In a city known for its suds, Milwaukee’s Lakefront Brewery fits in among the giants. In operation since 1987, the brewery now occupies the 100 year-old landmark site of the former Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light Company. Growing production from a few barrels per year to now over 11,000, Lakefront has been a pioneer in beer making. In 1996, their Organic E.S.B. became the first certified organic beer made in the United States. It is just one of many ‘firsts’ for the company, which in 1992 also bottled the first fruit beer since Prohibition. The E.S.B. is made in the British-style, with a malty flavor and a taste of citrus. Certified organic by the Oregon Tilth, the beer contains 5.4% ABV.
With such strong tastes of hops and malt, we were impressed by the E.S.B.’s smooth and somewhat creamy finish. A great choice if you like a beer with a little more body, but not the bitter end that often goes along with it. Best served at 52-54 degrees, this beer would go well with hamburgers or veggie burgers from the grill.
We found a six-pack at our local Whole Foods Market. Also available in 355 ml. bottles, and if you’re fortunate enough to live in Lakefront’s home state of Wisconsin, you can also find it in both half-barrels, and 30L barrels.
In a city known for its suds, Milwaukee’s Lakefront Brewery fits in among the giants. In operation since 1987, the brewery now occupies the 100 year-old landmark site of the former Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light Company. Growing production from a few barrels per year to now over 11,000, Lakefront has been a pioneer in beer making. In 1996, their Organic E.S.B. became the first certified organic beer made in the United States. It is just one of many ‘firsts’ for the company, which in 1992 also bottled the first fruit beer since Prohibition. The E.S.B. is made in the British-style, with a malty flavor and a taste of citrus. Certified organic by the Oregon Tilth, the beer contains 5.4% ABV.
