I frequently extol the virtues of Burnhearts (2599 S. Logan Ave.), but it’s not like the inviting corner beer bar needs my help. They’ve done just fine for nine years and they’re throwing a weekend bash to celebrate their birthday.
On Saturday, from 8 p.m. to closing time, owner B.J. Seidel and the gang are pouring some seriously hard to find beers—some because they’re limited and others because they’re not normally distributed here.
The tap list is a work in progress but it includes standouts from Solemn Oath, Half Acre, Marz, Metropolitan, Surly, Perennial, Dark Horse and the outstanding 18th Street Brewery. And, oh yeah, Burnhearts will be pouring a Central Waters Cassian Sunset Barrel-Aged Stout. If you haven’t had this amazing stout yet, then you need to head to Burnhearts.
Burnhearts starts Sunday by handing out free burgers from noon until they are gone. Wash it down with the delicious Stone Enjoy By July 4th. Cheers, Burnhearts! Can’t wait to see what you have in store for next year’s birthday.
One of the Summer’s Best Fests
I’m a big proponent of the quirky neighborhood feel of the Locust Street Festival of Music & Art. Milwaukee’s big fests are fine and all, but there’s something truly inviting about what goes on in Riverwest on Sunday, June 12 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
This year, the fest celebrates its 40th anniversary. And, Lakefront Brewery commemorates the milestone by offering a special 40th Anniversary Ale, which can only be found at the Locust Street Festival.
The event also includes an awesome 1.8-mile beer run, where participants stop four times for a beer during the short route. (I’ve participated in several 5K races, but the beer run is without a doubt my favorite road run.
Barley Pop of the Week
The folks at Surly Brewing take a lighthearted approach to their craft. That’s pretty evident with the release of #Merica!, a beer named with a hashtag and Surly’s take on the often maligned American adjunct lager. Beer fans know that if done right, and not “brewed the hard way” (whatever that means), the lager is a tasty sessionable brew that works well on a hot summer day. #Merica! pours a ridiculously pale golden color and has a crisp, easy drinking flavor punctuated by a subtle, but definitely noticeable, bitterness at the end. It’s a good beer with an even better marketing plan. Check out the video to see what I’m talking about.
Quick Taps
Paste Magazine posted an interesting article by Jim Vorel about the most underrated craft breweries in each state. “Underrated” is tough to quantify, but the list is pretty good. Capital Brewing earns the spot for Wisconsin, but Vorel also gives well-earned nods to Central Waters and Tyranena.
Bob Pease, the president of the Brewers Association, penned a great article for the New York Times about what AB InBev’s acquisition of SABMiller could mean for the craft beer industry. It’s well written and poses some interesting questions.
Events Brewing
Tuesday, June 7: Try beers from newcomer Shorts Brewery, a long time Michigan standout, at The Malt Shoppe (813 N. Mayfair Rd.) starting at 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 8: Get a taste of what Shorts Brewing has to offer at The Brass Tap (7808 W. Layton Ave.) from 5 p.m.
Wednesday, June 8: Boulder Brewing takes over the taps at Ray’s Growler Gallery (8930 W. North Ave.) at 5 p.m.
Wednesday, June 8: Benno’s (7413 W. Greenfield Ave.) is pouring a few brews from 5 Rabbits Cerveceria starting at 8 p.m.
Wednesday, June 8: Try samples of 5 Rabbit brews at Discount Liquor Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave.) from 3 to 5 p.m.
Thursday, June 9: The Malt Shoppe is pouring beers from Cervejaria Wäls at 5 p.m. The Brazilian brewery specializes in Belgian beers.
Thursday, June 9: Romans’ Pub (3475 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) is tapping Sierra Nevada Hoptimum, Barrel-Aged Narwhal Imperial Stout and the Family Values Imperial Brown Ale collab.
Thursday, June 9: Shorts comes to Burnhearts to commandeer a few tap lines.
Thursday, June 9: Three Sierra Nevada Beer Camp brews are hitting the tap lines at The Brass Tap at 5 p.m. The bar will also be giving away a pair of tickets to the awesome Beer Camp festival on June 11.
Friday, June 10: Get a taste of Chicago brews from Solemn Oath, Half Acre, Marz, Begyle, Metropolitan and 5 Rabbits at the Sugar Maple (441 E. Lincoln Ave.) at 3 p.m.
Friday, June 10: Bacchus (925 E. Wells St.) hosts the Hip Hop IPA Dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. The five-course menu includes five Wisconsin IPAs—Karben 4 Fantasy Factory and Silk Scorpion, Next Door Luminous, Ale Asylum Bedlam! and Capital Grateful Red. Grab a ticket for $82.76 (with tax and gratuity).
Saturday, June 11: Pilsners are the subject of the weekly sampling at both Three Cellars locations (7133 S. 76th St., Franklin and N72 W13400 Lund Lane, Menomonee Falls) from 1 to 4 p.m.
Saturday, June 11: Shorts is bringing a few special brews to Ray’s Growler Gallery at 6 p.m.
Saturday, June 11: Don’t miss out on Sierra Nevada Beer Camp from 3 to 7 p.m. at Veterans Park (1010 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr.).
