Tap Handle #560: Milwaukee Brewing

January 16, 2016

Tap Handle #560: Milwaukee Brewing - Outboard Cream Ale

Tap size: 10.75"
Rarity: Rare
Mounting: standard 3/8" ferrule on 5/16" anchor bolt

It's been quite some time since I profiled a tap from Milwaukee Brewing (MKE) - profile #150, to be exact. Outboard is their best tap so far. Good detail and a powder blue color complement the black on white "Outboard" label at the top of the tap and the yellow on black "MKE" label at the bottom. The labels appear on both the front and back of the tap. The small gold propeller on the side actually spins (not on its own - that would be amazing). The tap is fairly easy to find but demand has kept prices high.

The terms “Outboard” and “Evinrude” have become synonymous. The first practical outboard motor was invented by Ole Evinrude in 1909. It’s said that Ole and his girlfriend Bess were enjoying their day on Okauchee Lake on a hot summer day when she asked for some ice cream. Ole rowed to shore and by the time he had gotten back the ice cream had melted. Thinking about how he could move across the water more quickly (and save his tired arms from rowing), Ole had always been fascinated by motors, and spent 5 years hopping from job to job learning about steel, manufacturing and engineering. He set up a motor shop in Milwaukee, and would eventually employ 300 people.

For more about Milwaukee Brewing, see this post.

Click through to read more about Milwaukee Brewing's Outboard Cream Ale and to see more photos of this moving tap...

Outboard is a very straightforward golden ale. It showcases the light citrusy and herbal qualities of German Herbrucker hops. It also has a light amount of American grown Columbus hops for a touch more bittering. Just like traditional American cream ales, Outboard is made with corn, for about 20% of the total grist. First introduced in bottles as a summer seasonal in 2012, Outboard became so popular that it's now a year-round offering. Outboard debuted in 16-ounce cans at opening day in Miller Park (the home of the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team) and was the second-most sold beer behind Miller Lite at the game. Recommended food pairings are fried fish, salads, BLT & club sandwiches, brats, and burgers.