An interesting article in the Washington Post last week brought up the fact that there are now more breweries in the U.S. than ever before, and raised the question of whether or not that’s a good thing. The “beer bubble” debate isn’t new, but the article is well written and brings up some good points.
I’ve mentioned before that I think the proliferation of breweries benefits the beer drinker. In a market filled with options, brewers need to churn out quality to compete. Ideally, more breweries mean plenty of more tasty options for consumers. But, there are times when it is overwhelming wading through a sea of brews. I don’t know about you, but I find that I’m less loyal to the beers that I know I like because I want to try something new. That’s a good problem to have.
Beer Snobs
I made the trek to Hartland to check out a new addition to the beer bar scene. Beer Snobs Ale & Eats (122 Cottonwood Ave.) is a kid-friendly spot that sits on a quaint corner in “downtown” Hartland and is warm and inviting. But that doesn’t matter if the beer list isn’t any good, right? Good news, the list is just fine. The 24 taps pour a nice mix of IPAs, stouts and other brews. I settled with a Karben4 Fantasy Factory IPA, which never disappoints, and took it all in from a spot at the square wood-topped bar. Garage doors on one side of the bright dining room promise to make it a hot spot in the summer. I may have to plan for another western ‘burbs road swing when the weather warms up.
Barley Pop of the Week
My setting for Lakefront My Turn: Josh Imperial Black IPA was a good one—camped on a barstool at Camino (434 S. 2nd St.) while dining on a delicious yellowfin sandwich (it’s all about the wasabi cream). The IPA has a great balance between hoppy citrus flavor and rich caramel malt. Josh is a delicious brew, and one of the best I’ve tried from the My Turn Series. A bustling Camino was a great place to try it.
Quick Taps
In the head-to-head matchup last week at Draft & Vessel, Central Waters edged Potosi 4 to 3. The title came down to Central Waters Black Gold beating out Potosi Templeton Slugger Oatmeal Stout. Both are barrel aged, and both are delicious.
Safe travels to all of you lucky enough to be heading to Amherst for the Central Waters 18th anniversary shindig. It should be a great time.
Events Brewing
Tuesday, Jan. 26: Celebrate the release of Lakefront Maibock at The Stilt House (W62 N630 Washington Ave., Cedarburg) from 6 to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 26: Lakefront takes over the taps at Fink’s (1875 N. Humboldt Ave.) and will be pouring lots of goodies, including My Turn: Josh (see above).
Tuesday, Jan. 26: Deschutes comes to The Stone (2422 S. Howell Ave.) and is bringing some special brews including a Randall infused Mexican Mocha Black Butte Porter.
Wednesday, Jan. 27: The Milwaukee Beer Society hosts a blind tasting of different styles. Show up at Best Place (901 W. Juneau Ave.) at 6 p.m. to test your tasting skills.
Wednesday, Jan. 27: Tallgrass comes to Ray’s Growler Gallery (8930 W. North Ave.). Show up at 5 p.m. to make sure you get a sample of the Vanilla Bean/Cinnamon Barrel-Aged Buffalo Sweat Stout.
Wednesday, Jan. 27: Pizza Man (2597 N. Downer Ave.) teams up with Milwaukee Brewing Company for a tasty four-course beer dinner from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Call 414-272-1745 for pricing and reservations.
Wednesday, Jan. 27: Tess (2499 N. Bartlett Ave.) hosts the first of two Abita Brewing beer dinners. The five-course dinners include gems like Bourbon Barrel Maple Pecan Ale and the rare Pappy Van Winkle Barrel-Aged Imperial Coffee Stout. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the cost is $56. Call 414-964-8377 for a reservation.
Thursday, Jan. 28: Tess hosts its second Abita beer dinner of the week at 6 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 28: Milwaukee Brewing heads to Pizza Man in Wauwatosa (11500 W. Burleigh St.) for another beer dinner. Call 414-249-2000 for more info.
Saturday, Jan. 30: Sample session brews from 1 to 4 p.m. at Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.).
