Let’s talk beer. I love it. Every style, every flavor. And as a Wisconsinite, who doesn’t? Well, I do know there are some of you out there that don’t, but maybe in time you’ll see you’re wrong. One of my bucket list items for this state is to visit every brewery. I’ve been to close to 30, but I’m probably not even half way yet. Wisconsin has a rich history in beer and brewing, and I’ll dedicate a post to that in the future, but for today, let’s review a brewery. If you’re a person who would also like to visit every brewery, then perhaps this review isn’t necessary, but should still be a good read. These reviews aim to help out those that are in a certain area, but are unsure of where to go for a beer and/or bite to eat. Hopefully the reviews can give your decision some sway if you’re on the fence. For today, we’re going to start local (for me) and go with Full Mile Beer Company and Kitchen, in Sun Prairie.
Before we get into the review, let’s go over what makes a brewery good and worthwhile for your time. I talked this over with my group of friends and I feel like we nailed down a pretty good list of things a brewery should have. My group of friends includes one guy who doesn’t really drink much, a couple of guys who don’t mind craft beers but aren’t fans of every style – they like what they like. Another who owns a bar and is a fan of the lighter beers that are more commercial, and me, who likes pretty much every style there is. I can only remember not finishing or liking TWO beers in my life. A pickle beer and a mango habanero beer. Aside from that, I try them all and usually enjoy them all. So, let’s get to how these will be graded.
Category 1 – the beer. After all, this is a brewery review, so this category is of the utmost importance. The beer has to A) be good, B) have a good variety of styles – anywhere between 8-16 styles on tap, not too many and not too little and C) have some light beer styles for the non-craft drinkers, and maybe some seltzers or other options. From a business standpoint, you’d want all three to attract more people. Full Mile CLEARS in the beer category. They typically have 10+ styles at any given time, they’re all good (I go here a lot and there aren’t many I don’t like), they tend to brew some lighter styles, and they even have a full bar if beer isn’t your thing.
Category 2 – the atmosphere. This includes being family friendly, not too loud, hosting events, and just the general feel of the place. Next to beer, this is the most important category. I’m sure a lot of people will have different definitions of what family friendly means, but if you can’t bring your kids to eat a meal while you enjoy a pint or two, then it’s probably not family friendly. Taverns should also be a place where people can gather and just have fun. Live music and other events are great for this. And a personal pet peeve of mine is bars where I can’t hear the person next to me when they’re talking. Once again, Full Mile dominates this category. Live music multiple times a month, the music when there isn’t a band isn’t loud by any means, and the inside is very inviting and comforting. Side garage doors stay open when it’s nice outside, a large fireplace for the winter months. Cozy atmosphere, and a place you just feel comfortable in.
Category 3 – the extras. Anything that is above and beyond a bar goes here. Beer to go, Growlers and Crowlers, food, cleanliness, flights, prices, etc. If the beer is good, I want more of it, I want to take some home. Especially if they don’t sell their beers outside of the facility. Full Mile sells crowlers of anything on tap, but unfortunately no growlers. I like to use the growlers for return trips, so this is really the only knock for me. Maybe one day in the future though. Full Mile is also about as clean as it could possibly get, INCLUDING the bathrooms… which is important enough in its own rite. They serve food too, and their menu is pretty good. Even though offering food is in the “extras” category, this is a big deal in my opinion. No one should ever be drinking and driving, and one way to ensure the effects of beer in your system is as minimal as possible is to have a full stomach before you drink/while you drink. They specialize in pizza’s but do have a full menu with other things as well. Great weekend brunch menu too. Prices are nothing egregious. Full Mile excels in the extras category.
As for my personal take, the real gem of Full Mile, in addition to the beer, is the nachos. Hands down these are the best nachos in the entire state. I’m not exaggerating when I say this either. And, their brunch menu is fantastic. During the late spring and early summer months when lacrosse is in full swing(I coach, which means Sunday’s are pretty much my only day off), Sunday morning brunch at Full Mile is a routine in this household. A very nice patio that is shaded for the most part (I HATE sitting in the sun, I burn easy), great atmosphere, great beer, and those nachos…
So let’s get to the final ranking. These brewery reviews will come in three tiers. Tier 3 – Beer is beer. This lowest tier is for those places that have ok to good beer, not memorable though, and no real other defining qualities. If there are other breweries nearby, your time might be better spent somewhere else. Basically, this is a visit-to-cross-off-the-bucket-list type of visit. Tier 2 – Brewery for beer only. GREAT beer, but that’s it. This isn’t a knock though, unlike a tier 3. Good atmosphere, and the beer will have you coming back for more. They just lack the space, or food, or other defining qualities that make it perfect. And lastly, Tier 1 – The Full Experience. Excels in all three categories mentioned above. As close to perfect as you can get.
Now, drumroll please… Full Mile Beer Company becomes this blogs first ever Tier 1 winner! Congratulations to Full Mile! Sun Prairie might not necessarily be a vacation destination, but should you find yourself on the outskirts of Madison looking for some good beer and good food, give Full Mile a shot. And again, those nachos! Best nachos in the state!
Life is Too Short to Take the Fast Way 