Bullquarian Brewhouse, situated in Monroe, Wisconsin, is a nanobrewery that came into existence in 2017. Its founder, Ethan Kister, had dedicated 20 years to home brewing before venturing into this venture. The name “Bullquarian” derives from a clever amalgamation of Ethan’s and his wife’s zodiac signs, Taurus and Aquarius, respectively. With the collaborative efforts of Ethan Kister and his wife Michelle, Bullquarian Brewhouse emerged as a microbrewery and witnessed an extraordinary journey of expansion right from its inception.
Ethan’s journey began as a mechanical engineer with a passion for music, brewing beer in his spare time. However, his ultimate aspiration was to dedicate himself fully to the art of brewing. In 2017, he saw his dream come true. Drawing inspiration from local breweries in Illinois and the renowned New Glarus Brewing Company, Ethan infused his creations with a unique touch. Surprisingly delightful and robust, his beers showcased his distinctive style. Starting off with a modest two-barrel Nano Brewery system, Ethan had the capacity to brew up to 31 gallons, or 2 barrels, of beer at a time. His repertoire included a diverse range of beers, from IPAs and stouts to Belgian-style ales. To complement his brews, he also offered frozen pizzas and an assortment of delicious food items.
Bullquarian embraces a down-to-earth ambiance, evident not only in its abstract nature but also in its decor. The interior accommodates around thirty people and exudes functionality. Wooden tables, metal chairs, a wooden bar, and music-themed photographs adorning the walls reflect Ethan’s musical background. A modest wooden stage is positioned near the front window, accompanied by a small area for merchandise and whimsically hidden bull sculptures that invite a playful “I spy” game. While Bullquarian lacks excessive extravagance, it possesses an inherent charm that transcends the need for opulence.
Bullquarian sets itself apart from other bars and restaurants with its distinctive selection of beers brewed on-site, complemented by an intriguing array of tap handles. According to Kister, these taps were chosen for a variety of personal reasons, but the primary criterion was their cool and eye-catching appearance.
The collection began with an unexpected source—the head of a broken Barbie doll belonging to Kister’s wife. After discovering the doll’s severed head under their daughter’s bed, Michelle expressed her frustration. In an effort to give the doll a new purpose, they transformed it into a uniquely eerie tap handle, adding a touch of character to the bar.
Another tap handle holds sentimental value, symbolizing Kister’s father-in-law and business partner, Irv Peters. As an avid collector of giraffes and similar objects, Peters inspired the creation of a handcrafted giraffe tap handle, representing his presence and influence within the establishment.
Among the other distinctive tap handles are a hand-painted bull exhaling smoke, a handle fashioned from a garden cultivator, a customer-made eagle perched elegantly, and a generic stock tap proudly displaying the Bullquarian logo.
Adding an element of mystery and intrigue, there is also an enigmatic tap handle fashioned from the head of an unidentified tool, discovered by Kister at a second-hand store. Even to this day, he remains unsure of its original purpose, but its distinctiveness and unfamiliarity reflect the uniqueness of Bullquarian’s beer and its diverse clientele.
In 2019, Bullquarian Brewhouse underwent an expansion of its brewing system, increasing it to four barrels. This expansion proved to be a boon for Ethan, allowing him to produce a greater quantity of beer and introduce a more diverse range of styles. Additionally, the brewery introduced a fresh food menu, featuring delectable items like burgers, brats, and salads.
Since then, Bullquarian Brewhouse has emerged as a popular destination in Monroe, renowned for its welcoming ambiance and extensive selection of craft beers. The brewery regularly hosts engaging events like trivia nights and live music, adding to its allure.
As 2023 arrives, Bullquarian Brewhouse proudly celebrates its sixth anniversary, marking a remarkable journey from its modest origins. It has blossomed into a thriving enterprise, earning a reputation for its exceptional brews and inviting environment.
