We have a new reading experience for you this week, a supplement that focuses on the drinking experience. It is called Isthmus Drinks, and it's all about the lore of what's imbibed. Notice the title says "drinks," not "drunks." We are not encouraging the over-consumption of alcoholic beverages. We are encouraging the expansion of knowledge about what comes over the bar. The more you know, the better you can enjoy.
André Darlington starts us off with a "Let's Meet for a Drink" itinerary for every occasion. It's about taking the appropriate person to the appropriate place, as pictured in the photos of Sharon Vanorny. Speaking of appropriate, nothing says "Wisconsin" better than ice wine. I don't think they can even make it (the real stuff) in California. But Wollersheim Winery of Prairie du Sac can and does to happy effect, according to Teddy Nykiel.
Madison is rightly proud of its bike-trail network, and supplements editor Linda Falkenstein guides you to opportunities for Madison's favorite sport, drinking, without straying too far from the paved path. Avoid even the possibility of a DUI by following her directions to "5 Stops, 7 Bars, 3.7 Miles -- No City Streets."
In "Spirit Guide," Julia Burke introduces us to Nathan Greenawalt, the guy who turned an abandoned bus station into the Old Sugar Distillery, producer of a variety of craft liquors. She also clues us into a rather exotic Italian liqueur, amaro, and all the things it's good for.
Channeling Stephen Stills, Kyle Nabilcy advises us that "If You Can't Be With the Beer You Love, Love the Beer You're With." So he offers us some analogies to famous craft beers not available in Wisconsin. Our regular beer correspondent Robin Shepard gives us the heads up on coming attractions in this golden age of brewing with "More Craft Breweries on the Way." The hits just keep on coming. Prosit.
