Closed For Business in Charleston. Photo courtesy of the bar’s Facebook page.
Lately, I’ve discovered that when I travel, one of the first things I look for is a good beer bar (preferably on DRAFT Magazine’s top 100 list). Sad? Perhaps. But beer tourism is some fun and tasty business. My trip to Charleston, S.C., last week was a prime example. My first stop after the airport was Closed For Business, a cozy bar rightfully ranked by DRAFT, yielded good conversation with the bar manager and two snifters of Boy King, a top-notch imperial IPA from local Coast Brewery that ranks up there with the best I’ve had. A visit to the Beer Exchange, a small but outstanding beer store in downtown Charleston, led me to fill a couple of growlers with Coast’s tasty stuff. I recommend heading to both places if you ever find yourself in South Carolina. Beer tourism is a fine industry.
The Ultimate Brewery Tour
History buffs and beer drinkers unite! Discovery World’s Urban Archaeology Expedition: Legacies of Milwaukee Brewing Tour has got you both covered. The tour, called “Milwaukee’s Best Tour” by DRAFT Magazine, visits Milwaukee’s brewing past and present on Saturday Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It includes old brewery buildings, historic brewery saloons, active breweries, and even a stop at Forest Home Cemetery to pay respects to some dearly departed beer barons. The $85 fee ($75 for Discovery World members) includes transportation, lunch, and most importantly, beer samples. Call 765-8609 for more information or register online.
Charitable Drinking
It’s always fun to tip a couple of brews for a good cause. And this week there are a couple of worthy options.
Brew Madness, Prost to a Cure takes place at the Milwaukee County Zoo’s Peck Pavilion (10001 W. Bluemound Rd.) on Friday, Sept. 28 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and raises money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Patrons can sample over 100 beers and food from dozens of local businesses. Single tickets are $45 in advance, and $50 at the door. Call 262-798-2060 for details.
Leinenkugel’s is the beer sponsor at Porktoberfeast, the ultimate pig roast taking place Thursday, Sept. 27 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Saz’s High Life Pavilion in State Fair Park. Bunzel’s Meat Market knows how to roast a pig and make side dishes. You get to sample as much as you want for your $35 fee. The event benefits a variety of youth charities including Children’s Hospital.
Barley Pop of the Week
When Goose Island Bourbon County Stout hits store shelves it’s an event. The Twitterverse buzzes, beer bloggers go bonkers, and people wait in line to snag four-packs of the black elixir. The hype is earned. I was lucky enough to get eight bottles of the recently released 2012 BCS and opened one shortly after it chilled (I excitedly removed the bottle cap like a 6-year-old tears into Christmas wrapping paper). The rich, malty sweet flavor has a boozy bite that quickly reminded me of the beer’s 15 percent alcohol content. I drank my snifter slowly like a cocktail and enjoyed every minute of it. I’ve cellared a four-pack to sample at a later date…I’m just not sure I have the will power to store it. Goose Island expanded distribution of BCS this year, so we’re lucky enough to get it in Milwaukee. I recommend looking for it.
Quick Taps
October has a decent list of good beer-related activities. Keep your calendar clear.
Events Brewing
Tuesday, Sept. 25: Join Central Waters owner Anello Mollica for a beer dinner (link: http://paysbig.com/promotions/central-waters-beer-dinner) at Dream Dance (1721 W. Canal St.) at 6 p.m. The cost is $55 and includes the delicious Bourbon Barrel Stout for dessert.
Tuesday, Sept. 25: Another beer dinner (link: http://www.rumpusroommke.com/events/) as Rumpus Room (1030 N. Water St.) teams up with Founders Brewing to provide deliciousness. Menu items include red snapper and mortadella wrapped rabbit loin. Dessert is maple pudding cake paired with Founders’ tasty Frangelic Nut Brown. Dinners starts at 6:30 p.m. and costs $75. Call 292-0100 for a reservation.
Friday, Sept. 28: Sample ShockTop brews, including the Pumpkin Ale, at Discount Liquor Waukesha (919 N. Barstow) from 5 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 29: Belgians are on the tasting menu at Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.) from 1 to 4 p.m.
