My Day at Miller Brewing Company

Written by Doug and Jake

June 18, 2017;  It was a sunny, warm, unusually windy day in Milwaukee, WI.  My mission: Miller brewery tour.  After the wait in the gift shop, the tour kicked off with a video about the history of the brewery.  It was a theatre-like setting only on a smaller scale.  Video commenced, the lights turned bright.  Tour guides rounded us up and we exited the building.  After a short walk down the sidewalk, the group was informed we will be missing the receiving & packaging building, a normal part of the tour, was closed for maintenance that day.  We resumed our track in Miller Valley, destined for the brewhouse.  Staring at the giant steel kettles and the complicated array of hoses and machinery,  the voice of the tour guide surrounded us from the PA speaker.  The group was educated about the basics of the brewing process.  From there, we once again were back outside, migrating to “The Caves”.  The caves are exactly what it sounds like.  The downward staircase led us underground.  It was chilly and damp.  This man-made cavern was lined with brick and had an arched ceiling.  Over the PA, we were once again being informed about the history of our present location.  Historic tools lined the walls.  Tools I have never seen before.  As I was racking my brain about the possible uses for these strange objects, the low hum of the speakers was joined with the voice of our tour guide.  The group was informed about the questionable utensils decorating the dingy brick walls.  Each item was crafted for the specific purpose of building and repairing the wood barrels which held the beer for the fermentation period.  The naturally colder temperature of the cave was ideal for this step in the brewing process.  Without warning, the lights illuminating the underground room dimmed.  On one of the walls, a projector produced a short film about Frederick Miller, the founder of Miller Brewing Company.  Darkness turned to light, and the tour was over.  Over, but not our last stop.  The wristbands we were issued before beginning the tour, allowed us 3 free beers, located at the beer garden conveniently located a short walk down the road.  It’s Miller Time!

The Miller Brewery is the last of the big 4 breweries that are still making beer in Milwaukee. When you are in the Miller Valley you are surrounded by historic architecture, the oldest dating 1886.  Amazing photo opportunities, great beer, neat history.  Have fun!