FOND DU LAC – Locals will soon have a new craft beer to enjoy.
In February, the Milwaukee-based Third Space Brewing will extend its products into Fond du Lac County — as well as the Fox Valley and counties bordering Lake Michigan, like Sheboygan and Manitowoc, according to a press release from the company.
Founded by Kevin Wright and Andy Gehl in the Menominee River Valley in September 2016, Third Space Brewing is known for its “high-quality, flavorful and perfectly balanced craft beer,” as represented by “fan favorites” Upward Spiral IPA, Unite the Clans Scottish Ale and Happy Place Midwest Pale Ale.
The brewery has won numerous awards, including four Great American Festivals medals, Rate Beer’s 2017 “Best New Brewer” designation and Shepherd Express Best of Milwaukee “Best Microbrewery” designation for three years, according to the release. It has also distributed the Happy Place Midwest Pale Ale at Lambeau Field and in the Titletown District.
To celebrate the beer’s expansion into Fond du Lac County, the brewery will host a launch party from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 13 at BackYard Grill & Bar, 838 E. Johnson St., Fond du Lac. The event is one of multiple set throughout Northern Wisconsin, which will feature special Third Space Brewery brews and favorites, as well as opportunities to meet the business’ founders, according to the release.For a full list of events, visit thirdspacebrewing.com.
In the Fox Valley and counties surrounding it, General Beer Northeast will serve as Third Space’s distributor.
“Craft beer continues to grow in popularity in this part of the state and we look forward to playing a large role in the growing craft beer scene throughout the state of Wisconsin,” Gehl said in the release.
The roll-out is one aspect of the brewer’s expansion in 2020. In addition to a “new canning line and centrifuge” commissioned in 2019, Third Space will add a 90-barrel brite tank and two 90-barrel fermentation tanks to increase their capacity from 12,000 barrels a year to 15,000, according to the release.