Firkin (Awesome) Fest
It’s not often that you get the chance to taste firkins from the likes of Ale Asylum, Bell’s Brewing, Lakefront, Sprecher, Milwaukee Brewing and O’so all in one place. A lot of the beer poured at Firkin Fest at Cathedral Square Park on Saturday, July 21 is cask conditioned, which means is slightly less carbonated and full of flavor. It’s a unique and tasty way to drink beer. The fest features heavy representation by local breweries and brew pubs. There will be music on hand, and even a breweriana (I really think it should called “memorabeerlia”) display tent where you can check out old beer artifacts. Those with VIP tickets can taste from 3-8 p.m., while standard ticket holders can start tasting at 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.
Countdown to IPA Day
The second annual IPA Day is Aug. 2 (be sure to mark your calendar). As a way to build my own personal level of excitement for the fine holiday (at least it should be) I’ve been trying a new IPA every day since Thursday, July 5, and will continue to do so until Aug. 2 when the IPA Fairy comes out of the hop field and gives all of the good girls and boys a golden hop cone and bottle of Hopslam (a guy can dream). Anyway, two of the early standouts are Firestone Walker Double Jack, an imperial IPA with a modestly bitter finish, and Green Flash Rayon Vert, a tasty Belgian IPA (a style that is quickly becoming one of my favorites). I’ll keep you posted on more standouts…I’ve been eyeing the bottle of Three Floyd’s Apocalypse Cow that I have in the fridge.
Barley Pop of the Week
Lately, I’ve been on a Lagunitas kick. The Lagunitas A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ Ale is a good reason why. The unique American Pale Ale is a delicious, and decidedly smooth, mix of hops and wheat. It’s an outstanding summer beer for hop heads, although it’s somewhat awkward asking a bartender, “Can I get A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’?”
Quick Taps
The latest New Glarus Thumbprint series beer, a saison, hit Milwaukee shelves in early July. It’s getting rave reviews, so look for it.
Leinie’s Big Eddy Baltic Porter should be making the rounds in the fall.
Events Brewing
Monday, July 16: Goose Island is taking over some taps in town this week, and Rumpus Room (1030 N. Water St.) is the first. At 7 p.m. Matilda, Juliet and the Imperial IPA are hitting the tap lines for sure, but there may be a last-minute addition or two.
Tuesday, July 17: If you haven’t tried Goose Island’s outstanding Bourbon County Stout head to Romans’ Pub (3475 N. Kinnickinnic Ave.) at 7 p.m. for a Goose Island mini tap takeover. A barrel of the 2010 Bourbon County, a 2011 Juliet and the Imperial IPA are the highlights.
Tuesday, July 17: Parkside 23 (2300 Pilgrim Square Dr.) also has a barrel of Bourbon County Coffee opening up at 7 p.m. as well as a Pere Jacques, Matilda, Imperial IPA and Summertime.
Wednesday, July 18: Stubby’s Pub & Grub (2060 N. Humboldt Ave.) hosts a beer dinner featuring O’so Brewing. Owner Marc Buttera is bringing tasty rarities like O’so Oud Bruin and Barrel-Aged Night Train to pair with delicious courses like scallop linguini and smoked duck sausage. Cost is $60 ($55 for Stub Club members) and reservations can be made at 763-6324.
Wednesday, July 18: Sneesby’s Denoon Saloon (W198 S10857 Racine Ave., Muskego) hosts a beer dinner with local flavor at 6:30 p.m. Food is paired with Lakefront Brewery beers. Cost is just $40. Call 262-971-0171 for a reservation.
Saturday, July 21: The weekly tasting from 1 to 4 p.m. at Three Cellars is “After the Lawn is Mowed” beers.
