Props to the organizers of the Milwaukee Brewfest. The event at McKinley Park last Saturday was fun and, judging by the line to get in, decidedly popular. (Note to those who plan on going next year: Buy the VIP ticket. The early entry is well worth the extra few bucks.)
Picking the right beers to sample out of hundreds is a tough task, but I tried to hit breweries whose beer I’ve never tried or locals offering something new. It was a good chance to try pours from Sheboygan’s 3 Sheeps, the tasty brews of South Bend, Ind., based Four Horsemen, and the standout Hopothesis IPA from Chicago. I stopped by the Big Bay tent to see my affable friend K.P., and try a Summer Tide Wheat Ale (the wheat beers went down pretty well in the sun), and I had my first Founders Cerise. I’m not generally a big fruit ale fan, but the tart cherry flavor of the Cerise was perfect on a hot day.
There are always oddities at a beer tasting, and that’s a big part of the fun. Woodman Brewery had a cupcake ale that smelled like a sweet frosting, but wasn’t actually sickeningly sweet, and Potosi’s Tangerine IPA added a tasty citrus kick to the standard style.
I left before any of the masses began stumbling and spilling (unfortunate side effects of a day in the sun tasting unlimited amounts of beer), but had a good enough time to mark it on my calendar for next year.
Celebrate IPA Day
Fellow hop heads, the week is finally upon us. Thursday, Aug. 2 is the long-awaited (by me anyway) IPA Day. My month-long countdown of drinking an IPA a day is coming to an unfortunate end. One of my favorites from the final days of the countdown was the Smuttynose IPA. It had noticeable bitterness, but still managed to be very drinkable.
The streak of IPAs ends on Thursday, but I’m going out with a bang. IPA Day is when I get to pop open the Three Floyds Apocalypse Cow in the fridge.
Barley Pop of the Week
I don’t know about you, but I’ve liked every beer I’ve tried in the New Glarus Thumbprint Series. The latest, a saison, is spectacular. It’s got a clean, crisp taste with a slightly dry finish. It’s refreshing enough to be perfect for the ridiculously hot days the summer has been punishing us with.
Quick Taps
Stubby’s Pub & Grub celebrates its two-year anniversary on Thursday, Aug. 2. Here’s hoping Stubby’s and its impressive beer menu are around for at least another 22.
I stopped in at Romans’ Pub a couple of weeks ago and had a half hour conversation with owner Mike Romans. If you want a quick beer education, stop in early and let this entertaining bartender bend your ear before the place fills up.
Events Brewing
Thursday, Aug. 2: The previously mentioned IPA Day. Head to a watering hole near you to celebrate.
Thursday, Aug. 2: The Wisconsin State Fair kicks off. Don’t laugh, the fair is without a doubt the best people watching spot on the planet during its 11-day run. Head to The Micro (courtesy of Benno’s) for 40 craft brews and watch the strange parade go by.
Saturday, Aug. 4: Taste Wisconsin beers from 1 to 4 p.m. at Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.)
Saturday, Aug. 11: The Great Taste of the Midwest takes place in Madison. If you didn’t get tickets, look on eBay. The massive beer tasting has been sold out for a while. Plan for next year.
