Tour de Fat: A Celebration of the Bicycle
Hop on the bike (the kind you pedal, not the kind that rumbles) and head down to McKinley Park on Saturday, July 14 to be a part of New Belgium Brewing’s Tour de Fat. The Milwaukee tour stop is one of 15 across the country that pays tribute to the bicycle, beer and a whole lot of whimsy. The event starts at 9 a.m., and the bike parade kicks off at 10 a.m. The parade, which meanders through Veterans Park, Downtown and Brady Street, features costumed riders on all makes and models of bikes. After parading through Milwaukee, the event parks itself at McKinley Park for live music, fun and general frivolity before wrapping up at 4 p.m. Milwaukee has a great bike community, and that should be pretty apparent on Saturday.
Barley Pop of the Week
Trying limited release rarities is a big part of the fun of writing a beer column. I managed to get a hold of Founders Devil Dancer recently and am glad I did. The triple IPA is a flavor explosion where 10 different kinds of hops battle with sweet malty flavor for taste supremacy. Devil Dancer is a big, bold beer with a boozy finish (it’s 12% ABV). At around five bucks a bottle, the price tag is a little steep, but it’s worth trying at least once. Call around Milwaukee to find it (I know Ray’s had some in stock last weekend), but it might not be around long.
Quick Taps
I was going to tell you about the July 24 Lagunitas tasting at Ray’s Wine & Spirits (8930 W. North Ave.) well ahead of time, but I wasn’t fast enough. It’s already sold out. The folks at Ray’s are doing things right because their tastings sell out in the blink of an eye.
The Oracle IIPA from Bell’s should be released in a few weeks. Here’s hoping some of it gets to Milwaukee store shelves.
Clear the calendar for Firkin Fest which is Saturday, July 21 at Cathedral Square Park. I’ll remind you next week.
IPA Day is August 2. As a way to countdown to this soon-to-be regular holiday I’m trying a different IPA every day for the four weeks leading up to the event. I’ll keep you posted on the standouts.
Events Brewing
Wednesday, July 11: Tess (2499 N. Bartlett Ave.) is hosting a beer dinner with Alaskan Brewing at 6 p.m. for just $46. The event will feature a fair amount of seafood, and starts with a beer cocktail. Call 964-8377 to make a reservation.
Wednesday, July 11: Sweet Mullets Brew Pub (N58 W39800 Industrial Rd., Oconomowoc) is hosting its second beer education event hosted by owner Mark Duchow. This one, which runs from 6-8 p.m., is themed “Wheats, Ciders and Beers of Summer.” Complimentary appetizers are included. Call 262-456-2843 to make a reservation.
Thursday, July 12: The New Belgium beer dinner at Cafe Hollander (2608 N. Downer Ave.) features four courses paired with four beers from the brewery in Fort Collins. Cost is $50. Call 963-6366 to make a reservation.
Friday, July 13: Pair Sprecher beer with tasty cheeses at the Cheese Bar (1048 N. Old World Third St.) at 7 p.m. for just $12. Get tickets here.
