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Beer Tours
Keep the early portion of 2015 open. I’ve talked about Hop Head Beer Tours here before, and the Madison-based outfit has some big road trips planned for February and March of next year.
The big event is a three-day pilgrimage to Michigan in early March that includes Greenbush, New Holland, Founders, Dark Horse and Bell’s.
This tour even features Chicago stops like Goose Island’s barrel-aging facility and Chicago’s Revolution Brewpub. A single-day tour of the Chicago area is slated for February and includes a stop at Three Floyds (I’ve been twice and recommend it highly), the new Lagunitas taproom and Revolution.
It’s miserable around here in February and early March. Spending late winter on a warm bus touring some of the best breweries in the Midwest seems like a good idea to me. Hop Head will start taking reservations for trips in November.
The Malt Shoppe Grand Opening
The Malt Shoppe (813 N. Mayfair Rd.) celebrates its grand opening this weekend and the huge beer selection is just one reason to visit. Anyone who does some shopping from Friday to Sunday gets a glass growler, which he or she can fill with the beer of choice (the growler is free; the beer is not) from The Malt Shoppe’s exemplary tap list. I plan on swinging by this weekend and I’ll be sure to let you know how it goes.
Barley Pop of the Week
Colder climates are creeping in. New Belgium’s latest Lips of Faith Series brew is a winner, and perfectly made to counteract the chill. The Salted Belgian Chocolate Stout, a collaboration with Perennial Artisan Ales, has a rich dark-chocolate flavor that isn’t too sweet, and a warming 9% ABV. It’s perfect for dessert and for fall.
Quick Taps
The specialty brew during the Friday night fish fry at Lakefront Brewery on Oct. 24 from 4 to 9:30 p.m. is Belgian White with coriander, cinnamon and sweet orange peel.
Wired has a fascinating article about De Haave Maan Brewery’s attempts to build an underground beer pipeline in Bruges, Belgium. I wish them luck.
Events Brewing
Tuesday, Oct. 21: Beer club at Whole Foods Market (2305 N. Prospect Ave.) features brews from Boston Brewing Company from 6 to 7 p.m. The cost is $5 and includes cheese pairings. Call 414-223-1500 to make a reservation.
Tuesday, Oct. 21: O’so Brewing comes to Erv’s Mug (130 W. Ryan Rd.) for a special beer dinner celebrating the brewery’s seventh anniversary with seven different tastings. Only 70 tickets are available for $40 each. Call 414-762-5010 to save a spot.
Wednesday, Oct. 22: Central Waters heads to Motor Bar & Restaurant (401 W. Canal St.) for an outstanding beer dinner. The fun starts at 5:30 p.m. The event costs $40. Get tickets online.
Thursday, Oct. 23: Grilled cheese sandwiches are always a good idea. Sprecher Brewing (701 W. Glendale Ave.) is hosting a beer dinner that pairs seven Sprecher beers with seven different gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. Call 414-964-2739 to make a reservation. The tasting starts with a tour at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 24: 3 Sheeps brings plenty of samples to Discount Liquor Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave.) from 4 to 7 p.m., including the Nimble Lips, Noble Tongue IPA made with squid ink.
Saturday, Oct. 25: Karben4 Brewing unveils a new IPA at Ray’s Growler Gallery (8930 W. North Ave.).
