There are plenty of great places in the Milwaukee area to shop for craft beer, but it’s really hard to beat Ray’s (8930 W. North Ave.) for the all-around experience. I made a trip there last Saturday afternoon. I began with a fresh glass of Bell’s Hopslam at the bar in Ray’s Growler Gallery while discussing the state of the craft beer industry with co-owner Orey Laev. After I finished my beer I headed downstairs and browsed—my favorite part of going to Ray’s. Twenty minutes later, I paid for my haul of treats by New Glarus, Karben4 and Lakefront and left. It wasn’t a bad way to spend a Saturday.
Barley Pop of the Week
Hop Jockey IIPA is the latest beer to come out of Lakefront Brewery. It’s big and bold, and has plenty of piney hop bitterness. A touch of sweetness enhances the finish. It’s a tasty brew and a nice new addition to the local beer scene.
Quick Taps
Another take on Hop Jockey, and Lakefront Brewery in general, was written by Chris Drosner of the Wisconsin State Journal. It’s a good read.
Jim Vorel wrote a perfect rebuttal to Budweiser’s misguided “Brewed the Hard Way” 2015 Super Bowl ad. Vorel is back with his take on Bud’s 2016 version.
Events Brewing
Tuesday, Feb. 16: Jim Klisch of Lakefront Brewery heads to Erv’s Mug (130 W. Ryan Rd.) for their monthly beer dinner. The cost is $40 and reservations can be made by calling 414-762-5010.
Tuesday, Feb. 16: 5 Rabbit Cerveceria is making a visit to The Sugar Maple (441 E. Lincoln Ave.) at 6 p.m. and bringing a few tasty ChocoFrut Stouts with them.
Wednesday, Feb. 17: Barleywines are the featured drink at the weekly meeting of the Milwaukee Beer Society. Head to Best Place (901 W. Juneau Ave.) from 6 to 9 p.m. to try a few.
Wednesday, Feb. 17: Merriment Social (240 E. Pittsburgh Ave.) hosts a New Holland beer dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. for $50. The five-course menu looks pretty amazing.
Wednesday, Feb. 17: Try some limited bottles from Upland Brewing starting at 6 p.m. at Draft & Vessel (4417 N. Oakland Ave.).
Wednesday, Feb. 17: New Belgium is bringing Citra-Delic IPA and a few other treats to Ray’s Growler Gallery (8930 W. North Ave.) at 5 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 18: August Schell’s Brewing is bringing bocks to the taps at The Malt Shoppe (813 N. Mayfair Rd.) at 5 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 18: Celebrate the launch of Lakefront Hop Jockey IIPA at Camino (434 S. 2nd St.) from 7 to 9 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 19: Try Lakefront beers, including Hop Jockey, at Discount Liquor Waukesha (919 N. Barstow Ave.) from 4 to 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 19: Wasatch takes over the taps at The Brass Tap (7808 W. Layton Ave.) at 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 19: Great Lakes beers are the samples of the day at Discount Liquor Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave.) from 4 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 20: Lakefront comes to Discount Liquor Milwaukee from noon to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 20: Discount Liquor Waukesha hosts Great Lakes Brewing from noon to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 20: Bock beers are the weekly sample at Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.) from 1 to 4 p.m.
