The three Milwaukee natives Tom Dufek, Billy DuPlanty and Kyle Gregorash opend the Younglood Beer Co. on June 12, 2020, located by the Capitol Square in Madison Wisconsin, on King Street, occupying the former site of Ancora. The coffee shop itself made a short journey across the street.
Kyle Gregorash, co-founder and head brewer, embarked on his brewing journey during his formative years in Port Washington. It was there that his father introduced him to the art of home brewing, igniting a lifelong passion. Gregorash’s affinity for crafting beer blossomed in the eighth grade when he created his first recipe. Drawing inspiration from Leinenkugel’s Honey Weiss, he carefully crafted a double-fermented honey weiss, showcasing his early talent and creativity.
After completing college, Gregorash ventured into the brewing industry, starting his professional career as a brewer in Whitefish, Montana. His expertise and dedication eventually led him to Door County Brewing Co., where he played a pivotal role in the establishment of Hacienda Beer Co. It was during this time that fate intervened, and Gregorash crossed paths with the other visionary minds behind Young Blood Brewing – Tom Dufek and Billy DuPlanty. Together, they would embark on an extraordinary journey, channeling their collective passion and expertise into the foundation of Young Blood Brewing.
Co-owner Tom Dufek, a former bartender at Merchant and Lucille, is also one of the founders of Plain Spoke Cocktail Co. This company has gained recognition for their commitment to producing canned cocktails that they describe as more authentic. They prioritize the use of high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and operates a production facility in Sun Prairie.
In the quest for a tasting room for Plain Spoke and opening Young Blood Beer, Tom ultimately decided that a dual-level brewpub and cocktail tasting room would be ideal for Young Blood Beer and Plain Spoke. .Young Blood would open with a 10-barrel brewpub located in the basement that could be viewed from above in the Young Blood taproom on the street level and on the second story of the building, there will be a dedicated tasting room exclusively for Plain Spoke Cocktail Co. This two-level setup allows both companies to showcase their unique offerings in a shared space.
Charles Barrows was the visionary behind the captivating interior of Young Blood. Enveloped in a warm ambiance, the space boasts elegant limestone walls that exude an air of refined charm. Suspended overhead, an expansive hanging trellis adds a touch of grandeur to the setting, casting intricate shadows that dance with the natural light.
Adding to the allure, a mesmerizing mural created by the talented local artist Dylan Waddell graces the expanse of one wall. This floor-to-ceiling masterpiece draws inspiration from the vibrant and enchanting “ruin bars” found in trendy Eastern European locales. Celebrating the rich tapestry of local art, craft, and bohemian nightlife culture, the mural invites patrons to immerse themselves in a world of creativity and expression. Its vivid colors and intricate details weave a captivating narrative, inviting guests to explore and discover their own artistic journey within Young Blood’s walls.
The Ancora Coffee shop underwent a remarkable transformation, bearing little resemblance to its former self. The entire space was completely revamped, and now exuding the essence of an immersive ‘Discovery Center‘ designed specifically for beer enthusiasts. Upon entering the bar, patrons are immediately captivated by a mesmerizing aerial view of basement fermentation tanks. The taproom, with ample seating for 60 to 70 individuals, offers a truly interactive experience that is unparalleled. The menu showcases a delightful array of globally inspired street food, skillfully crafted in a kitchen that caters to both the taproom and the Plain Spoke tasting room. To enhance the ambiance and evoke a sense of relaxation and escape, the Young Blood’s logo was thoughtfully created, featuring a palm tree designed to embrace an oasis-like quality, that the taproom encompasses in a tranquil and inviting atmosphere.
Young Blood has witnessed numerous opportunities during its initial two years, paving the way for remarkable growth and expansion. The acquisition of a production brewery located on the Southeast Side marked a significant milestone for the company, as it commenced brewing operations in November 2021. Additionally, Young Blood further bolstered its capabilities by procuring four new tanks in early 2022, thereby increasing its potential production capacity to an impressive 7,000 barrels within its existing space. Building on this momentum, the company ventured into new territory by inaugurating a taproom in the vibrant market-style Northside development situated in the East Side’s Eken Park neighborhood in November 2022. These strategic moves have positioned Young Blood for continued success and strengthened its presence in the industry.
Youngblood Beer Co. has also recently created another line of beers operating under the name of Saturday Brewing Co. and produces a small line of beers.
