AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 12, 2026
Community Resilience in a Glass: I ❤️ Willy Street
Working Draft Beer Company’s latest release, “I ❤️ Willy Street,” pays tribute to the resilience of the Williamson Street neighborhood. The east-side brewery created this amber IPA following the summer shooting of Corey Ruiz and the subsequent occupation of Williamson and Baldwin, an event that disrupted local businesses.
To support the area, Working Draft is donating $1 per four-pack sold to the Williamson-Marquette Business Association and the Social Justice Center. Co-owner Ben Feifarek stated the goal was to remind people of the neighborhood’s vibrant, welcoming spirit. Brewmaster Clint Lohman crafted the IPA with pronounced piney bitterness from Chinook hops, balanced by a bready, malty backbone. The result is a full-bodied, rich beer that stands out as a hoppy favorite for autumn.
Fresh Hop Flavor at Full Mile
Full Mile Beer Company and Kitchen joins the season with its “First Picked” fresh hop IPA. Brewmaster Bill Morgan sources Centennial hops directly from Four Winds Farm in Fitchburg, using them immediately after harvesting. This hazy IPA features the pine and earth notes of Centennial hops, contrasting the sweet, fruity profiles common to many hazy IPAs. Freshness imparts a subtle grassy, woody character, while the beer maintains a 6.5% ABV and delivers a sharp, distinctive hop character. It is available on tap for $7.50 per glass or $11 per crowler.
Delta Beer Lab’s Supernova: A True West Coast IPA
Delta Beer Lab introduces “Supernova,” a West Coast IPA that brings robust hop flavors to the forefront. Designed by owner Tim “Pio” Piotrowski, Supernova combines Simcoe, Centennial, Amarillo, and Mosaic hops for a pine-forward, bitter beer with a rich malty base. At 7.5% ABV and 80 IBUs, it stands out as a bold entry among hoppy beers. Supernova is offered at $8.50 per glass or $18 per four-pack.
Hop Haus Explores New Zealand Pilsner Territory
Hop Haus Brewing has been developing a New Zealand pilsner called “Fascinating Guy.” This beer leverages NewZilla hops, a proprietary blend of New Zealand varieties known for their juicy, tropical qualities. Although NewZilla is more often found in hazy IPAs or pale ales, Hop Haus’s take matches these hop flavors to a crisp pilsner base, showcasing hints of apricot, peach, and lemon. The pilsner is light, effervescent, with a bready malt background and a modest 5.1% ABV. It sells for $7.25 per glass or $13 per four-pack.
Bodihow Brewing Revives the Kentucky Common
Bodihow Brewing in Oregon offers an uncommon treat: the Kentucky common. “Downshift Common,” created by brewmaster Mac Schroeder with Dan Thorp (who plans to open Shattered Glass Brewery in Beaver Dam), draws from Civil War-era Louisville traditions. The style uses a high percentage of corn for a grainy sweetness, creating a dark cream ale at 5% ABV. To enhance the beer’s character, rye is added for a spicy, bready finish, making it appealing to both traditionalists and fans of unexpected flavors. Downshift Common is available on tap at Bodihow for $6.50 per glass or $11 per crowler.
Upcoming Events and Brewery Changes
The 4th Annual Giant Jones Belgian Beer Fest is scheduled for October 16-17, featuring more than a dozen Belgian-style beers from both Giant Jones and other area breweries. Meanwhile, Young Blood Beer Company will close its Northstreet location by October 31, transitioning to focus on a new De Forest venue. The soon-to-be-vacated space will become The Flying Fox, a cocktail establishment.
Source: isthmus.com.
