A Busy Weekend
Two of the longest-running beer events in the area just happen to take place over the same weekend. On Friday, Feb. 21 the 17th Annual Food & Froth Fest comes to the Milwaukee Public Museum (800 W. Wells St.) from 7-10 p.m. Sample beer and ciders from more than 40 breweries, listen to live music and try food from more than a dozen local restaurants. Tickets are $125 for VIP and $70 for general admission ($55 for members).
Secondly, 18th annual version of the Midwinter Brewfest takes place at the Milwaukee Ale House (233 N. Water St.) on Sunday, Feb. 21 (1-5 p.m.). Taste beers from more than 30 breweries, and talk beer with a few hundred other aficionados. And keep in mind that the money raised benefits the MACC Fund. Call 414-276-2337 to make sure there’s a $45 ticket left for you and pick it up at the Ale House.
Quick Taps
In honor of Mardi Gras, the brewery of the month at Story Hill BKC (5100 W. Bluemound Rd.) is Abita. That means special pricing on a wide range of growlers, bombers or six packs of Abita.
A brewery in Iceland is upping the ante when it comes to odd ingredients in beer. Hvalur 2 is made with whale testicles smoked with sheep dung. Weird.
Colectivo is jumping on the growing growler bandwagon. Today, they’ll start filling them at their Third Ward (223 E. St. Paul Ave.) and Wauwatosa (6745 W. Wells) locations.
Barley Pop of the Week
Three Floyds Brewing has certainly made a name for itself among hop lovers, and one of the brewery’s best is Permanent Funeral IIPA. The potent brew isn’t bashful about its bitterness and tastes the way an Imperial IPA is supposed to. The initial citrus flavor gives way to a lingering big hop bitterness. Permanent Funeral isn’t easy to find, but it’s a great treat when you find it.
Events Brewing
Tuesday, Feb. 17: Sample rare Belgian brews at The Malt Shoppe (813 N. Mayfair Rd.) along with Nick Olson from Artisanal Imports from 5 to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 18: Bierklasse at Cafe Hollander (2608 N. Downer Ave.) informs attendees about the nuances of Trappist beers. Cost is $45, and the tasting starts at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 18: Draft & Vessel (4417 N. Oakland Ave.) is tapping a barrel-aged De Proef Prearis Grand Cru and pairing it with a dessert.
Thursday, Feb. 19: Epic Brewery supplies the cask-conditioned brew for Honeypie’s (2643 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) firkin night. The beer starts flowing at 6 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 19: New Glarus is taking over the taps at Ray’s Growler Gallery (8930 W. North Ave.). That’s really all that needs to be said.
Thursday, Feb. 19: Milwaukee Beer Society tries brews from O’so Brewing from 6 to 9 p.m. at Best Place (901 W Juneau Ave.). Join them for just $10.
Friday, Feb. 20: Lagunitas brings samples to Discount Liquor Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave.) from 5 to 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 20: Lakefront is bringing a cask of Fixed Gear to Benno’s (7413 W. Greenfield Ave.). The chance to taste this rarity starts at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 21: Try Lagunitas brews at Discount Liquor Waukesha (919 N. Barstow Ave.) from noon to 2 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 21: Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.) hands out samples of Wisconsin beers from 1 to 4 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 22: Learn about, and taste samples from, Dogfish Head Brewing at Sugar Maple (441 E. Lincoln Ave.). Host Rob Zellermayer starts the event at 4 p.m.
