Bison Blonde Makes Its Debut

Milwaukee has given birth to another beer! Looking to lighten up a stressful career as a marketing and public relations consultant, Craig Peterson pursued a more easygoing, fun way to spend his time: brewing beer. As an added bonus, the formation of the Buffalo Water Beer Co. in 2007 helps to quell the sting of our city losing yet another national brewing company.

Without a tasting or a recommendation, how does a customer decide on a brand while standing in an aisle filled with rows of micro-beers? Packaging. Peterson knows this and has created a convincing marketing plan that encourages the buyer to try the beer just once. After that, he allows the Blonde to speak for herself. The branding for the Buffalo Water Beer Co. is Americana in feel, its logo an image of the great American bison that was the centerpiece of an American $10 bill in the early 20th century. Buffalo Water also refers to the intersection where the company is located, the corner of Buffalo Street and Water Street in Milwaukee’s Third Ward. Bison Blonde is quickly and thoroughly making its way into stores, restaurants and bars throughout the state. Early on, Peterson scored a lucrative retail account with Woodman’s Food Markets, an employee-owned supermarket chain based out of Janesville that is one of the largest sellers of craft beers in Wisconsin.

Whether you’re indulging in a swanky dinner at the Wisconsin Club or grabbing a slice at Transfer, Bison Blonde makes an appearance.

Peterson said he next intends to create a nutty brown ale with more hops and a dash of pepper. After that, an American wheat beer. Then, perhaps, a seasonal Weiss beer in time for summer. Like the plaque on his office desk reads, Peterson likes to “Dwell in Possibility.”