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Rating: 3.00
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Founded: 2020
Last visited: May 2024
Wizard Works sports a cozy downstairs taproom, formerly occupied by Broken Bat Brewing. Owner Chris Ivanovich has a wide-ranging resume: 35 years of brewing experience and 40 years as a professional magician. There were 10 beers on tap when we visited.
BEER:
Abracadabra English IPA (3.50) – Light amber appearance. Medium bodied ale. Nice balance between hop bitterness and malt sweetness. 23 IBU surprisingly low for this style. Brewer claimed that the recipe originated in the 1700s.
First Rabbit Porter (1.50) – Dark amber appearance, slightly cloudy. Body far too thin for style. Roasted and caramel malt character sorely missing. Some kind of sour flavors creep into the aftertaste. This beer is far from a classic Porter.
Hofzinser Hefeweizen (2.50) – Very hazy, light amber appearance. Clove and banana character present, probably to an excessive extent. Pucker reaction, not expected. Brewer said the beer was served early.
Houdini’s Hand Maibock (3.00) – Amber appearance. Malt character is very prominent. 7.9% ABV upfront and objectionable. Collaboration with Dead Bird Brewing.
Swiss Mystic Mexican Chocolate Stout (3.00) – Dark brown appearance. Roasted character evident. Sweet malty aspects present. Aftertaste was somewhat sour.
Wizard’s Wrath Strong English Ale (4.50) – Dark brown appearance. Huge malt sweetness dominates flavor profile. 75 IBU is hardly noticed. 7.2% ABV is properly concealed. Complex combination of flavors.