Every now and then the stars align in the craft beer universe and a flurry of rarities come to town. This weekend is one of those times. On Friday, starting at 3 p.m., Champps Americana (1240 S. Moorland Rd.) is celebrating its birthday with a ridiculous list of taps. Founders KBS, several Bourbon County varieties, Central Waters Black Gold and Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA are just a small sample of list that keeps growing. That’s enough for one great weekend, but wait, there’s more.
On Saturday at 6 p.m., Romans’ Pub (3475 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) hosts its 37th anniversary/Christmas party. Owner Mike Romans has a cellar full of treats for the good girls and boys. I haven’t seen a beer list yet, but I promise that it will be good.
Reserve Your Spot on the Beer Tour Bus
Hop Head Beer Tours has a big trip planned for late February and you can reserve a spot now. The Chicago Beer Tour is a two-day trip (Feb. 27 and 28) that stops at Goose Island, Revolution, Few Spirits Distillery, Binny’s Beverage Depot, Lagunitas, Vice District and Atlas Brewing. That’s quite a weekend. The bus is making a stop at the Loomis Road Park and Ride at 9 a.m. on Feb. 27 and drops off patrons at 7:15 p.m. on Feb. 28 after the weekend is over. The early bird price is $300 and includes lodging. Check out all of the details and put it on your calendar. This is a great tour.
Barley Pop of the Week
Grant Pauly has been doing good things at 3 Sheeps for a while now. Cashmere Hammer Nitro Rye Stout is a reminder of that. A nice dark chocolate flavor mixes with a hint of spicy rye. The nitro provides smooth drinkability. It’s a tasty winter brew.
Quick Taps
Ray’s Growler Gallery (8930 W. North Ave.) is hosting its first ever bottle share at 1 p.m. on Sunday. The beauty of this share is that you’re required to bring a bottle or two and either $10 or a toy for Toys for Tots. How awesome is that?
Paste Magazine posted an interesting interview with Founders Brewing co-founder Dave Engbers last week.
A clever gift guide by Draft Magazine. Not every gift is beer related.
Events Brewing
Wednesday, Dec. 2: At 5 p.m., Ray’s Growler Gallery is tapping a Ballast Point barrel-aged Victory at Sea. If you wear a pirate costume, the first pint is free.
Wednesday, Dec. 2: Bierklasse at Café Hollander (2608 N. Downer Ave.) focuses on five Belgian holiday beers. The event starts at 7 p.m. and costs $30. Email Bierklasse@LowlandsGroup.com for a reservation.
Thursday, Dec. 3: MobCraft hands out samples at Discount Liquor Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave.) from 4 to 6 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 3: Denver’s Renegade Brewing pours samples at Discount Liquor Waukesha (919 N. Barstow Ave.) from 5 to 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 3: Renegade makes a stop at The Malt Shoppe (813 N. Mayfair Rd.) at 5 p.m. and is bringing some new brews to the area.
Thursday, Dec. 3: Five different New Holland Dragon’s Milk varieties are coming to the tap lines at Erv’s Mug (130 W. Ryan Rd.) at 5:30 p.m. Dragon’s Milk Chocolate Coffee sounds like a winner to me.
Thursday, Dec. 3: Door County Brewing takes over the taps at Draft & Vessel (4417 N. Oakland Ave.) at 6 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 4: Discount Liquor Milwaukee offers samples of Deschutes and Blue Moon from 4 to 6 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 4: Try MobCraft beers at Discount Liquor Waukesha from 4 to 6 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 5: It’s a big day of tasting at Discount Liquor Milwaukee. Try Perennial brews from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Founders beers from noon to 3 p.m., and Renegade Brewing samples from 3 to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 5: Sip on Blue Moon samples at Discount Liquor Waukesha from noon to 2 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 5; Draft & Vessel celebrates the end of Prohibition with Balantine IPA, Old Tankard Ale and other beers that have been around for a really long time.
Saturday, Dec. 5: Renegade Brewing takes over the taps at Ray’s Growler Gallery at 6 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 5: Sample the staff’s favorite beers at Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.) from 1 to 4 p.m.
