great dane and great beer

In my first post from the Great Dane, I showed you the Brat and Bacon Pretzel Burger. The Great Dane is also a Brewery, so time to visit the beer…

The Great Dane has several locations around Madison, but the one that I visited, and in my opinion the best, is the one near the Capitol. I love the architecture of the brick exterior. The outside of the building is great, but upon walking in your eyes will turn directly to the bar. The bar is great, but what caught my attention the first time I entered were the beer taps! They are the most unique taps that I have ever seen.

They are Great Danes with dog tags that tell what beer they dispense! This is an awesome detail for a bar to have. So many dogs (beers) to choose one, how would I decide?

Earlier in the week, I had been to the Dane with my old roommate Nick (the one who ran the half marathon) . He always gets the Stone of Scone Scotch Ale. The Dane describes the beer as “Named for the stone upon which Scottish kings were crowned, our Scotch Ale represents a tradition of brewing excellence. You will enjoy a hint of caramel sweetness, a well-rounded flavor, and superior drinkability. Try one and see how kingly a beer can be.” Here is a link to the full listings of their beers.

I usually prefer lighter beers, but after trying it, I can see why Nick orders this every time he visits the Dane. Another unique aspect about the Dane is that they brew their beer on location. In the dining areas and at the back of the bar you can see these enormous steel containers where “the magic” happens.

If the 800 gallon steel tanks were not a good enough clue for you that beer is brewed on site, then the hoppy aroma is sure to be a dead give away. It definitely adds to the atmosphere. I love restaurants that have great atmospheres and are true to their identity. The Great Dane is a Brewery and Pub. They brew their own beer and serve great food. They do all of this in a building that is full of character and details that make them unique. From the Great Dane shaped  taps to the outdoor beer garden, I enjoy every part about it, and will always make it a stop on my list of places to go each time I return to Madison. O by the way, if you did not know Madison is located in Dane County.