In March 2000, a tornado hit Cudahy, a south suburb of Milwaukee on a rare 80-degree day. That was the inspiration behind the name of Tornado Brewing, which opened in Cudahy in 2013 but relocated to Menomonee Falls in June, 2015 and then again to Horicon in 2017.
Owner Dennis Erb – who grew up around Menomonee Falls – focuses on a whirlwind of different beers, having served over 200 different ones – of their own – in just their first two years of being a brewery. The varieties continue to come fast and furious. It’s no wonder their menu stays on a TV monitor rather than a printed menu – or even a chalkboard!
They definitely have a wide variety of unique beers. We tried varieties like the Pepperoni Pilsner, which indeed had a pepperoni flavor; the Tri-Pepper Pilsner, which was robustly peppery; the Grapefruit Ale, which was similar to a Radler beer but still unique; the Pistachio Kolsch, which was smooth and fairly pistacho-y (we’re inventing words here); and the Habanero Red Ale, which truly carries the heat of habanero peppers. We needed ice water and lots of it after that one.
Tornado’s space (as of December 2015) is still a bit rough on atmosphere but their restaurant menu continues to grow and their beers continue to fascinate. If you like unique flavors in craft beers, Tornado is definitely worth trying.
Tornado Brewing is now in Horicon, where Highways 28 and 33 meet, just east of Highway 26.
Tornado Brewing Company Address:
311 E. Lake Street
Horicon, WI 53032
Website
