Beer Masterclass: BlackStack Brewing Featuring Eric Hild and Bella Ludwig - Madison

Join us for our very first out-of-state Beer Masterclass as we welcome Minnesota heavy-hitters BlackStack Brewing!

This is your chance to go beyond the glass and dive headfirst into the science, creativity, and passion behind some of the Midwest’s most buzz-worthy beers.

We’ll be joined by Head Brewer Eric Hild and Director of Production Bella Ludwig, who will pull back the curtain on BlackStack’s brewing process—from hop selection and fermentation management to the in-house techniques that give their beers such a distinct edge. Expect equal parts nerdy beer science and creative inspiration.

Founded in 2017 by the Johnson family inside a renovated historic canning factory in St. Paul’s Midway-Hamline neighborhood, BlackStack Brewing was built on a true “no shortcuts” philosophy. What started as a family passion project has quickly grown into a regional favorite known for bold, hop-forward IPAs, intricately crafted sours, and a constantly evolving tap list that keeps drinkers coming back for more.

In this in-depth session, we’ll explore what makes BlackStack’s beers stand out, how their production choices shape flavor, and what it takes to consistently push boundaries while staying true to quality- tasting some standout pours along the way.

Whether you’re a dedicated homebrewer, a hop-head, or simply craft-curious, this masterclass promises to be a fun, educational, and flavor-packed experience with one of the Midwest’s most exciting breweries. Don’t miss your chance to learn from the minds behind BlackStack!