If I had to take a guess, I would say that the proprietors of Delta Beer Lab are really into science. Not just the usual brewing science, but lab science. Classroom science. The kind of science that I dreaded going to my freshman year of college at 9:30 AM every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Having been an English major and a person whose brain lies comfortably in the abstract and creative, I’m not really into the whole science life. But I certainly respect it. 

The reason I’m assuming these brewers fit nicely into lab coats is the classic lab feel that the taproom exudes. The tables and bar are topped with black lab slate. The water station looks like a lab wash sink. There are large college lecture style chalkboards on the wall filled with cell diagrams and molecular formulas for yeast, alcohol, and all of fun compounds that yeast also poops out in a beer. 

Delta Lab’s tap list also gave off science vibes with the beer names being very literal: style acronyms followed by iterations of the recipe. I can’t say this isn’t creative because I haven’t seen this anywhere else, but it kind of lacks the play on words creativity that a beer name can display.

All in all, Delta Beer Lab brings a fresh and creative take on the brewery taproom. The people in charge decided to focus on the scientific themes of brewing, and they did it well. Even an English major like myself was endeared to it. 

I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention the focus this brewery has on queer representation in the industry. The decorative beakers and flasks behind the bar were lit in Pride colors, and the Pride flag hung high from the rafters in the brew house. In an industry that can sometimes be a little masculine and rustic, the focus on queerness and Pride at Delta Beer Labs was a refreshing.

Overall, nice job Delta. You’re certainly a welcome addition to the Madison beer scene.

The Beer

Beer Name: GLD.0.2 (Sekura Sencha Golden Ale)

Style: Golden Ale

Flavor Characteristics: lemon, green tea, earthy, yeasty 

Drinkability: Yes, very drinkable, no flavors are too overpowering in the pallet 

Rating from 1 to 5 Hops: 3.5

The Taproom

Atmosphere: 4

Service: 4

Vibes: 4

Post-up Worthy: 4

Overall: 4