The Isthmus Beer & Cheese Fest is a celebration of the best Wisconsin craft beers and artisanal cheeses. The third annual event will take place on Saturday, January 21 2012 at Alliant Energy Center.  Enjoy sampling, beer-pairing presentations, and more.

Kicking off at 2 p.m., the Isthmus Beer & Cheese Fest will feature Wisconsin brewers and cheesemakers, new and old favorites alike. We’re encouraging brewers and cheesemakers to sample at least three of their unique, seasonal or award-winning products. Guests will clamor to sample beers and cheeses they don’t find everyday at their local bar, liquor or grocery store.  We’re also going to feature informational and palate pleasing pairing sessions, such as: Beer and Cheese, beer and chocolate, and perhaps another one involving bacon...

For 2012 we are doubling the space to give everyone a little more space to savor the local flavor. We're also working with some of our favorite brew pubs to bring perfectly paired small plate pub fare to keep you fueled for sampling.

Also new this year, we are offering a limited number of VIP tickets which will include you in a small number of people getting into the festival one hour before the general admission ticketholders. Some of our invited brewers and cheese makers will be bringing some special product for the VIPs that won't be available later in the day. Not to mention the food, we'll have some of our favorite brewpubs bringing food for you to add to the mix of your sampling platter. Plus you get the chance to chat casually with superstar brewers and cheesemakers of Wisconsin with out the din and roar of the crowd. Plus with the VIP ticket purchase you get the first opportunity to opt into a delicious and informational pairing session presented by the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.

Guests don’t drive…. Together with sponsor Union Cab of Madison, we will offer free cab rides to the event and discounted cab rides from the event, all to ensure our guests get home safely as needed.  Public bus service will also be available. 

Isthmus Beer & Cheese Fest 2012 is sponsored by the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Fromagination, Gorst Hops, Fromagination, Brennan's, Star Liquor, Whole Foods and Union Cab