Wisconsin Beer Production Falling Flat

LA CROSSE,Wis (WEAU)- Wisconsin is known for its beer but lately the production has been as flat as a warm keg. According to tax figures from the State Department of Revenue, Wisconsin beer output has stayed at the same level for the last 3 years.

In April breweries made 175,000 barrels of beer in Wisconsin according to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue; a steady decline from the 232,000 barrels that were being produced 3 years ago.

Less beer means less revenue, with beer being taxed at 2 dollars per barrel.

Hard liquor production is up, which could be a contributing factor to the steady beer production said Pearl Street Brew Master, Joe Katchever.

“Another category like wine or spirits has to go down for beer to go up,” said Katchever.

Production maybe at a stall right now but consumption is still high in Wisconsin. Craft beers are becoming more popular and small breweries like Pearl Street are increasing their production.

“We are expecting double digit growth for us in the next year or so. We just started bottling a new beer this week,” said Katchever.