This little gem nestled between County PB and Highway 69 on the banks of the Sugar River has been instrumental in the revitalization of Paoli, Wisconsin.
The Hop Garden is a true American success story. A guy (Rich Joseph,) who likes to make beer, grows his own hops and shares his creations with the local folk.
If you haven’t been there, the tap room is on the back side of an old grain mill which lay dormant for decades until someone started to renovate it in the 1990s. Joseph took it to a new level by opening a small tap room and creating a friendly and intimate climate inside.
Every year he’s added something new to the mix. In addition to his own brews he’s added guest taps, including Madison based NessAlla kombucha, which can be ordered straight, or mixed with one of the beers to make a unique shandy.
The options available keep expanding. In the front of the mill there is a craft shop with a bar (The Tipsy Gypsy,) which offers tastings of local and imported spirits. The blueberry vodka Moscow Mule served in a plastic baggie is a must-do!
On the street in front of the mill is the Paoli Bread and Brat Haus. This is a full spread smoke house where you can get pork, brisket and chicken in addition to the brats. Order the meat and take it over to the Hop Garden where you can eat and listen to the…
…Music!
Local musicians have been serenading the grounds of the Hop Garden for a few years now. Single performers and duets have played inside. In warm weather they moved outside and played on the ground near the tap room door.
Two years ago they built a covered stage on the side of the building where they’ve been able to open things up. And have groups like The Dawg Bones rock the neighborhood!
When we’re not there jamming on Great American Music you can expect to hear a broad mix of folk, blues, jazz, pop, originals, and more!
Our first indoor gig at The Hop Garden is coming up right after the New Year on Sunday, January 5. Everybody is a little nervous about bringing us inside—they know how much noise we can generate. But we have a little surprise for them…
We can go pretty much acoustic and fit in just right in a small space. The upright bass makes enough noise all on its own to fill a small room. Steve has the tools and talent to fit any sized space with the right guitar and amp. And the drummer has several options, including this little box known as a cajon. It looks like a small stereo speaker and it makes very drummy-like noises.
If you haven’t been to The Hop Garden yet, make this your excuse to try it out! Once you’ve been there you’ll look for any excuse you can think of to come back!