Days of the Beer, January 31

The beer for today is Lakefront Bridge Burner Strong Ale.

On January 31, 1846, the cities of Juneautown and Kilbourntown united as the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This happened as a result of the Milwaukee Bridge War, that was a conflict between the two regions.

Juneautown (east-side) and Kilbourntown (west-side) had developed quite a rivalry, most of it was because of Kilbourntown's founder, Byron kilbourn. He had tried to isolate Juneautown to make it more dependent on Kilbourntown. In 1840, the state legislature determined the ferry system on the Milwaukee River was inadequate, and ordered construction of a bridge. Kilbourn was against this, and the two towns argued over funding for the bridge. This led to Kilbourn destroying part of the bridge in 1845.

It was in the aftermath of the Bridge War, that led to the unification as the city.

As to the beer:

Lakefront Brewery is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It opened in 1987 and is located on the Milwaukee River.

Made with three styles of fresh American hops and fruity ale yeast that requires greater fermentation, it finishes with a dark amber appearance, spicy hop flavor and bold, malty backbone. The punch this potent brew packs reminds us all that when you want to make a point, you're better off making a statement.

The beer started out as a release for a beer festival, but there are plans to make it a year round brew.

Interestingly, the Juneau Avenue and Kilbourn Avenue bridges in Milwaukee, are about a quarter mile away from each other.

So, for the Bridge War, that ultimately resulted in the founding of Milwaukee, have a Bridge Burner.