Capital Brewery, located in Middleton, Wisconsin, has a rich and fascinating history that spans several decades. Since its establishment in 1984, the brewery has played a significant role in shaping the craft beer scene in the state and beyond. From humble beginnings to becoming a well-known name in the industry, Capital Brewery’s journey is a testament to the passion, perseverance, and innovation of its founders and staff.
The story of Capital Brewery begins with its visionary founder, Ed Janus. In the early 1980s, Janus, a homebrewer and beer enthusiast, saw an opportunity to bring the craft beer revolution to Wisconsin. Inspired by the thriving craft beer scenes in other parts of the country, Janus set out to create a brewery that would produce high-quality, traditional European-style beers.
In 1984, Janus founded Capital Brewery in the town of Middleton, a suburb of Madison, Wisconsin, in a former egg processing plant. The location was chosen for its proximity to the state capital and the vibrant beer culture in the area. With a small team of dedicated individuals, Janus embarked on a mission to brew exceptional beers that would capture the essence of European brewing traditions.
In 1986, Capital Brewery released its first two beers, Special Pilsner and Munich Dark. These beers were well-received by the public, and they helped to establish Capital Brewery as a premier craft brewery in Wisconsin.
During its early years, Capital Brewery faced numerous challenges. The craft beer industry was still in its infancy, and convincing consumers to embrace local, artisanal brews was not an easy task. However, Janus and his team persevered, focusing on quality, consistency, and innovation. They began by brewing a few flagship beers, including the highly popular Capital Amber and the award-winning Capital Munich Dark.
As word spread about the unique flavors and craftsmanship of Capital Brewery’s beers, the demand started to grow. The brewery expanded its production capacity, upgraded its equipment, and hired more staff to keep up with the increasing orders. Capital Brewery’s commitment to brewing authentic, handcrafted beers earned them a loyal following and numerous accolades in regional and national beer competitions.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Capital Brewery faced a turning point in its history. The craft beer movement was gaining momentum across the country, and consumers were becoming more adventurous in their beer choices. Sensing the shift in consumer preferences, Janus and his team decided to expand their range of offerings and experiment with new beer styles.
Capital Brewery introduced several seasonal and specialty beers, including the popular Maibock and the Oktoberfest, which became highly anticipated annual releases. The brewery also embraced the emerging trend of fruit-infused beers, creating refreshing and flavorful options like the Capital Wisconsin Amber Cherry. These innovative and diverse offerings helped Capital Brewery solidify its position as a pioneer in the craft beer scene in Wisconsin.
In addition to its commitment to brewing exceptional beers, Capital Brewery also prioritized community involvement and sustainability. The brewery became an active participant in local events and festivals, fostering a sense of camaraderie and pride among beer enthusiasts in Middleton and beyond. Capital Brewery also implemented eco-friendly practices, such as water conservation, recycling, and using energy-efficient equipment, to minimize its environmental footprint.
Since moving into its current building in 1985, Capital Brewery has continuously implemented environmentally conscious features and processes. One notable improvement was upgrading the refrigeration system. Previously, the system relied on water cooling, but the brewery transitioned to a more efficient glycol-based air-cooling approach.
Furthermore, Capital Brewery replaced its aging boiler, which had faithfully served the brewery since its first beer was produced in 1986, with a new boiler that utilizes natural gas. This upgrade significantly enhances steam production efficiency.
In April 2014, the brewery installed solar electric panels, harnessing renewable energy to power its operations. Additionally, Capital Brewery ensures that its spent grain is repurposed by providing it to a local farmer for cattle feed, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.
In terms of production efficiency, the brewery invested in a new kegging machine that not only doubles its capacity but also reduces beer loss, resulting in substantial cost savings. Moreover, the machine generates gallons of recovered waste water, which Capital Brewery repurposes for washing used kegs, further minimizing water waste.
Capital Brewery has also made improvements to its brewing process, leading to both environmental and production gains. Through these changes, the brewery has been able to reduce the water consumption per pint of beer brewed. For example, their celebrated Wisconsin lager can now be brewed using seven pints of water, compared to the previous requirement of 12 pints per pint of beer. This improvement reflects Capital Brewery’s commitment to continuously enhance its environmental stewardship while maintaining the quality and excellence of its brews.
The brewery is also actively involved in promoting a greener and healthier lifestyle. In 2009, the Capital Brewery Bike Club was formed, attracting a community of over 100 riders who gather at the brewery every Tuesday and Thursday, weather permitting. This initiative encourages alternative transportation and fosters a sense of camaraderie among participants.
Throughout the 2000s, Capital Brewery continued to thrive and expand its reach. Its beers became widely available in bars, restaurants, and liquor stores across Wisconsin and neighboring states.
One of the highlights of Capital Brewery is its renowned Bier Garten, which is open from April through October. This outdoor space, affectionately known as “Middleton’s Backyard,” offers a vibrant atmosphere where patrons can enjoy Capital Brewery’s beers while basking in the pleasant weather. The Bier Garten often hosts live music performances and serves as a venue for various public and private events. On Fridays, from May to September, it attracts a bustling crowd of over 1500 patrons. In 2016, a Beer Patio was added along Terrace Ave, providing additional seating and enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
In recent years, Capital Brewery has remained at the forefront of the craft beer movement by adapting to changing consumer tastes and embracing new brewing techniques. The brewery has experimented with barrel-aged beers, sour ales, and collaborations with other breweries, further pushing the boundaries of creativity and flavor. Despite the evolving landscape of the craft beer industry, Capital Brewery has stayed true to its roots, consistently delivering well-crafted, traditional beers that satisfy both the seasoned beer connoisseur and the casual drinker.
