One of the best things about writing Brew City is that it’s forced me to attend tastings and sample beers that I normally wouldn’t. Last Thursday, Hooligan’s (2017 E. North Ave.) celebrated a tapping of the latest Leinenkugel Big Eddy Series creation, Wee Heavy Scotch Ale.
When I showed up, Hoolie’s was full of beer aficionados holding snifters of the dark brown ale. When I elbowed my way to the bar and got mine, I was decidedly impressed. The malty aroma and flavor was appealing as was the smooth and slightly sweet finish that helped hide the fact that the brown elixir in my glass was 9.5% alcohol.
Leinies is doing things right with the Big Eddy Series. The specialty beers are well crafted and even brewed at the smaller Tenth Street Brewery (1515 N. 10th St.) in Milwaukee.
The Russian Imperial Stout is an excellent brew, and I’m looking forward to the next release. The good folks behind the brewing process at the Tenth Street Brewery told me that an Imperial IPA is in the works for release sometime the spring, and a Baltic Porter will round out the series later in the year.
Quick Taps
Bell’s announced last week that their delicious Oberon will be released on March 26. One sign that spring is around the corner.
Tim Cigelske, a Milwaukeean who pens the Beer Runner column for Draft Magazine, informed me about the Draft Magazine calorie counter. Enter your weight and the type of exercise you plan to do, and it calculates how many beers (listed by several different types) that you’ve burned off and can have as a reward.
Barley Pop of the Week
This week’s pick was a total fluke, an impulse buy. A display of Milwaukee Brewing’s Booyah Saison caught my eye while at Whole Foods last week so I grabbed a six pack. (Apparently Milwaukee Brewing’s new packaging design is effective.) Booyah has a nice crisp, citrusy and fruity flavor. I can see myself sipping plenty more of the refreshing beer when the weather warms up.
Events Brewing
Wednesday, March 7: The Bomb Shelter (1517 S. 2nd St.) is doing something special for this week’s Suds Club. Starting at 7 p.m., the bar is hosting the Milwaukee release party for Abita Bourbon Barrel Aged Vanilla Double Dog. Eight Abita beers will be on tap, including an Jockamo IPA that will be hop infused in the beer line. There will be food pairings as well. Cost is just $20, which is well worth it.
Friday, March 9: McSorley pale ale and black lager samples from 4 to 7 p.m. at Discount Liquor Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave.). Free glassware with purchase.
Friday, March 9: Leinenkugel brings a taste of summer with samples of Summer Shandy, Berry Weiss and Honey Weiss from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Discount Liquor Waukesha (919 Barstow St.).
Saturday, March 10: Relative local newcomer Big Bay Brewing hands out samples from 12 to 3 p.m. at Discount Liquor Waukesha (919 Barstow St.).
Saturday, March 10: Irish beer tasting from 4 to 7 p.m. at Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.). Slainte!
Saturday, March 10: Take a drive to Madison for the 2012 FestivAle craft beer tasting from 1 t o 4 p.m. at the East Side Club (3735 Monona Dr.). More than 100 beers from excellent brewers like Founders, Central Waters, New Belgium will be there for the drinking. Cost is $30, but check their website before you hop in the car, because the event sold out last year.
Thursday, March 15: Looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a little more class than comes with chugging green beer out of a plastic cup in packed bar? The Pfister (424 E. Wisconsin Ave.) is hosting the Irish Ales are Smiling beer dinner a couple of days before the St. Paddy’s. A five-course dinner paired with beers like Smithwick’s and Guinness is the highlight. But the night also includes Irish music, a discussion about Irish folklore, and dancing by the McMenamin Irish Dancers. Cost is $89 per person.
Sunday, March 11: The annual Blessing of the Bock takes place at Best Place (901 W. Juneau Ave.) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A large selection of bock beers will be available during the ritual, where traditional spring beers are blessed. Admission is $25 or free with a donation of two food items.
