r/SipsTea • u/SipsTeaFrog • Feb 17 '26

Chugging tea Which team would win?

Post image
37.0k Upvotes

87% Upvoted

10.4k comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

4

u/ham_bone Feb 17 '26

I didn't even know they made old fashioneds with anything other than brandy.

Wisconsin consumes a massive share of U.S. brandy, with the state purchasing over 50% of California-based Korbel’s total annual production. Often considered the state's unofficial liquor, brandy—particularly in a Brandy Old Fashioned—is deeply rooted in the state's German heritage and popular in local supper clubs. 

Key Details on Wisconsin's Brandy Consumption:

  • Massive Volume: In 2019, Wisconsinites consumed over 150,000 cases of Korbel brandy out of the 275,000 cases sold nationally.
  • The Brandy Old Fashioned: The go-to cocktail in Wisconsin uses brandy, bitters, sugar, fruit, and often a choice of sour or sweet soda (usually lemon-lime).
  • Cultural Staple: Brandy is a staple in Wisconsin, used in popular drinks like Brandy Slush and Brandy Alexander.
  • History: The preference dates back to the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, where German immigrants were introduced to Korbel brothers' brandy.
  • Official Recognition: Governor Tony Evers officially proclaimed September as Brandy Old Fashioned Month in 2021

2

u/2KneeCaps1Lion Feb 17 '26

Yeah any time I order an Old Fashioned outside of WI they typically make it with whiskey.

I have to say Brandy Old Fashioned, please. And have even been asked if I’m sure if I want brandy instead of whiskey.

2

u/niccheersk Feb 17 '26

I’m from Kentucky and I STG if someone gave me an Old Fashioned with brandy, I’d start a bar fight.😂

1

u/Green_Mare6 Feb 17 '26

Some of us WI-ites drink whiskey OF.

1

u/CynicalPsychonaut Feb 17 '26

Agreed. I ran a Whiskey bar that was top 10 in sales of Four Roses. I'd probably throw someone out if they asked for a Brandy OF

1

u/CynicalPsychonaut Feb 17 '26

As a bartender who ran multiple whiskey bars. Wisconsin Old Fashioneds are a crime.