Tim Eichinger is the guy behind Black Husky, northern Wisconsin’s outstanding brewery. Eichinger is making the long the trip down from Pembine and will be at Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.) from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19. He’s not coming alone. Eichinger’s bringing the brand new Sparkly Eyes Imperial Sproose Joose with him. The original Sproose Joose is flavored with massive amounts of spruce tips. Sparkly Eyes takes it up a level by increasing the amount of spruce and dry hopping the brew. The unique beer checks in at 11 percent ABV. Get some.
Social Drinking
Beer tastings for charity? Everybody wins! The latest is the SDF Oktoberfest held by the Social Development Foundation on Friday, Oct. 19. The event takes place from 5:30 -9 p.m. at City Center (735 N. Water St.). Proceeds help support programs that combat poverty in Milwaukee. The cause would be reason enough to attend even if the samples were limited…but they’re not. The list of more than 40 breweries attending is no slouch. Expect tastes from New Glarus, Sprecher, Lakefront, Milwaukee Brewing, The Bruery, Founders, Sixpoint, Lagunitas, Central Waters, and dozens more quality breweries. The cost is just $35.
Sprecher’s Halloween Spirit
Plan on dressing like a hop cone for Halloween? The folks at Sprecher “Boo-wery” will appreciate your effort if you do. Sprecher is definitely into Halloween and is releasing three spookily labeled brews for purchase at the Sprecher Gift Shop (701 W. Glendale Ave.). Cool Halloween labels adorn Black Widow IPA, Vampire’s Blood Wheat Ale (my favorite bottle design), and Wicked Root Beer. If you stop in wearing a costume from Oct. 26 to Oct. 28 you get a treat. Costume wearers get half-price admission on the afternoon tours on Oct. 31 as well.
Kohler Food & Wine (and Beer) Experience
The Kohler Food & Wine Experience starts Thursday, Oct. 18 and runs through the weekend. Despite the event’s name, food and wine aren’t the only items to sample. Plenty of beer pairings dot the busy schedule. Browse the list of options for beer loves. Sadly the ale and chocolate pairing is sold out.
Barley Pop of the Week
That fall chill in the air has finally arrived and Capital Brewery’s Autumnal Fire is a good way to warm up. The Doppelbock is a malty beast that’s rich in flavor and has a hint of booze (it’s nearly 8 percent ABV). Pick some up from now until December when it disappears. The four-pack box suggests cellaring a bottle or two, and my plan is to do just that…maybe.
Quick Taps
Sprecher’s Hopfuzion, made with Wisconsin Cascade hops, is being released in 22-ounce bottles on Oct. 22.
“Beer Church” had its inaugural meeting at John Hawk’s Pub on Sunday, Oct. 7 and will take place on the first Sunday of each month. More info to come.
Events Brewing
Wednesday, Oct. 17: For just $20 you can taste 10 different Oktoberfests and pumpkin beers at Stubby’s Pub & Grub (2060 N. Humboldt Ave.) The fun starts at 7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 18: Cafe Hollander (2608 N. Downer Ave.) hosts a four-course dinner paired with delicious Unibroue beers. Dinner starts at 7 p.m. and costs just $50. Call 963-6366 for reservations and details.
Thursday, Oct. 18: Taste Henry Weinhard’s from 4-7 p.m. at Discount Liquor Waukesha (919 N. Barstow Ave.)
Friday, Oct. 19: Try samples from O’so and Leinenkugel from 4-7 p.m. at Discount Liquor Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave.)
Friday, Oct. 19: Leinie’s brings Big Eddy Baltic Porter to Discount Liquor Waukesha from 4-7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 20: Taste IPAs from 1-4 p.m. at Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.).
Saturday, Oct. 20: Big Eddy Baltic Porter samples at Discount Liquor Milwaukee from 1-2:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 20: Leinie’s returns to Discount Liquor Waukesha with Oktoberfest, Lemon Berry Shandy and Honey Weiss.
