The Fourth of July weekend means barbecues, fireworks and beer. Here are a few appropriate picks for you to enjoy at a holiday picnic or in your backyard. Happy Independence Day.
Red, White & Blue: Clearly one of the worst beers ever made, but the name and label colors couldn’t fit the holiday any better. (Note: I don’t recommend actually drinking this, but it sure adds a festive element to your cooler or fridge.)
Founders All Day IPA: American beer drinkers have a love affair with hops. With an ABV of just 4.7%, All Day IPA lets you celebrate this union without getting too tanked at your backyard barbecue.
New Glarus Strawberry Rhubarb: Strawberry rhubarb pie is right up there with apple pie when it comes to desserts that ooze Americana. Opt for the strawberry rhubarb flavors available in deliciously drinkable form.
Lakefront Wisconsinite: A refreshing summer weiss made entirely of ingredients from Wisconsin. Local pride is an Independence Day staple.
Yuengling Lager: The flagship beer of America’s oldest brewery (and the largest American-owned brewery) deserves mention.
Your Neighbor’s Homebrew: Homebrewing has grown into a popular pastime and neighbors sharing the bottled fruits of their hard work with each other is what ‘Merica is all about.
Barley Pop of the Week
Last week, I examined the case of the Radler, a refreshing beer and citrus soda mixture. I stumbled across another variety last week. Sixpoint Rad is a unique, and not bashful, take on the style. It pours a distinctive orange color and has a tart flavor with a bitter grapefruit finish. It’s not for those looking for a sweet and smooth drinker. It’s a beer with bite.
Quick Taps
- Sprecher Hard Ginger Beer should show up in stores this week. Sprecher Brewing made quite a splash when it released its Hard Root Beer last year and I expect a similar reaction to the new concoction, which seems tailor-made for hot summer days.
- Mark your calendar for the Central Waters/Carr Valley Cheese beer dinner at Tess (2499 N. Bartlett Ave.) on Wednesday, July 16. Each of the five courses will include a Carr Valley Cheese and a Central Waters pairing. The cost is $58. I’m guessing it will sell out, so snag a reservation now. Call 414-964-8377 for more information.
Events Brewing
Tuesday, July 1: Get your fill of samples from Door County Brewing from 4 to 7 p.m. at Discount Liquor Waukesha (919 N. Barstow Ave.).
Tuesday, July 1: Sample 10 different IPAs at Comet Cafe (1947 N. Farwell Ave.). The fun starts at 7 p.m. and costs just $20. Grab a ticket ahead of time from a Comet bartender.
Wednesday, July 2: Get to know Deschutes Brewery at a Ray’s Growler Gallery (8930 W. North Ave.) tap takeover from 4 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, July 2: Door County Brewing takes a trip to Discount Liquor Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave.) from 4 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, July 5: Welcome delicious Deschutes brews to Milwaukee with a tasting at Discount Liquor Waukesha from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Delafield Brewhaus brings in samples from 1 to 3 p.m.
Saturday, July 5: Try wheat beers at Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.) from 1 to 4 p.m.
Saturday, July 5: Deschutes hits up Discount Milwaukee from 2 to 4 p.m.
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