Third Lake
Sausage
Shop
From the trail to the tavern,
and all paths in between
Welcome to the Lake
What's with all the Sausage Talk?
Third Lake is a Wisconsin-inspired brand founded by Jesse Brookstein to celebrate the state’s rich sausage-making tradition through books, specialty gifts, and partnerships with local makers. Inspired by Jesse’s passion for sausage history, outdoor culture, and Wisconsin heritage, the company offers unique products like landjaeger bundles and custom display cases while honoring the hardworking people and stories behind iconic sausage brands such as Oscar Mayer.
Your #1 Source for Landjäger Display Cases
The Man, the Myth, the Legend:
Heinz Mattmann
Heinz is, and has been, and integral part of New Glarus, WI since he immigrated here with his family in 1963.
Not only does he have over 55 years of sausage making experience, he's also the creative force behind the many landjäger cases proudly displayed behind bars across the state.
Interested in securing one of your own? Click the link below to see our current offerings.
Need Meats?
Look no Further
Purveyor of Quality Meats
Jesse's love of sausage goes back as far as he can remember, and he loves nothing more than proudly introducing customers and friends to handcrafted sausages sourced from some of Wisconsin’s best makers. Though he doesn't make the sausages himself, he knows every detail about them — from the smoking process behind a rich, garlicky landjäger to the history of old-world bratwurst recipes passed down through generations. His passion for the products and the stories behind them make him more than just a seller; he became a familiar face to customers looking for quality sausage, local tradition, and a good recommendation for their next cookout or road-trip snack.
Contact us below with questions or recomendations.
So What the Heck IS a Landjäger, Anyway?
The Delicious Sausage with a Silly Name
Landjäger is a traditional semi-dried sausage that originated in parts of Germany and surrounding Alpine regions before becoming especially popular in Wisconsin and other German-American communities in the United States. Typically made from beef and pork, it is seasoned with spices like garlic, pepper, coriander, and caraway, then smoked and air-dried to create its signature firm texture and tangy, savory flavor.
Interested in trying some for yourself? Click the link below to have them delivered right to your door!
Want to Know What Others Are Saying About Third Lake Sausage?
Since the July 2021 release of A Perfect Pair, we've been lucky enough to chat with some local Wisconsinites about all things landjäeger.
Check out some of the articles below
Childhood Love of Sausage Snack Inspires Book
In this feature from Wisconsin Life, Jesse shares how a childhood love of landjäger inspired his deep dive into Wisconsin’s rich sausage-making tradition. Jesse explores the history, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of the iconic smoked sausage snack.
Getting to the Meat of the Story
In this feature from The Monroe Times, sausage historian and writer Jesse Brookstein explores the deep roots of Wisconsin’s meat-making culture through conversations with local sausage makers, historians, and community members.
Links to the Past & Present
In this feature from Edible Madison, writer Jesse Brookstein explores how traditional Wisconsin sausages like Landjäger connect the state’s culinary history to its modern food culture.
How the Sausage Gets Made
In this feature from Madison Magazine, readers get an inside look at the craftsmanship and process behind traditional sausage-making at Buol’s Bristled Pig. The article explores the care, technique, and local food culture that go into creating high-quality handmade sausages in Wisconsin.
What's so Special About Landjäger?
In this feature from Isthmus, Jesse explores the history, cultural significance, and unique craftsmanship behind Wisconsin’s beloved landjäger sausage, and how this old-world snack became a cherished part of Wisconsin food culture.
Get in Touch
Interested in hosting Third Lake for your event? Or just want to share a mutual love of sausage?
Feel free to reach out to us