Lions and tigers and beers, oh my. On Thursday, Oct. 24 the Milwaukee County Zoo (10005 W. Bluemound Rd.) hosts Zoo Brew. A solid list of breweries and an extensive menu of food should be enough to keep patrons satisfied. The event starts with a tapping of a ceremonial firkin and runs from 7 to 10 p.m. The cool part is that it takes place in four locations: Big Cat Country, the Flamingo Patio Beer Garden, the Peck Welcome Center and the U.S. Bank Gathering Place. Tickets are $40 and must be purchased online by Tuesday, Oct. 22.
Philanthropy Through Beer
New Belgium Brewing announced that nearly $160,000 was raised for local non-profits through its nationwide Clips Beer and Film Tour. The event, which paired New Belgium beers with short films made by fans, made a couple of stops in Wisconsin. According to New Belgium, the Milwaukee event, held in August at Veterans Park, raised nearly $7,000 and was attended by almost 1,000 people (55 percent of whom arrived on a bicycle). Madison had an attendance of 1,800 (59 percent on bikes) and raised more than $14,000 in June at Olin Park. Kudos to New Belgium and beer drinkers in both cities.
Barley Pop of the Week
There’s finally a chill in the air, which means a change in beer seasons. Stouts aren’t my favorite style, but I do enjoy a good one every now and then when the weather cools off. One of my favorites is Founders Breakfast Stout. It expertly combines coffee, a hint of chocolate, and some bitterness in a brew that has a subtle 8.3 percent ABV. Plus, it’s got a great label.
Quick Tap
Last week’s acquisition of Boulevard Brewing Company by Duvel Moortgat created quite a stir in the craft beer world. Here’s hoping that expanded production leads to Boulevard hitting Milwaukee store shelves.
Events Brewing
Wednesday, Oct. 23: Taste Van Steenberge beer from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Discount Liquor Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave.).
Friday, Oct. 25: New Belgium samples are being handed out from 4 to 7 p.m. at Discount Liquor Milwaukee.
Friday, Oct. 25: Taste good stuff from Lakefront Brewery, including the delicious Imperial Pumpkin, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Discount Liquor Waukesha (919 N. Barstow Ave.)
Friday, Oct. 25: The Uber Tap Room (1048 N. Old World Third St.) is hosting a 3 Sheeps Brewery and cheese tasting starting at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 26: English ales from Wells and Young’s are the samples at Discount Liquor Waukesha from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 26: Taste Lakefront brews from noon to 3 p.m. at Discount Liquor Milwaukee. As an added bonus, there will also be Milwaukee Firehouse Chili and Hunters’ Stew on hand.
Saturday, Oct. 26: Take the challenge of sampling “Beers to Be Scared Of” at Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.) from 1 to 4 p.m.
