The Butterfly Club, Beloit, WI May 22, 2015

 Location: The Butterfly Club, Beloit, WI

Website: http://www.butterflyclub.us/

Points: 3
Fruit garnish: +.5
Cherry juice or grenadine: 0
Muddling: 0
Bitters: +.5
Brandy:+1

Overall taste: +1

The Drink: This was a pleasant BOF, though a little too sweet and not enough bitters. A pre-made bar mix was used so no muddling

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The Atmosphere: The Butterfly Club is a classic Wisconsin supper club. The lounge is to die for with a long, ovular bar, a pretty view and best of all turquoise seating! I would drink here any time.

The Experience: We had the Friday fish fry. The fish was not anything special (too dry), but the cheesy potatoes are quite good. Best of all was the beautiful grasshopper for dessert complete with whip cream and colorful sprinkles. 

An Old Fashioned Old Fashioned, May 31, 2015

We decided to visit our favorite place for brandy old fashioneds--The Old Fashioned! This time I tried something a little different: The Northern Exposure Old Fashioned.

Location: The Old Fashioned, Madison, WI

Website: http://www.theoldfashioned.com/

Points: 3
Fruit garnish: +.5
Cherry juice or grenadine: 0
Muddling: 0
Bitters: +1
Brandy:+1
Overall taste: +.5

The Drink: According to the menu the Northern Exposure is made with Kessler's, sugar and bitters served in a pint glass. To me this was a watered-down version of an old fashioned (lots of soda). Maybe the point is that you can drink a lot them? I think I will stick with the southerner's version, which so far is surpassed by none.

Atmosphere: This place is just so much fun! There are two big bars and many tables. It is always crowded and noisy, but everyone is happy. There is lots of fun, kitschy Wisconsin memorabilia decorating the walls.

Experience:  Despite being busy, service is efficient and friendly. We got one of the lazy susans with a variety of Wisconsin cheese spreads and meats which brings back memories of the once ubiquitous salad bar at Wisconsin supper clubs.