New craft beer locations are catering to a sense of community

The Madison area is slated to get two new breweries in 2026 (three, if you think Beaver Dam counts as “the Madison area”). They’re all in the ’burbs, and aimed to be family- and often pet- friendly.

“The industry may be volatile, but we think the market is adjusting rather than dying,” says Near and Far Brewing co-owner Ed Wreh. Near and Far is headed for the corner of Limerick Drive and Cottage Grove Road in Cottage Grove, with plans for a late fall opening. There will be 15 tap lines, food, inside seating for 100, private meeting rooms and event space. Outside, a patio and dog play area will overlook a small pond; the land will hook up with bike trails.

Young Blood opened at 110 King St. in June 2020 and at Northstreet in 2022. It’s now building a new brewpub as part of the DeForest Yards development near highways 19 and 51 to open in late spring. Young Blood is known for a diverse, rapidly rotating beer portfolio with wacky names. That won’t change, but DeForest will have a dedicated brewmaster, Steven Bartel, to focus on exclusive DeForest releases.

Finally, Shattered Glass Brewery is a new brewery and pub planned for 302 Madison St., Beaver Dam, a former industrial site that’s on the shore of Beaver Dam Lake. Owner Dan Thorp is hoping for a fall opening for the 5,000-square-foot brewery with a 3.5-barrel brewing system.

‍