Brewing Experience

Rob Novak checking ingredients at OWW brewhouse test photoshoot.

The Brewhouse

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TAP INTO WISCONSIN’S BREWING HISTORY

Opening June 2022

From large breweries to corner bars, big labels to modern microbrews, beermaking is a huge part of Wisconsin’s culture and heritage. The new Brewing Experience presented by the Cleary-Kumm Family taps into the state’s brewing past by creating immersive environments where you can see, smell, feel, and — of course — taste this history. You’ll get hands-on, see how beer is made, engage with beermakers and bartenders, and relax with a few cold ones on your own.

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Historic brewer mixing the beer at OWW brewhouse test photoshoot.

Brewhouse

This is where the magic happens! Taking ingredients grown just outside, our brewers will take you through every step of the brewing process in our modern Brewhouse designed with historic inspirations. Feel the heat from the kettle, smell the beer as it brews, and engage with beermakers producing authentic historic recipes right in front of you. Say cheers and enjoy samples of the beer produced in the Brewhouse, along with other brews.

THE BREWING EXPERIENCE

presented by the Cleary-Kumm Family

The Brewing Experience is a unique treasure. When complete, it will become one of just a handful of historic beermaking programs in the country, and the only one that brews beer with heirloom barley and hops grown onsite.

Jerry J. mixing beer with steam at OWW brewhouse test photoshoot.
OWW New Arrivals Event, Old World WisconsinOctober 7, 2017
Volunteers from the Museum of Beer and Brewing (from left) Bob McGill, Bob Heger, and Gary Luther begin to move historic brewing equipment into the new Brewhouse at Old World Wisconsin on Feb. 18, 2022. The work is being done in preparation for the planned June 2022 opening of the new attraction, which will be the first part of a larger brewing experience at the site.
Photo of the new brewhouse at Old World Wisconsin with Wittnebel's Tavern in the background in the evening.

JUST A TASTE OF WHAT’S TO COME

Opening in 2023-2024

Rob Novak checking ingredients at OWW brewhouse test photoshoot.

Wisconsin’s Flavorful Ingredients

A good beer starts with good ingredients! Walk through a garden of all the materials and flavors that come together to make the perfect pint.

See how these crops are planted, grown, and harvested, and explore how slight modifications in the combination of just a few ingredients can drastically alter a beer’s look and taste.

Traditional German Beer Garden example

Biergarten

Visit the beautiful Biergarten, purchase food in the café, and try popular Wisconsin-made beers. A modern space with historical German influences, the Biergarten offers a glimpse into similar outdoor community spaces popularized throughout the Midwest and can host special events, programs, concerts, outdoor dining, and more.

This is a representative photo of what the Biergarten could look like when finished.

Wittnebel's Tavern interior

Wittnebel’s Tavern

Belly up to the bar in an authentic 1930s tavern relocated to Old World Wisconsin from its original home in Old Ashippun. As with all local taverns, this place is much more than a place to grab a drink. Chat up the bartender, play games, listen to vintage radio broadcasts, and explore how taverns brought communities together. Outside, you can get your photo taken with a 1920s beer delivery truck.