The Fourth of July means fireworks, cookouts and, for me, a trip a to the beach. There are beers perfect for all of these things. Stock up this week and make Independence Day a good one.
Oskar Blues Pinner: I’ve been drinking a fair amount of this tasty session IPA this summer. The hop bite is refreshing and tasty and I plan to bring plenty of it to the beach.
New Glarus Strawberry Rhubarb: The fruity gem just tastes like summer. Who needs a strawberry rhubarb pie for dessert when you’ve got this world-class beer?
Lakefront My Turn: Tom IPA: Drink the Pinner in the summer sun, but save room for a nightcap with Tom. The Citra hops give it a nice fruity citrus bite.
Sprecher Special Amber: I’ve mentioned before that I find Special Amber to be a fine beer to drink while manning the grill. It’s crisp and easy to drink, and as a bonus it comes in a 16-ounce bottle.
Milwaukee Brewing Increase Wheat: The Berliner Weiss is made with gooseberries. But don’t expect sweet fruity flavor. Nope, Increase Wheat has an extremely tart finish.
Bell’s Oberon Ale: A refreshing wheat ale with a hint of citrus flavor. Oberon is surprisingly easy to drink for a beer that’s nearly 6 percent ABV.
Introduce Yourself to Surly
Surly Brewing owner Omar Ansari is making the trip from Minnesota to be at Ray’s Growler Gallery (8930 W. North Ave.) on Thursday, July 2. Surly is taking over the taps from 6 to 9 p.m. for the Surly Summer Jam. The folks at Ray’s are expecting this to be a big event (they’ve had plenty of big events in the past and they know what they’re talking about) so get there when the doors open. The amazing list of beers includes Darkness, Todd the Axe Man, Furious, Doomtree, Devil’s Work, Cacao Bender, Mild, Fiery Hell and Simpson’s Scottish Ale.
Barley Pop of the Week
I’m really starting to like the addition of fruit to ales. Lagunitas CitruSinesis Pale Ale adds blood oranges into the mix, which contributes a big citrus flavor that isn’t quite like citrus taste of other pale ales. A hint of bitterness rounded out what I thought was an easy drinking summer brew–then I looked at the ABV. CitruSinesis comes in at an astonishing 7.9%, much higher than I expected. Keep that in mind when you’re downing the deliciousness on a summer day.
Quick Taps
Want to go to Dogfish Head Brewery? You can win a trip.
Founders is releasing a new Backstage Series brew in late August and hop heads will be thrilled. reDANKulous Imperial Red IPA is made with Chinook, Simcoe and Mosaic hops and checks in at a potent 9.5 percent ABV.
Events Brewing
Wednesday, July 1: Try Belgian tripels at Bierklasse, which starts at 7 p.m. at Cafe Centraal (2306 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.). Email Bierklasse@LowlandsGroup.com to reserve a spot. Samples include Westmalle Tripel, Chimay White, Tripel Karmeliet, Gulden Draak and La Fin du Monde.
Wednesday, July 1: Join the Milwaukee Beer Society when they sample pilsners from 6 to 9 p.m. at Best Place (901 W. Juneau Ave.). Cost is $10.
Thursday, July 2: Sour beers from Paradox Beer Company just started arriving in Milwaukee. Try a few at Discount Liquor Waukesha (919 N. Barstow Ave.) from 4 to 7 p.m. New Belgium will also be handing out samples from 4 to 7 p.m.
Friday, July 3: New Belgium heads to Discount Liquor Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave.) from 3 to 6 p.m.
Saturday, July 4: Enjoy Independence Day with family, friends and a good beer or two.
