Overview: Ishnala Supper Club in Lake Delton, Wisconsin, has established a reputation for serving over 500 Brandy Old Fashioneds daily. The venue utilizes brandy from Central Standard Craft Distillery, aged two years in bourbon barrels. During the April–October 2025 season, the establishment served a total of 106,809 Old Fashioneds.
The Full Story
Just beyond the tangle of Wisconsin Dells waterslides, Ishnala Supper Club serves tradition with a side of serenity in Lake Delton. The log cabin-style entrance is greeted by a sign noting the number of Old Fashioneds served this season. Visitors drive through a forest of Norway pines to reach the multistory restaurant perched over Mirror Lake. A dining table set for four near a large window overlooks trees and a water body, while an elevated wooded cabin structure overlooks a serene lakeside area with chairs and umbrellas below.
The venue dates back to 1953, marking its 73rd year in 2026. In the Ho-Chunk language, “Ishnala” means “by itself alone.” The name honors the Winnebago people who once used this scenic area for sacred ceremonies. Pioneer settlers purchased the land from the Winnebago people in 1826. Owner Robert Prosser states that the menu has not changed significantly since 1953. The establishment is open 200 days a year and spends six weeks training staff to focus on giving guests the best service anywhere.
The cocktail program features a specific preparation method for the signature drink. Bartenders at Ishnala add two types of bitters and muddle it with orange and cherry. The brandy is sourced from Milwaukee’s Central Standard Craft Distillery. Jim Kanter, chief commercial officer at Central Standard, notes that the spirit is truly Wisconsin. It is aged for two years and runs through bourbon barrels to enhance the flavor.
Production & Profile
The core ingredient driving this cocktail is brandy sourced from Central Standard Craft Distillery. The spirit undergoes a specific aging process, maturing for two years in bourbon barrels. This method enhances the flavor profile of the base spirit before it reaches the bar. At the venue, the preparation involves muddling fresh orange and cherry alongside the addition of two types of bitters.
Brand & Industry History
Ishnala Supper Club was established in 1953 and is recognized as one of the Midwest’s best supper clubs in the 2026 Best of the Midwest Awards. The venue honors its history through a menu that has remained consistent since its founding. The location holds historical significance regarding the Winnebago people, who used the area for sacred ceremonies prior to land purchase by settlers in 1826.
What This Means
The recognition of Ishnala as one of the Midwest’s best supper clubs highlights a commitment to tradition amidst changing trends. The venue maintains its legacy through consistent service and menu offerings that have not changed significantly since 1953. During longer waits for a table, visitors are encouraged to walk around the property, which is lined with hiking trails and dotted with interpretive displays on the Winnebago people.
Consumer Takeaway
This bottle or drink offers a specific experience defined by its aging process and preparation method. The brandy is aged for two years in bourbon barrels to enhance flavor, providing a distinct profile for the Old Fashioned. Guests can enjoy the cocktail at the Arrowhead Bar, named for its pointy shape that juts over Mirror Lake, or take apps outside to enjoy on the patio as kayakers float below.
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