Road Trip
The “official” reason I took a trip to Omaha last weekend was to help my parents move. In reality, it was also a chance to get to another bar on Draft Magazine’s top 100 beer bars list. The Crescent Moon Ale House, just west of downtown Omaha, is an outstanding spot for beer geeks. Part of the allure for me was a solid beer list that included several options that we just can’t get in Milwaukee, including a sizable amount of local Nebraska brews. Sampling Odell and Boulevard at my leisure was certainly a plus, but the outstanding Reuben didn’t hurt.
Next door to the bar is the excellent Beertopia store. I saw a guy walk out of there with a six pack of Lakefront Wisconsinite and wanted to applaud the man for his good taste. (I picked up a six pack of Odell IPA.)
On my next night in Omaha, I made a trip to Krug Park in the Benson neighborhood, which is a little like Bay View was 10 years ago but decidedly smaller and with a lot more people wearing collared shirts. The bar had 50 taps, a ton of bottles and friendly service. Green Flash was well represented on the tap menu, and I indulged with a Linchpin White IPA (actually a collaboration between Green Flash and Founders) and an Odell Myrcenary IIPA.
Two great bars and drinking beers I can’t get in Wisconsin made the 14-hour round trip drive worth it.
Barley Pop of the Week
The fact that many good craft beers are only available regionally adds to the charm. I had the chance to try an Odell IPA while in Omaha. It would be nice if the good folks from Fort Collins could get the tasty brew to the Badger State. The IPA was flat out delicious. It had a bite, but wasn’t overwhelming. Did I say I wish Odell was distributed here?
Quick Taps
The Brewers Association released mid-year reports showing that craft beer volume increased 12 percent in the first half of 2012. The craft beer industry continues to grow.
Narragansett Beer made its way to Wisconsin at the beginning of the month. Wisconsin is the first Midwest state to carry the East Coast brew. (I haven’t tried any of their styles yet, but I’ll let you know when I do.)
Events Brewing
Monday, August 13: The grand opening of World of Beer (1300 W. Brady St.) starts at 3 p.m. The franchise apparently will have 500 different bottles and 40 beers on tap. But will it have the friendly feel of some of Milwaukee’s best beer bars? I guess I’ll have to go there to find out.
Wednesday, August 15: Black Husky Brewing is a gem located in remote Pembine. The brewery is bringing some of its tasty brews to a beer dinner at Tess (2499 N. Bartlett Ave.) at 6 p.m. The five-course dinner is just $45. Call 732-4702 for reservations.
Friday, August 17: Sample four different New Glarus brews and tasty cheese at the Wisconsin Cheese Bar (1048 N. Old World Third St.). Cost is $12.
Saturday, August 18: A free tasting of German style beers from 1 to 4 p.m. at Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.).
