Ripon is a college town which also has a long history of cookies (Rippin’ Good), debate (the NFL – National Forensic League – was headquartered here and is now the National Speech & Debate Association), and politics (this is the Birthplace of the Republican Party, which was founded on an anti-slavery platform in 1854 downtown here.) The downtown is robust, and beautiful buildings line several blocks with dynamic shops, restaurants – and one brewery: Knuth Brewing Company.
Knuth Brewing was founded in 2015; its namesake and founder David Knuth was gifted a home brewing kit by his father-in-law, starting it all. Now, David and his wife Marie own and operate this brewpub and restaurant that has added a spark in this collegiate downtown that bustles for a town of its size: about 7,700 residents.
Beers brewed at Knuth – and they stress artisan style in small batches – include: the Blue Eyed Blonde Ale, named for Marie Knuth, one of the founders; Classic Lager; Red House Ale; the Workers Mild Brown Ale (with a little bit of chocolate); Coffee Stout, which we didn’t get to try while there but was touted heavily by a frequent customer); Honey Wheat; American Pale Ale; Citra Spice IPA; Harvest Fresh IPA; Hefeweizen; My Sophia, a Belgian Trippel; Alexander Pilsner; and seasonal styles like the Marzen Oktoberfest (which we really loved); and Charlotte’s Revenge, a Scotch Ale designed to warm people up when Wisconsin winters arrive with force. Guest brews from other Wisconsin breweries often round out the offerings. Conversely, their brews are available in many other Wisconsin craft breweries and many restaurants, bars, and stores in the state, especially east central Wisconsin.
Along with the beer, Knuth Brewing works up popular craft artisan pizzas and sandwiches, a wide array of paninis, sides, and salads. You can enjoy food and beverages in the brewpub dining room, at the bar, or the beer hall, which also offers shuffleboard and other games. Sidewalk dining and drinking is an option in nicer weather right out front along Watson Street.
Knuth Brewing is in the heart of downtown Ripon on Watson Street, within a block or two of where Highways 23, 44, and 49 converge.
Knuth Brewing Company Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday, 11am – 9pm
Friday-Saturday, 11am – 10pm
Closed Sunday and Monday
Knuth Brewing Company Address:
222 Watson Street
Ripon, WI 54971
(920) 748-5188
Website
