3 Mukwonago grads who now own breweries collaborate on a beer to honor their hometown

Three Mukwonago grads are preparing for a high school reunion of sorts, brought together over a love of beer.

The three former students who graduated in the early 2000s now own their own breweries: Mikerphone Brewing, 121 Garlisch Dr., Elk Grove Village, Illinois owned by Mike Pallen; Torzala Brewing, 2018 S. 1st St. #207, co-owned by Renee Martinez; and SteelTank Brewing, 1225 Robruck Lane Unit A, Oconomowoc, co-owned by Jason Radosevich.

Together they are collaborating on a beer to celebrate their hometown.

"It's kind of hilarious given the small town that it is," Pallen said. "We figured we could get the owners together and make something."

Pallen said that in high school he and Martinez were friends and both graduated in the class of 2000. Radosevich was a grade below them, though his older sister was in their grade and they knew of the family.

"After high school we all went our different ways," Pallen said. "Beer became a thing in our life and brought us back together."

Not only are they Mukwonago grads coming together to brew a beer, but the beer release party will be at Eagle Springs Golf Resort which is owned by Mukwonago grad Anne Krug.

Pallen said that the small town charm makes the Milwaukee suburb deserving of its own beer. He said he especially feels it now as he lives and owns a brewery in a larger Chicago suburb.

"I missed Mukwonago and how small and friendly it was," Pallen said. "It shows even now with stories about how awesome our childhood was."

The beer will be named Wonago West, a west coast IPA. Pallen said that each brewer chose their favorite hops to make the beer.

Wonago West will be released at Eagle Springs Golf Resort, W352 S10355 Tuohy Road, Eagle, on May 10.

Follow Mikerphone Brewing on Facebook for details to come about the event.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 3 Mukwonago grads turned brewery owners collaborate on local beer