Hopslam Dunk
Last week, I played the role of an anxious kid waiting for Christmas. But my present didn’t come from under a tree; it was poured from a tap at Burnhearts (2599 S. Logan Ave.).
I suffered through the work week in anticipation for Thursday night when the Bay View tavern opened a cask of Bell’s Hopslam and tapped a keg of Bell’s Black Note. Beer freaks milled around in the dark bar until the clock struck seven. That’s when Bell’s representative Paul Moebius figuratively waived the green flag to start pouring, and the masses flocked (civilized and friendly, but thirsty) to the long bar for the nectar.
For fans of Bell’s, the event couldn’t have been better. Trying Hopslam from a fresh cask, which has limited carbonation and amazing flavor, was remarkable. The intense hoppy bite of the double IPA mellowed quickly into a grapefruit-tinged finish. (I have no idea how the folks at Bell’s make that happen. Magic? Oompa Loompas?)
Hopslam itself would have been worth the trip, but to also have Black Note on tap was beer geek indulgence of the highest magnitude. Black Note is a combination of Expedition Stout and Double Cream Stout that’s aged for a few months in bourbon barrels. It emerges from its oaken chrysalis as a strong but smooth chocolaty stout with the slightest hint of bourbon. The limited draft-only release is black gold.
Burnhearts is a cozy casual corner tavern with a dash of funky hipster chic. The folks there understand good beer, and the bar deserves being in the conversation when mentioning outstanding stops in the Bay View Beer Corridor. I’ll make sure I’m there for the next big release party.
Barley Pop of the Week
I promise that after this week I won’t talk about Bell’s Hopslam any more. But the tasty stuff is here for just a brief moment each year and then, sadly, it goes away (like beer Brigadoon). Hopslam is truly delicious and I’m going to make sure I get plenty before it fades into the mist. It’s out there on tap (I have confirmed sightings of it Benno’s and Burnhearts), and I’m hearing that it should hit store shelves this week or next week at the latest (my several sources don’t quite agree on timing).
Quick Taps
-Three Floyds Gumballhead has worked its way into my regular beer rotation.
-I tried an amazing Central Waters Peruvian Morning stout at The Bomb Shelter last week. I’ve liked every beer that I’ve tried from Central Waters.
Events Brewing
Saturday, Feb. 11: Like your beer served with a bit of intrigue? Then the Sprecher Brewery Murder Mystery Dinner is for you. Sprecher Brewery (701 W. Glendale Ave.) serves as the backdrop for a gangland slaying complete with a brewery tour, three-course dinner and Sprecher beer. It’s just $60 to join in the fun and festivities start at 5 p.m. I’m guessing Colonel Mustard in the brewhouse with a bottle opener.
Saturday, Feb. 18: Get your tickets now for the 14th annual Food & Froth Fest at the Milwaukee Public Museum. For as low as $55 (for museum members) you can sample 200 beers (not all at once please) and food from locals vendors.
Sunday, Feb. 19: The 15th annual Midwinter Brewfest takes place at the Milwaukee Ale House (233 N. Water St.). Your $40 entry fee lets you sample beers from 30 local breweries from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Bonus: The money goes to the MACC Fund. Beer tasting is even better when it’s for a good cause. Last year’s event sold out, so get your tickets soon.
Tastings
Wednesday, Feb. 8: Coffee stouts for Bomb Shelter Suds Club members at 7 p.m. at The Bomb Shelter (1517 S. 2nd St., bombshelterbar.com).
Friday, Feb. 10: Abita Brewery, 4 to 7 p.m. at Discount Liquor Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave., discountliquorinc.com).
Saturday, Feb. 11: Wines and beers “for your Valentine” (you have to show up to find out what they are) from 1 to 4 p.m. at Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St., threecellars.com).
