Press

The Vikings were legendary hedonists, and the party really got started when a Viking died.

“Intoxicating drinks” are prominently featured in historical accounts of Viking death rites, along with plenty of practices that are less acceptable by today’s cultural standards. The funerals culminated in the deceased being set adrift in a burning ship.

That waterborne pyre is the namesake of Floating Fire, the latest offering from Furthermore Beer. It’s an extension of the Viking theme begun this spring with Viking Afternoon, a session India pale ale made with smoked malt.

A lovely waft of peat works through this impressive dry stout’s roasted, toasted malt aroma. Beautifully silky on the tongue, the mouthfeel is a brilliant showcase of bold malt: Roasted grains and swirls of coffee spread out while an elegant undercurrent of peat smoke evokes the Irish countryside. Just a hint of chocolate balances out the darker flavors as this creamy, sessionable stout fades into the finish.

Oscura is a crisp lager, almost as hoppy as Coffee Bender. Coffee is added via a cold extraction process, which leaves that bitterness out of the picture. It's easy-drinking enough to please a diverse crowd; it was my beer of choice for my wedding reception. Furthermore has increased production on this seasonal since its introduction, making it a pretty easy find at your favorite quality beer retailer.

This diplomatic brew blends Belgian, English and North American brewing traditions for a unique mash-up. Its aroma is decidedly Belgian, popping with bubblegum, pepper and sugar. On the tongue, classic Belgian fruitiness and clove spice flow through biscuity English malts. A touch of bubblegum emerges mid-sip, connecting with the malt’s underlying caramel sweetness. Along the way, hints of orange American hops and earthy British ones accent the swallow, which culminates in a sweet, sugary finish.

It's certainly shaping up to be a good summer for new hoppy beers -- over the last couple of months, we've seen the introduction of Capital Brewery's Mutiny and Capsized, Hinterland's White Cap IPA, Central Waters Hop Rise, Karben4's Fantasy Factory and Vintage Brewing's Square Pig. Now joining that list is Furthermore with its Full Thicket Double IPA.

In this column I often write about breweries from elsewhere that are expanding their beer footprint into Wisconsin. This week, Furthermore Beer, the pride of Spring Green and adventurous drinkers across Wisconsin, flips that script. Furthermore this month launched in Chicago. Read more:

Furthermore Brewing heads to Chicago, inspires CBB mix tape...LISTEN HERE

Hearing that another out-of-town brewery is elbowing up to the tap handles in Chicago beer bars is nothing new anymore, but this is one I have been anticipating for a couple of years...READ MORE

"Earlier this week, we wrote about Furthermore Beer launching in Chicago. This should be some very exciting news to local beer nerds (ourselves included) who make a point of picking up a six pack (or a case) of their fabled Knot Stock every time we..."

"Furthermore Beer is unveiling its latest brew this fall in select beer tap houses and release parties throughout Madison. The Spring Green-based brewer is going local with Hopperbolic, a hoppy India Pale Ale made with entirely Wisconsin-grown hops. Its name is a pun on the mathematical formula for a hyperbolic curve, and it might just bring a smile to hop heads looking for an over-the-top bitter beer..."

"Furthermore Beer is unveiling its latest brew this fall in select beer tap houses and release parties throughout Madison. The Spring Green-based brewer is going local with Hopperbollic, a hoppy India Pale Ale made with entirely Wisconsin-grown hops. Its name is a pun on the mathematical formula for a hyperbolic curve, and it might just bring a smile to hop heads looking for an over-the-top bitter beer..." READ MORE

"Fresh-pressed, hard apple cider is a seasonal treat as tart and sparkling as Champagne -- it's one of my fall favorites. October becomes a time of tough choices between hard cider and craft beer." READ MORE 

"Spring's advance brings milder days and an accompanying thirst for the season's newly arrived, refreshing craft beers. Pittsburgh's own Tony "The Beerman" Knipling of Vecenie Distributing in Millvale recently provided tips on the excellent beers flowing daily into our hometown bottle shops and pubs."

Of Thermo Refur: "Smilin' eyes for: the adventurous, the pretentious, and those who need to maximize drunkenness while drinking as few beers as possible." Of Three Feet Deep: Furthermore sells this dry Irish stout year-round, but may be the most balanced of the locally brewed stouts The A.V. Club has tasted.

Robin Shepard reviews Fallen Apple '09

Twin Cities folks diggin' Oscura!

Photo essay from MN's Heavy Table!

OK, this Furthermore outfit is starting to intrigue me. This is the third beer of theirs that I’ve reviewed, and each previous one started out subtle and unassuming before slowly revealing itself to the patient taster as an intricately crafted, unique slant on an otherwise broad style.

interviews Chris and Aran in two parts.

interviews Chris and Aran in two parts.

Furthermore Brewing Co.'s idiosyncratic brewer Aran Madden has just released his latest creation, dubbed Makeweight .. The beer pours with a bright copper color and rocky, cream-colored head. The flavor resonates with a full, rich malt bottom, with a distinct striation of hops sounding the higher notes. It lacks the deliberate quirkiness of other Madden efforts, but has the best balance and posture of all of the beers he's brewed and bottled .. Look for it soon because Furthermore has sold out its entire run.

Looking for a big, dark, warm beer to take the chill off a snowy day? Furthermore Beer's Three Feet Deep will melt your cares away.

Reviews of Makeweight are in!

One thing can definitely be said for the folks behind Furthermore Beer, they sure do know how to choose the right music to complement their beer.

Furthermore Beer apparently wants to prove that not only that its new Makeweight brew tastes good, but it's also a brewery with good taste. Featuring the Black Eyed Snakes, Decibully and Scag 48, their second Brew Ha Ha (dubbed 2 Ha Ha) Saturday night at the High Noon Saloon made a very good case for them.