Ale Asylum is a microbrewery that is located right off of Highway 51, just north of the Madison College Truax Campus. In addition to the brewery, that can be toured for free on Saturday evenings (6 and 6:45 p.m. first come, first served), it houses a bar area for tasting the beers made on-site, and a dining-lounge area for the somewhat limited deli menu.
It’s a cozy and down-to-earth venue with minimalistic decoration, a long bar overlooking the bottling area in the back, and a chalkboard displaying the daily specials and beer varieties available. Outside, there’s a patio that can be enjoyed during warmer months. There are plans to move to a much larger facility in the summer of 2012, but the new location will still be close by.
Ale is a full-bodied, fruity beer brewed under warm fermentation. Fittingly, most of the beer types made at Ale Asylum are ales. The word, asylum, brings to mind an institution for people who are crazy – possibly about beer. However, it has another meaning: a place of refuge where one can share the company of others with the same beliefs. In this case, it’s a belief in drinking flavorful beer.
True beer lovers who want beer “fermented in sanity” using the traditional four ingredients – water, malt, hops and yeast – should seek asylum here. There are no funny ingredients and no distracting TVs. There are, however, plenty of brews available on tap and friendly bartenders happy to offer samples and food recommendations.
One such food suggestion is the Pulled BBQ Pork Pizza. The 10”, thin crust pizza costs $11, and is a combination of pork, chipotle marinara, pineapple, red onion and cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Somewhat disappointingly, the pizzas are pre-made, with deliveries made every few days from Falbo Brothers in Madison. Fortunately they are heated to order, and are appetizing and fresh nonetheless.
Another recommended item is the vegetarian Black Bean Burger, which, for $6.50, comes with a side of tortilla chips and Asylum beer salsa. Even though it’s not made of meat, this “burger” is surprisingly tasty, oozing with mozzarella cheese and a zesty chipotle mayo and topped with crisp lettuce and tomato. The chips and salsa, however, are disappointing, and a bowl of soup would likely be a better choice. If there’s room, finishing off the meal with a cookie is always an option.
The beer varieties rotate with the seasons. One seasonal is the Big Slick Oatmeal Stout, with an opaque darkness, foamy head, and a rich flavor with coffee notes. It is smooth going down and doesn’t have a bitter aftertaste.
Another beer selection is the Belgian-style Mercy Grand Cru. It has a toasty caramel color, a sweet and fruity flavor, and it’s served in a stylish, 12 ounce Belgian goblet. To try them all, a nine beer taster package is available for $18.
Overall, Ale Asylum is a great place for those who are passionate about full-flavored, local beer. The food itself isn’t the main attraction, but serves as a satisfactory and reasonably priced accompaniment. It is a great place to meet up with friends after class for a bite and a brew.
Location: 3698 Kinsman Blvd. Madison, Wis.
Phone: 608-663-3926
Website: http://www.aleasylum.com
Payment: credit cards accepted
Price Range for Entrées: $6-11
Cuisine: Microbrewery and bar with deli
Hours: Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m.-midnight; Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m.-bartime; Sunday 2 p.m.-midnight