After moving to Wisconsin, filmmaker Joel Sacramento kept seeing maps—those infamous charts that glow with drinking stats and always seem to light up one state like a neon sign. Curious about whether the reputation was deserved, he started asking questions. What he found was a story far more complicated—and far more fascinating—than he expected.

This film isn’t just about drinking. It’s about why we drink. From the beer halls of German and Eastern European immigrants to Friday night fish fries, supper clubs, brandy Old Fashions, bowling alleys, and even the legal quirks, Wisconsin on Tap explores the cultural, historical, and environmental forces that shaped—and still support—this state’s unique relationship with alcohol.

Blending humor, history, personal reflection, and sharp cultural insight, the film features interviews with bar owners, historians, politicians, and lifelong residents. It’s a journey through tavern country that asks not just how much we drink, but what it means.

Joel Sacramento is an award-winning filmmaker, cinematographer, and founder of Meter Studio. A lifelong Midwesterner, his work spans commercials, travel shows, social-issue documentaries, and animation.

His recent short film Awakening Wanda won Best Regional Film at the Beloit International Film Festival. He has also contributed to acclaimed feature documentaries including The Atomic States of America (Sundance) and Make Believe (LA Film Fest, internationally screened).

Joel is currently based in Dane County, Wisconsin.

For inquiries, collaboration, or story leads:
meterstudio@gmail.com