Strategically
located in downtown Madison, Angelic Brewing Company is a close walk for
either that power lunch from the state capitol or an after class social
gathering by students from the University of Wisconsin. Opened in 1994, the
interior layout offers just enough room to feel spacious while still providing
seclusion when required. The left side of the lower level houses the stainless
steel brewhouse with 10 shiny tanks clearly visible from throughout the room.
Plaid carpet covers some of the hardwood floors and the brown stone tiles.
Seating is mixed between wooden tables and a dozen raised booths. The later
feature black vinyl cushioning. Raised a bit from the lower level, the
rectangular bar offers two five-tap towers mounted to its lacquered, stained
wood surface. The names of the five available beers hang overhead. Light Rock
& Roll and Jazz sounds spread throughout the room, unspoiled by the one
projection screen TV. Framed "angelic" paintings populate the surrounding
walls.
The Trident Trippel is dark amber, with a slight lace
lingering on the glass. This full-bodied brew exudes estery aromas and a hearty
fermentation character. At 9%, this one is served only in 10 ounce glasses. The
Paradise Lost Porter is opaque, with a light lace, light body, dry,
coffee-like malty flavor, with a subtly hoppiness, and clean finish. The
Believer's Bitter is a clear dark amber with a nice hop-over-malt flavor
where the a big maltiness comes through at the finish. The '99 Shilling Scotch
Ale is a clear mahogany with an even flavor balance. The great smooth mouthfeel
from the 80/20 N/CO2 mix works well, with the subtle alcohol character only
noticeable in the finish. The Purgatory Pale Ale is a clear amber with a
hoppy aroma, and clean hoppy flavor balance.
The twenty-something crowd tend to smoke everywhere and the overhead
"smoke-eater" can't quite keep up in the evenings. The small patio may offer a
more breathing-friendly environment. Inside lie the electric darts and video
golf games along with pooltables. A large draw is the Late Night Menu from 10
p.m. to Midnight that features Pizzas ($6-$8); and Appetizers such as Nachos,
Fries, Quesadillas, Wings, and Breads ($5-$7). A great way to begin is with the
$3.50 sampler tray. Five four-ounce glasses come served on a wooden tray with
individual cards describing each beer. Assistant Brewer Shane Welsh reports
growler sales are popular until the 9 p.m. city cut-off time. Sampling in
10-ounce glasses will cost $2.50 each, with pints $3.50. With the flavorful
beers it's no surprise to see why Angelic Brewing is usually "standing
room only" most evenings.
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| Enter here | Card please | Shining on |
Photos by Tom Ciccateri
Angelic Brewing Co.
322 W. Johnson
Madison, WI 53703-2219
608-257-2707
Map
Reviewed by Tom Ciccateri - August 2000
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