Madison has a thriving local scene. I really like Karben 4, because they are right by my office (in the old Ale Asylum building). There is a new brewery in the area, whose name I can't remember, that are coming out strong, using local hops. Wisconsin Brewing out of Verona has the potential, and the new infrastructure, to really be great in two years. Their beer isn't 100%, but it will be.
Of course, Ale Asylum, who built a larger brewery a half-mile from their old location, are still firing on all eight, and the Great Dane (brewpub; four in Madison/Fitchburg, one in Wausau) still have great brews, as well as great food. Vintage Brewing, I haven't been to in years, so no report on them. One Barrel is a myth, and I don't know the secret handshake, so no report on them, either. There are probably a half-dozen others in Madison, but since I don't live anywhere near downtown, nor anywhere near a bus line, I haven't had the privilege of discovering them.
The favorite, at the moment, is the Karben 4 Rye PA.