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Tuesday, April 14 (today!) is "414 Day" in Milwaukee and this year more than ever we need to rally and Prost. In honor of Brew City's Big Day, OnMilwaukee will host a virtual happy hour at 6 p.m. with special guest and 414 beer maker, Fred "Too Much Metal" Gillich.
To be a part of the city-wide toast, go to OnMilwaukee's Facebook page a little before 6 p.m. on Tuesday with a cherished beverage and get ready to chime in with Milwaukee's unofficially official, Mayor Barrett-approved toast: "414 let's have one more!"
414 beer is a premium-style lager made from German Heirloom Barley, Hallertau Mittlefrüh hops and a German lager yeast strain with 5.1% ABV. Crafted by Vernacular Brewing and made at Mob Craft, 414 beer is brewed under exclusive license in Milwaukee by Milwaukeeans.
Earlier this week, OnMilwaukee asked Gillich a few Qs about his new brew. (And for even more info about the Mil-tastic libation, read this story from Bobby Tanzilo in February.)
OnMilwaukee: For years, you've provided the city with thousands of 414 T-shirts, hats, flags and so on. How did the 414 beer finally happen?
Fred Gillich: I needed the perfect recipe and I’ve got that now, having partnered with Mike Brenner (Brenner Brewing). I’m really proud of this beer. Mike’s a proper Bräumeister.
What does your 414 beer taste like?
A cool, crisp zip, like a Modelo and MGD had a kid. It's the perfect lager for a Milwaukee summer day whether you’re tailgating, porch drinking or yard working. As you know, beer in Milwaukee is a magical social lubricant. Beer kinda brings everyone together, it’s an emotional experience.
What does 414 Day mean to you?
It's a day for the people of Milwaukee. And this beer is for the people of Milwaukee. This beer is 414 everyone! Unless you don't drink. And that's cool, too.
Where can I get 414 beer?
It's available at many liquor stores and bars – all with safe, low-to-no-contact sales procedures. Check out the whole list here.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
