My dad gave this beer to Dallas for his birthday back in December. Shine On from Central Waters Brewery in Amherst, WI (population 1,052).

Central Waters is Wisconsin’s first green-powered brewery. They use solar panels and radiant floor heating systems, and efficient lighting and electricity systems. All of the materials in their tap room are from recycled resources and they have reduced the amount of packaging materials that comes into the facility by having a grain silo outside the brewery. Also, they work with local farmers to recycle the grain used in the brewing process. Pretty cool! They’re “making the world a better place, one beer at a time.”

The Shine On beer is a red ale that was made to commemorate Central Water’s solar hot water system and their partnership with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA). It’s made with Wisconsin-grown, organic barley and a proceed of all sales go to the MREA to help fund renewable energy and sustainability.

Ok, so this is all fine and good and commendable… but how did the beer taste? That’s what it comes down to ultimately, right? We really liked it. .. organic and sustainable or not, it was a great tasting beer. We’ll have to pick some more up next time we’re in Wisconsin and maybe try some others from Central Waters Brewing.