a massively hopped West Coast DIPA that should quench the thirst of any hop head looking for that over-the-top gnarly hop profile. Our hop blend includes a swell of Magnum, CTZ, Simcoe, and Centennial lined up with a roasted malt profile to balance the complexity of the hops. In true West Coast form, you will ride through a barrel of floral, citrus, and pine notes, a smooth mouthfeel with a slight sweetness, and flavors of toasted bread and caramel. A slight Belgian cutback enhances the uniqueness of the brew. Cheers!

THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME
While reviewing historical records of Wisconsin’s hop growing history, farmers would estimate crop quality and yield based on “pole-to-pole” inspections. If unfamiliar, hops grow vertically on a bine wrapping themselves around poles and support twine reaching heights up to 24’! WI was once a powerhouse in the industry producing over 4.7 million pounds of hops in 1869 before collapsing a few years later due to downy mildew, mites, and other hop regions recovering. Remnants of this era can mostly be found today in Sauk County.

Lady Elgin

Our version of an Irish blonde having flowing straw-colored highlights, sweetness within the malt, medium-bodied in stature, family roots of hop nobility, and a decadent mouthfeel. Pairs perfectly while daydreaming of rolling green hills, misty coastlines, towering castles, and the warmth of the island’s inhabitants.

THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME
Known as one of the worst maritime disasters on the Great Lakes where an estimated 300 passengers perished with only 100 surviving. Most of the passengers that day were Irish returning from a trip to Chicago. At 2:30 am, a lumber schooner collided with the ship ripping open a large hole, sinking within 30 minutes Of the estimated 400 passengers, only 100 survived. Between the sinking of the Lady Elgin on Sept. 8th, 1860 and the Third Ward Fire of 1892, the landscape of the Irish community in Milwaukee was forever altered. Facing significant family losses from the shipwreck and rebuilding difficulties in the Third Ward, most Irish chose to move west to the Tory Hill and Merrill park neighborhoods.

Bloody Third

This beer was developed to highlight the original Irish stout style, sans nitrogen. Roasted, dark, bitter, and somewhat dry with notes of coffee and chocolate.

Dulce Hermanas

When the sisters of Torzala Brewing met up with the sisters from La Finca, they knew that had a unique shared connection and wanted to create a special collab to celebrate that. With their families sharing ancestorial roots, they wanted to pay homage by incorporating a cultural focus into this brew. With one family brewing beer and one family brewing coffee, it only seemed fitting to brew a coffee stout. To accomplish this, a robust stout was balanced with Dulce de Leche as the “creamer” and infusing fresh cold brew coffee from La Finca. Make no mistake, this coffee is no ordinary mass-produced blend. The beans used to make the cold brew are sourced from their family farm; Finca El Retumbo in Oaxaca, MX. We are honored to create a brew showcasing our familial pride and newfound friendships. ¡Salud!

Dark roasted malts working in unison with cold brewed coffee and the caramel sweetness of Dulce de Leche creates unique layers of flavor and aroma. If you’re scared of the dark, don’t let the appearance fool you. This is a well-rounded brew sure to please even the faintest of heart. No nightlight required.

*Contains Lactose

Double Ringer

Look out! This porter is flying at you like a jart headed for your dome. Luckily, this Porter won’t be banned for impaling your heart. It may, however, find a special place in your heart for its roasted, chocolate, caramel malt profile with approachable bitterness.

Torzinator

Originally brewed by the Paulaner monks in Munich to survive the fasting period of Lent as a form of “liquid bread”. In keeping with tradition of the original name, Salvator (Savior), breweries pay tribute to the original beer by ending the name of their version with an “ator”. Thus we present to you Torzinator. Prost!

Captain Santa

Taking a fresh look at creating a special holiday release, we decided to celebrate the classic Belgian Trappist Dubbel and honor the shipwreck of the Rouse Simmons. With a deep red hue, malty body and spicy finish it’s a perfect style to pair with holiday lights while toasting Capt. Santa and the ill-fated Christmas tree ship. Today’s Lake Michigan mariners continue to report sightings of her and her crew sailing the same seas she did for over 40 years. Here’s to you Capt. Santa!