I have to say, I was a bit surprised to find ALT Brew tucked into a little unassuming tan building right next to the Madison Area Technical College. The inside was just the same, but with the rack of board games, shuffleboard, and arcade games I could see this place filling up on a weekday afternoon after classes were done. 

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Crafted one barrel at a time, ALT was born out of one couple’s quest to find good, drinkable, gluten-free beer. Which is pretty awesome when you think about all those who have gluten issues… I’m already lactose intolerant which can make some to the darker beers dangerous, I couldn’t even imagine adding a gluten intolerance to the mix. I might have to give up beer! 

I know. It’s unthinkable.

We were there on a Saturday so the crowd was a little thin, but that worked out well for our group of eight. We were able to take over the bar and sample the eight beers on tap 🙂 While the selection was small, I appreciated that they had a variety. Nothing is more irritating than walking into a tap house/brewhouse and finding the lines dominated with one style of beer. This is especially irritating if what you want is missing… ALT didn’t have that issue, though. They had a Kolsch, Porter, Saison, and even a Scotch Ale, which I was happy to have a glass of. My sister, who is not a beer drinker, I know enjoyed their Apple Cidre Saison while my good friend experienced the joys of a good Kolsch. The Scotch Ale, which they call Blackwater, was smooth and malty, though I must admit maybe not something I’d order again. I think I was kicking myself for not going for their Blonde IPA – Hollywood Nights. I have a hard time enjoying a beer when I know there’s a good IPA on tap. I had to settle for watching my dad enjoy his… 

Did I mention yet there was puppy! Ok, maybe it was more of a dog, but I really wasn’t expecting to have a customer walk in with their pet to pick up a few bottles for a birthday party. It really emphasized the laid back feel ALT had going, which I could totally see being just the sort of refuge a college student needs. Who needs sleepy cafes and coffee when you could enjoy a nice beer while finishing up that paper? 

The highlight of the visit, though, was probably my dad’s reaction to finding out they had the arcade game Centipede. You should have seen his face light up! Preoccupied with a game of cribbage with my brother he never actually left the bar but was adamant about how good he used to be at it lol.  

So if you’re looking for a good gluten-free beer or just a pint after a long lecture, ALT is just the place. If you see my brother there, be sure to say hi! He goes to college just across the street 😉 

Cheers ~ Steph

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1808 Wright St, Madison