Starting a microbrewery is difficult, but an exclusive distribution channel through Wisconsin Hospitality Group -- owners and operators of all Lead Feather isn't the only one benefiting from the relationship though, as Applebee's also has good reasons for offering Hodag exclusively through its restaurants. The honey wheat ale will help bring beer fans to the restaurant, one they may not have previously considered for sampling microbrews. According to Wisconsin Hospitality marketing vice-president Anthony Cortese, Hodag is a great way for Applebee's to support a local business and provide their customers with the high quality microbrews that they are more frequently requesting. Cortese adds that many barriers exist to using local food items in chain restaurants, but that beer is an exception. Hodag Honey Wheat Ale is currently available in the Madison area exclusively at Applebee's located near Westgate and East Towne and in Middleton. After the premier of Hodag, Lead Feather Brewing will be releasing the rest of their beer portfolio locally through River City Distributing in Watertown, and statewide through the Badger Beverage Alliance. Beer fans can look forward to sampling a range of brews: Pretty Ugly IPA, Dark Star Brown Ale, Crash Landing Pale Ale, and True Blarney Irish Ale will all be available in the future. Lead Feather Brewing is currently headquartered in Janesville, but its beer is being contract-brewed off site, while the company attempts to secure local funding to build a dedicated brewery in southern Wisconsin.
Lead Feather Brewing does not pass Go, heads directly to Applebees
