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- calendar_today October 19, 2026
Young Blood Beer Co. Expands to DeForest
Young Blood Beer Co., after making its mark with its King Street launch in the challenging summer of 2020 and growing with Northstreet in 2022, has now ushered in a new era by opening a taproom and brewing facility in DeForest. This move is a notable step for the brewery, especially as questions circulate about the future of craft beer. Young Blood appears to double down on classic taproom experiences with this new location that mixes creative brewing with diverse food offerings.
Distinctive Menus and Old-School Vibe
Unlike many breweries that stick to one menu model across locations, Young Blood serves up slightly different food selections at each venue. The DeForest taproom, however, stands out with its most elaborate offering yet. Patrons can choose from appetizers, salads, hand-held options like burgers (including a vegetarian falafel burger), fried chicken, hot dogs, and several varieties of house-made pizzas. There’s a noticeable south-of-the-border flair to parts of the menu, which meshes well with Young Blood’s playful and relaxed atmosphere.
Inventive Beers and Collaborations
Known as much for its quirky beer names as for its product, Young Blood’s taplist features playful and bold choices. Highlights include the Pink Lexus—a fruit punch sour loaded with watermelon—and Fire Banana Cookies, which combines tropical sour notes with cinnamon and Nilla wafers. These satisfy the thirst for offbeat "pastry sours" the brewery is increasingly known for. Fans of hop-forward beers can find options like the hazy double IPA Different Beefcake Please and the collaboration brew That Tingle in Your Spine, created with Hop Butcher after the Great Taste of the Midwest festival.
Weekly Specials and Crowd Favorites
To offer value and a taste of the fundamentals, Young Blood’s DeForest taproom features a smashburger special every Sunday: a single smashburger and fries, paired with the beer on tap handle 1, for $13. The burger stands out for its sear and flavorful special sauce, while the rotating beer selection keeps enthusiasts returning. The menu divides simply into appetizers, salads, hand-helds, and pizzas, making it easy to navigate and enjoy the essentials.
Global Influences and Vegetarian Delights
Mediterranean flavors appear throughout the DeForest taproom’s menu, from a crunchy and creamy falafel burger to vegetarian flatbreads and a Mediterranean pizza. The Crunch Wrap Supreme, borrowed from Young Blood’s King Street location, puts a playful spin on the classic fast food favorite, though it omits some elements of the original. Fried cheese curds and chicken sandwiches showcase background classics, with sauce choices including Buffalo, barbecue, and hot honey. Salads, like the Caesar, come with thoughtful touches, adding extra value for diners seeking lighter fare.
Pizza, Patio, and Pet-Friendly Perks
One of the strong suits at Young Blood DeForest is its house-made pizzas, crafted on site and cut into squares—true to the region’s cracker-crust tradition. Diners can build their own pizza or pick from preset recipes, including the loaded Kitchen Sink variety. While prices may be higher, the single size offers enough heft to satisfy guests. The taproom’s expansive patio is pet friendly, with Monday specials that offer discounts on hot dogs for guests accompanied by their four-legged friends. Sweet "puppy chow" snacks and pup cups of whipped cream ensure even canine visitors feel welcome.
Community Appeal and Final Impressions
The DeForest location has quickly become a neighborhood favorite, often filling its interior and outdoor spaces to capacity. The vibrant setting, attention to detail, and unique value-adds draw in regulars and newcomers alike, anchoring Young Blood’s role in the local craft beer scene.
Young Blood Beer Co. DeForest is located at 4181 Savannah Drive, DeForest. Menu items range from $6–$25. More information can be found at youngbloodbeerco.com/taproom/deforest.
Source: isthmus.com.
