Rowland’s Calumet Brewery

January 8, 2008
I’ve only been there once, but it’s a cool stop if you’re in the right place in the middle of nowhere in Wisconsin! They have a really cool bar area, great beers, and will talk your ear off about ’em if you’ll let ’em. I haven’t been back since Bob passed away, but I wouldn’t hesitate to stop in if I was anywhere close.

January 24, 2006 [ Updated July 2, 2006 ]
I wish this was my neighborhood bar. I live about 30 miles away and paid my first visit to Rowland’s on a beautiful winter Saturday in Jan 06. Tried the Irish Red, Amber and Rye and was not disappointed! Walked into the place and big Bob was behind the bar. A biker and his babe (both hippie burnouts) were shooting pool. Didn’t know what to expect. Soon we were talking about the great pyramids of Egypt, who discovered the concept of Pi, and most importantly, beer festivals. Give this place a visit if you can. Quaint old Wisconsin town, no traffic, no crowds, not much hops, but some excellent lagers!

October 10, 2005 [ Updated October 12, 2005 ]
Ambiance-wise, this is what a brewpub should be, especially one in a small town in upper Wisconsin. Basically a Northwoods small-town tavern with the ambiance to match, though more tidy than your average backwoods cheesehead watering hole. The difference is this tavern also happens to brew and serve only its own beers. I wasn’t as overwhelmed by the beers as most other reviewers, but with the exception of a painfully salty glass of liquid diacetyl described as a bock, I didn’t get a bad beer either. (How the hell did the bock get so highly rated here anyway? Was mine just from a bad batch??) The server, however, was rude and had no qualms about insulting someone who had just driven some 250 miles for the express purpose of trying their beer. Some would write it off as the non-PC attitude of the place/owner/staff, or their bewilderment at beer geeks, or whatever. Maybe others who read the reviews here before visiting will be better prepared for the attitude than I was. In hindsight I suppose it was all in good fun, but at the time I wasn’t expecting it and was simply taken aback. I’m glad other reviewers here were able to get samplers. When I asked for one, they refused. (Maybe it wasn’t all in good fun after all??) I might stop in again if I’m in the area on other business but I won’t make any special trips back.

August 9, 2005
Nothing new to add just another positive experience!

July 26, 2005 [ Updated April 22, 2007 ]
If you want an experience along with incredible beer, this is the place to go. Arrived on the hottest of July days early on a Friday afternoon. Only regular locals at the bar (one in house slippers). Bob ruled the day, telling us ribald jokes by the score, watched some golf and tried about every beer he had. The beers are unique to Bob’s crooked view of the world. Spicy. diacetyl -heavy and very unique beers. Not for everyone - but right up my alley. This place screams WISCONSIN!

June 27, 2005
In the middle of nowhere sits a brewpub. We even drove right past it and then had to circle back. Went on a Saturday afternoon and were nearly the only people in the place until a wedding party in between events showed up. Like Jason, I did the sampler, and it came with 12 beers (I think.) Overall, very tasty. Nothing was particularly mind blowing, but it’s good to have done the experience. If you’re even in the area (how many times do you pass through Chilton?), I’d say hit this place. Classic.

May 21, 2005 [ Updated December 18, 2005 ]
This is a great hidden brewpub. There really aren’t any big beers here, but there also aren’t any bad beers. And today I got a 12-beer sampler (~2oz each) for $6.50. I was amazed! Bob Rowland, the co-owner and brewer, is a cool guy.... a little non-PC as he puts it, but also very down to earth about owning such a successful business. And, regarding Hezron’s comments about a "biker bar", this place must be on a list of bars to stop at if you are a biker. On a sunny weekend afternoon, I’m guessing this place routinely gets bombarded by bikers for an hour or two. You can see the owners go to battle stations at the first sound of the thunder, early-pouring pilseners and lagers to meet the demand. Fun stuff :)

April 10, 2005
I felt out of place here in a tshirt and shorts and only driving a Honda. We pull up behind like 25 Harley’s. My friends were wondering why in the world I was bringing them to a biker bar. It took a while to get service, poor lady was busy. Once things settled down a bit we joked with her about feeling out of place and she agreed with us. Then she pointed out a road cyclist at the other end of the bar and said he must really feel out of place. Interesting place. Brewing stuff was laying around in the corners, behind the pool table, etc.. Old buckets holding blowoff tubes from the fermenters. Fun place.

May 12, 2004
I’ve made the drive from Milwaukee to Chilton a few times now and I’ve always been pleased. The beer is fresh and enjoyable, the service excellent, and the selection better than most brewpubs. The prices are also amazing, cheaper than you pay for most macros at a bar. I also had a frozen pizza that they made in a toaster oven there that wasn’t half bad. A definite place to check out if you’re anywhere near the area.

March 13, 2004
absolutely awesome. Bob and Bonita are great, and yes, they laugh heartily at the beer geeks. Bob's mission is to brew beer that makes you have to take another sip shortly after the last. Ask Bob for some quality jokes, and he'll have you laughing heartily as well. Just a super cool little place. yes, the total eclipse is the best, but I havent had the bock yet