Readers in Madison are probably well aware of the trouble Bill Rogers had when trying to get outdoor seating approved. But if this is new to you, the abridged version of the story is that the parking lot is not exactly up to code. (When it rains, one Malt House patron refers to the parking lot as “Lake Rogers.”) Bill does not own the property and the landlord–who was going to develop the vast empty lot across the street before the economy went bust–probably hasn’t made parking lot maintenance a high priority.

But the city and Rogers arrived at a compromise. Rogers doesn’t have to regrade and repave the lot and make other improvements (which would be a substantial capital expense for someone who doesn’t even own the property), but will have the pavement patched enough to satisfy the city, in return for approval of the conditional use for an outdoor seating area.

The ornamental fencing and picnic tables were added over the weekend and the area opened for use on Monday. The long picnic table seating should encourage a sociable atmosphere as people make new friends over their common passion for great beer.

In the photo below, you can see Rogers holding the sign that he no longer needs to post at the door.

East Side

• * MALT HOUSE: Jolly Pumpkin
• * DEXTER’S PUB: Great Lakes (4:30 start) Dark Horse (8:30 start)
• * ALCHEMY CAFE: Two Brothers (featuring Flemish Red and Outlaw IPA)
• * GLASS NICKEL: Surly and Founders

Downtown

• * LOCAL TAVERN: New Holland (starting at 4pm)
• MADURO (shuttle stop is Local Tavern, same block): Bell’s (starting at 4pm, private party at 2pm)
• ARGUS (shuttle stop is Local Tavern, same block): Great Lakes (starting at 8pm, after finishing at Dexter’s)
• SARDINE: Goose Island (5-7pm)

West Side

• BIG TEN: Three Floyds, Dogfish Head, Stone (3-8pm)
• * BRASSERIE V: Duvel Green and Ommegang Rouge

Click name of beer for information from brewery website. Click “BA” for beeradvocate.com reviews.

Belgians ($6 except as otherwise noted)

• Lindemans Framboise BA
• St. Bernardus Tripel BA
• Atomium Grand Cru BA
• Blanche de Bruxelles BA
• Chimay Tripel BA $7
• Duchesse De Bourgogne BA

Wisconsin Beers ($4 except as otherwise noted)

• Ale Asylum Big Slick Stout BA
• Tyranena Rocky’s Revenge BA
• Central Waters Shine On Organic Red BA
• Furthermore Oscura BA
• Lake Louie Kiss the Lips IPA BA $4.50
• [no sixth WI tap]

Publican’s Choice (pricing varies)

• Spaten Lager BA $4
• Victory Hop Devil BA $4.50
• Unibroue Ephemere (Apple) BA $6
• Pilsener Urquell BA $5
• Fuller’s ESB BA $5/(Imperial Pint $6)
• [no sixth tap]

For the naysayers who continue to write off craft beer as a minor niche, I have to point out that what struck me as I walked into the place Tuesday (but really just about any night I stop in) is that the faces in the crowd aren’t all the usual familiar beer geeks I know, but people of a wide range of ages, occupations, backgrounds, tastes, and on and on.

Whether they already know great beer or are just learning, Bill’s success with the Malt House can be seen not only in that he selects wonderful beers, but also that he and his bartenders have made it a friendly place where people want to stop in and enjoy good beer and conversation. It has often been said of Wisconsin that the tavern is an extension of the living room at home, and we can certainly see that at the Malt House.

Congratulations, Bill, on a successful first year, with many more to come!

Here’s an example of one of the generated reviews:
Pours a vivid mahogany with a thin head. Minimal lacing. Delicate hoppy scent, with just a hint of biscuit malt and grapefruit. Intense herbal taste, laced with a touch of strawberry and baking soda. Mouth-filling mouthfeel and long finish. Score: 4.01/5.

Give it a try, and Now go have a beer

One can’t help but think, however, how much better it might have been if done fresher and more locally. With Lakefront Snake Chaser Irish Stout still on tap at the time and Fauerbach Export, the stout and lager combination could have been all-Wisconsin, and still fairly traditional.

The thought of a Black and Tan for those of more extreme palates came to mind when I saw another customer order a Stone Ruination IPA (not a lager, but “tan” nonetheless) and a Bell’s Double Cream Stout (separately, not poured together). Mmmm, beer.

As it turned out, my personal selection of beers for the evening—which I ordered before any prompting by the B/T customer—could have been another “alternative” B/T combination. Ale Asylum Ballistic IPA followed by a Tyranena Benji’s Chipotle Imperial Porter. (I, too, drank these separately.)

Be(er) creative!