Beer Me at the Mason Lounge

Are you like me and become really enthusiastic when you find the perfect place to throw back a few beers? Color me happy, because my new centrally located digs are within walking distance of the Mason Lounge.

As soon as you enter this easygoing bar, you will feel like you are at a friend's house. Check any pretensions at the door, because they aren't needed here. Kick back on a bar stool, high top or cozy sofa. Marvelous tchotchkes can be found just about everywhere you look.

The proprietor, Bryan, and his staff, are extremely friendly and will take good care of you. There is a dandy assortment of wine and whiskey; however, the real draw (in my book) is the impressive selection of craft beer. You may do a double take when you see the sweet prices that go along with them, averaging about $5 per beer. 

I enjoyed everything I sampled including Des Chutes Red Chair IPA, Furthermore Floating Fire, and especially the New Belgium Portage Porter and Widmer KGB Imperial Stout, which are pictured below.

FYI - not the typical glass size

I don't need another reason to make a date with the Mason Lounge, but if you do, they offer live music and no TVs. The overhead music won't break your eardrums, so you are good with conversation. This would also be a cool place to bring the folks (if you like hanging out with them).

I'm proud to say that I plan to be a regular. Whether you are a local or just breezing through town, you need to check out the Mason Lounge. 

Follow their Facebook page to learn about upcoming events and the current tap list -  https://www.facebook.com/pages/the-MASON-lounge/115147651844969
 

It's Patio Time at Psycho Suzi's!

Even though the weather continues to be bi-polar in the Midwest, it's safe to say that patio season is upon us.  Especially if that patio belongs to Psycho Suzi's Motor Lodge in Minneapolis.

This tiki bar is located along the Mississippi (childhood memories of spelling this out loud as I type) River near the downtown area.  You can choose to eat, drink and be merry inside or out on the killer patio.

While many people come to imbibe on potent tropical drinks served in a crazy mug, I opted for some cold, refreshing beer.  I was on foot and didn't trust myself finding my way back otherwise. 

Psycho Suzi's is well-known for their awarding winning pizza, so I ordered one to be the judge.  I chose the Suzi Quattro on the standard crust and it was superb.  This spinach, sun-dried tomato, roasted garlic and white-wine garlic sauce beauty came delivered in a perfect, crispy crust.  

I didn't care if I overstayed my welcome, because I was in paradise.  You no longer feel like you are in Minneapolis, and I was pretending that I had jetted off to Key West with my new friend.

You can pretend too if you get yourself to Psycho Suzi's Motor Lodge.  Until then, check out their website, because even that is wildly entertaining.  I'll be back for a Mai Tai.  Or perhaps a Beachcomber.

 
 http://www.psychosuzis.com/index.html
 

Get in the "spirit" at the Old Sugar Distillery

Love the brick and black hardware together

I had a great visit at the nifty Old Sugar Distillery and learned a lot from the owner, Nathan Greenawalt.  This guy had a fascinating story to tell.

Great space for some camaraderie

Nathan started dabbling in home brewing and thought it was something he might pursue after college.  Upon learning there were already several breweries based in Madison, he had a change of heart and decided to go with liquor.

The piano and wall art add the perfect touch

He leased out a commercial space, got properly licensed, and began production.  When I asked him what his experience was, he said "experimentation."  Impressive, right?

I think this is where the magic happens

Everything the distillery sells is produced on-site, and in fact, he is only licensed to sell what they produce.  That leads to some creativity when concocting a drink menu.

Nice, comfy bar with room to stretch

Nathan said he prefers to think of his establishment as a distillery rather than a bar, which is why they are open just three days a week.  They do host private events after hours though.

Now on to the really important stuff - the booze:

1. Honey Liqueur -  This is the distillery's first product and source behind the venue's name.  It's made using beet sugar and is unexpectedly dry to the palate.
2. Rum - Their version of rum has an oaky taste rather than sweet.  It's made from cane sugar and gets its caramel color from charred oak barrels.
3. Whiskey - Made from 100% Wisconsin sorghum, which gives it a mild flavor.  It's purchased directly from a Wisconsin farmer, who delivers it in his pick-up truck.  How awesome is that?
4. Brandy - 20,000 lbs of grapes are hand-picked locally to create their brandy.  Would you believe all these grapes only make 100 cases?  The brandy is aged in two separate barrels, leaving it with a hint of vanilla flavor.

 

Spacious outdoor patio area

I can't wait for my next visit, which will be during open hours so that I can taste each of these fine spirits.  The Old Sugar Distillery offers free tours and a taste, so check out all the details on their website.

Growing herbs for some specialty cocktails - what can't this guy do?

 http://www.madisondistillery.com