A group of friends who all love beer. It's not far-fetched, especially in Wisconsin. However, some local friends have taken their love for ales and lagers and turned it into something more than a night out.
They call themselves Taproom Travelers. The group of six travels across Wisconsin and into Minnesota to breweries, camera equipment in tow, and makes short documentaries.
So far, the travelers have completed their first season, or first "six pack" as they like to call it. The first of the roughly 10 minute videos premiered last week at the place it features: Lazy Monk Brewing.
"We are interested in the craft beer movement, and every brewery has a different story and approach to beer making," said Troy LaBair, producer and director. "No two are same. It's a fun way to go to places and get together and drink on the weekends."
The team came together through the broadcast productions department at Menards, where most of them currently or formerly worked, with the exception of LaBair's wife, Stephanie.
"We assembled our dream team," Jake Hrudka, videographer, said.
After the premiere of the Lazy Monk film on July 24, the group plans to release a new webisode every month until the series picks up steam. Thus far, the team said breweries have been receptive to them coming in and filming.
Once they arrive at the brewery, after all piling into one car, the travelers interview the brewmaster, bartender and patrons. They try to get the full story about the brewery, from how the beer is made to reasoning behind the building's decor, Hrudka said.