10 Reasons to Visit this Fall
While fall in Wisconsin may go by in the blink of an eye, you can't beat the changing of leaves, crisp fall air, pumpkin patches, and the start of…
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While fall in Wisconsin may go by in the blink of an eye, you can't beat the changing of leaves, crisp fall air, pumpkin patches, and the start of…
In search of a hike with vibrant fall color views? We've got you covered with our guides to fall…
Don't miss these must-see murals in the Stevens Point Area. With unique pieces tucked in every…
With a wide variety of thrift shops and consignment stores in the Stevens Point Area, you'll find…
Fall in the Stevens Point Area is full of fun! Here are the top picks this season, from hiking through Schmeeckle Reserve and the Green Circle…
Looking for a great place to enjoy live music in the Stevens Point Area? Find some great spots, so…
Explore the Schmeeckle Reserve in a whole new light as trails are illuminated by torches during…
7 studios, 20 artists, and 1 fall weekend — Welcome to the Hidden Studios Art Tour, a…
What makes a great meal even better? Dining al fresco! Enjoy dining on and off the water with the best patios in the Stevens Point Area. Visit them…
Have the ultimate sweet tooth? Learn more about how to get your sweets fix in the Stevens Point…
Looking for a great place for a creative cocktail? Here are three to try when you visit Great…
Finding the perfect Fish Fry is a serious business in the Stevens Point Area. With countless…
Looking for a place to stay in the Stevens Point Area with waterfront views? We've made a list of places to stay for a waterfront vacation…
Looking for a place to stay nearby the Green Circle Trail? We have compiled a guide with all…
Looking for a perfect cozy spot for a winter family getaway? Pack your bags and gather the family…
Check out our guide to central Wisconsin's best fall fun activities, attractions, and events - full of details for fall fun, from corn mazes to…
While fall in Wisconsin may go by in the blink of an eye, you can't beat the changing of leaves…
Whether you're looking to get outside or get a taste of local flavor, the Stevens Point Area is the…
Order our free Visitors Guide today to uncover the best places in the Stevens Point Area to get…
Meet Farryn Guarino, director of quality for the Stevens Point Brewery. The brewery is a local landmark, dating back to 1857, which earns it the rank of the third-oldest continually operating privately owned brewery in the country. Farryn was born and raised in Stevens Point and earned her degree in biology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, so it’s accurate to say she never left home.
She started as an analytical lab technician, testing all the beers “from wort to packaging,” before moving up to take on the “micro” part, tending to the core microbiology of the beers. Now she heads up quality assurance. Yet, even with those noteworthy promotions, she has a confession to make.
“When I first started, beer wasn’t my passion, but I’m 100 percent a beer drinker now.”
She added to the confession, noting that crafting a career around beer was never on her radar. “I thought I’d end up in the medical field, perhaps getting my clinical laboratory science degree,” she said. But she had the backing of her parents to join the brewery. “My dad was super excited because he’s a Point beer drinker,” she laughed, “and my mom is proud I’m able to apply my education.”
A typical day for Farryn starts early in the morning with a walk-through of the brewery, checking set points for the pasteurizer, passing the packaging line, and conferring with the three others on the quality team who report to her. In other words, she’s a multi-tasker who keeps things running smoothly.
Farryn explains the workings of beermaking is all about perfecting the time, temperature, and balance of ingredients - malt, water, hops, and yeast - that make up every recipe. She knows you’re wondering and the answer is “yes,” tasting the beers is part of her job description. “You need a good palate,” she said.
Her favorite beer at the moment is Pistachio Nut Brown. She’d also like to see the brewery bring back St. Benedict’s, a winter ale-style beer brewed and bottled several years ago. “I hope I have some sway in that,” she chuckled. She’s also a fan of their British Dry hard cider bottled under the Ciderboys label. “It has a subtle sweetness, almost like champagne, it’s very drinkable.”
Farryn likes the ever-changing nature of the industry and enjoys working as a team with the brewmaster to come up with the next big thing, as she puts it. While the beer recipes may be top secret, Farryn’s enthusiasm for the brewery, the area, and the people is so genuine there’s no chance of keeping that under wraps.
Farryn paired the attributes of longevity and quality. “There is a lot of history here and people come to see the original structures that are still part of our functioning brewery,” she began. “They also return because we’re putting out a quality product with regular new offerings to bring them back.”
After you put Point Brewery on your list, explore more craft beverage makers, known as the Central Wisconsin Craft Collective, that call the region home. These spots include beer, wine, and spirits - worth a tour (and a taste)!
Looking for where you can find Point Brewery products? Check out their product locator for where you can get the goods!
Earn rewards while you drink with the Central Wisconsin Craft Pass - it's also free and easy to sign up for!
Too many options to choose from? We'll help you narrow it down with our guide to three to try from the Point Brewery.
With local makers scattered all around the county, get to know a few of them by drinking local or by heading straight to the source with a culinary farm experience. Then, join the fun! Send your photo, by including @stevenspointarea on Instagram, or using #StevensPointArea.