A Farewell to a Legend of Milwaukee’s Craft Beer Culture
With immense sadness, we bid farewell to Mike Romans, a man who can only be described as the ‘Godfather’ of Milwaukee’s scintillating craft beer culture. At a stirring age of 69, Romans breathed his last, leaving a beer warren that will attempt to keep up with his gospel of great draughts, porters, ales, lagers, stouts, and IPAs. The fort he built at Romans’ Pub has lost its commander but the spirit of the beer crusade he championly takes root.
The Story of the Man Himself
Little known to many, Mike wasn’t born with an inherent passion for beer. He was just another lad growing up in Bay View. However, things took a turn when his father bought a bar when Mike was still a teenager. Named after the family, ‘Romans Gardens’ was his playground and eventual classroom where he honed his skills and fueled his passion for beer.
From Local Corner Bar to a Beer Enthusiasts’ Paradise
Initially, Romans Gardens was just another local corner bar, common in Bay View then. However, in the early ’90s, Mike introduced a sensational concept of specialized and distinct beer culture, turning the modest bar into a craft beer haven. He revolutionised the local pub culture by introducing beer varietals rarely found in common bars.
Introducing Craft Beer to Milwaukee
Mike Romans was among the early enthusiasts who brought Milwaukee to the global craft beer map. Either it was bringing foreign ales or augmenting local concoctions, he made the Guinness Book of World Records for the most beers on tap. Romans’ Pub became the go-to place for beer lovers far and wide due to his incessant insistence on setting the bar high (both metaphorically and literally).
Every Drink Brought Life
The joy of drinking beer at the Romans’ Pub was backed up by every beer’s unique story and history. Romans had an uncanny knack of making every drink special, usually sharing the origin or significance behind every brew. The drinking experience was always an exciting ride of history, culture and trivia, leaving guests with a full pint and an even fuller heart.
Impact on Local Breweries
Romans wasn’t only about imported or exotic beer. He had immense respect and support for local brewers. Brewers from Milwaukee’s Lakefront, Raised Grain, and Third Space breweries often found an audience at Romans’ Pub. He was always enthusiastic about providing a platform to these brewers, aiding in the growth of the local craft beer industry.
The Legacy Lives On…
Mike Romans’ passion for beer wasn’t just his hobby or profession; it was his life. Today, he leaves behind not just Romans’ Pub but hundreds of beer enthusiasts that he inspired. His commitment to craft beer has irrevocably shifted the landscape of Milwaukee’s local beer culture. His loss is indeed grievous, but even in his absence, his legacy will continue to ferment in the hearts of beer lovers!
Cheers to Mike Romans!
In the end, we toast to Mike Romans, the man who enriched our palates and souls with delightful froths of joy. Here’s to the man who taught us to appreciate the intricate craft of brewing. His life gives us colossal testament that beer is much more than just a beverage; it’s a way of life. You will be missed, Mike. Your legend will forever echo in the clinks of our beer glasses!
This heartfelt farewell to Mike Romans, considered the ‘Godfather’ of Milwaukee’s vibrant craft beer culture, is a lovely tribute to a man who revolutionized the local pub culture and helped put Milwaukee on the international craft beer map. His innovative approach to introducing the city to a range of beer varieties, as well as his passion for the industry, made a lasting impact that will be carried on in the community. His legacy will continue to live on in Romans’ Pub, the craft beer haven he created. Mike Romans will be missed dearly, yet his imprint on the city’s beer culture is indelible.