Modicum Brewing - Eau Claire, WI

Published on 10 November 2024 at 19:54

I am doing my review of Modicum some time after I actually went there.  I have never gone back more than a few days, but there is no reason to skip it.  I was in Eau Claire for a Board meeting, and I had a bunch of free time.  I did a quick search for nearby breweries and found this one.  I had not heard of it before, so made the short drive to Modicum.  There is a sign outside, but when you walk in, you are in a neat market-place/coffee shop, called the Coffee Grounds.  It took me a minute to find the brewery, which is back in the corner of the building.  This exemplifies their purpose statement of doing things in a modicum.  I use the word "modicum" all the time, which is more than the word should be used as it stands for a smaller, measured amount.  A conundrum.  

Before I talk about the brewery, I actually think you should stop in just to check out the coffee shop and market place.  It had a lot more to offer than one would think.  Nevertheless, the brewery is small, but inviting.  With a bar and a few long tables, seating would be at a premium on a busy night.  Luckily, it was the middle of the day and there were only a few patrons there.  They do have an outside patio area, which is also quaint.  I bellied up and checked out the selection.  Like so often, I fell into the trap of getting what I want rather than venturing forth.  I had the Muirhead, which is a Scottish Ale.  I knew I would like it.  I think I have only had one Scottish Ale that hit me the wrong way, and this one did not hit me wrong.  With an ABV of 6.0, it was on the strong side, but had the malty, toasty, toffee taste I was looking for.  It happened to be hot as heck outside, so probably the wrong beer for the day, but it was good.  They didn't list their IBU's, but I'd guess about 25.  Since I still had some time, I had a second beer.  This time it was the House Lager, which is a Bavarian style Helles.  It was a lighter beer and though its color was on the yellow side, I was pleasantly surprised by its maty flavor.  It belies a richer flavor than you'd expect and that is what makes these small breweries such a success.  They did their homework and made a solid beer from a popular style, that I'd consider a diamond in the rough.  The problem with most lighter beers is that they might be refreshing, they usually leave me wanting more.  Their lightness also vacates some of what I'm looking for in a beer.  When you find one that surprises you, you remember it.  I was expecting a much weaker aspect than I got.  I still liked the Scottish Ale more, but would drink the House Lager any time.  

I went off to the meeting and met up with the other members.  After the meeting we were all heading to dinner and I convinced my older brother we should stop for a beer on the way.  He was navigating, and chose a place called the Growler Guys.  We assumed it was a brewery, but it was just a tap house that served a plethora of local beers.  We unwittingly crashed Ryan's party at the Growler.  We had no idea who Ryan was, but we met his Dad, Gary, and chatted it up while tossing back some local brews.  Gary assumed we were friends of Ryan and Ryan thought we knew Gary.  We all had a good time until we left for dinner.  Thanks Ryan! 

Check out Modicum Brewing and the market.  The beer was good, the setting was cozy and the whole set up was a different, but good experience.

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