Stop by 2015 Winnebago St. from 3-11 p.m. on Saturday, June 24 for the grand opening of the Herbiery Taproom.

A quick Google search will tell you that beer is comprised of four main ingredients — grain, hops, yeast, and water. However, Herbiery takes a unique approach to brewing by bringing hop-free beer to Madisonians.

Hops vs hop-free

Influenced by the German Protestant Church, the recipe for the majority of beer you drink today has its roots in some of the first drug laws passed in old Bohemia. See: Reinheitsgebot Law passed in 1516.

Hops are often used to balance the sweetness of malt in beer. | Photo via Canva Pro by George Dolgikh

Hops — the flowers of the hop plant Humulus lupulus used primarily as a bittering + stability agent — are no longer a required ingredient in beer. Enter Herbiery.

Herbiery ditches the hops and instead experiments with over 200 different herbs that favorably flavor beer while adding variety and locality to the craft beer industry.

About Herbiery

We connected with founder Nick Ryan — who has three herbalism certifications from the Herbal Academy of New England — about what to expect from Herbiery + some of their favorite 608 spots.

Q: What vibe are you going for at the Herbiery Taproom?
A: The vibe we're hoping to create is a welcoming, comfortable space with ample n/a options alongside a wide selection of our hop-free beer.

Q: What beers of yours do you recommend to first-timers?
A: Folks who prefer lighter beers love our Zingibeer Ginger Lager or the Misty morning coffee Kolsch. Our Under Tree Beer has rich earthy tones and a bitterness reminiscent of an IPA but with an array of roots like licorice, dandelion, and burdock to name a few.

Q: What are your favorite 608 spots to hit up when you have a moment away from the taproom?
A: I like walking over to Forward Craft and Coffee for drinks in the morning or evening, Ahan is a favorite lunch spot, Lao Laan Xang for dinner, and both Bar Corallini and Players sports bar for drinks depending on the vibe I'm looking for.