Brew City: Taptoberfest, Bumstead Provisions and More

Brew City: Taptoberfest, Bumstead Provisions and More

It’s beginning to look a lot like Octoberfest… and the events surrounding it. Find out where to drink well this week, plus learn about Bay View’s multi-faceted Bumstead Provisions.

Taptoberfest at The Brass Tap
Things are getting serious at The Brass Tap (7808 W. Layton Ave., Greenfield) this weekend. The second-annual Taptoberfest Street Party is happening Friday-Sunday (Sept. 30-Oct. 2).

The taps will be pouring more than two dozen imported and domestic Oktoberfest beers, and the bar promises a few surprise kegs as well. Kids’ activities during the day (Sat-Sun) keep the children busy, and bands are scheduled to play all three days.

One of the coolest aspects of the event is the non-distributed beer tasting. For just $10, you get the chance to sample brews from Enlightened, Raised Grain, The Fermentorium, Bent Kettle, Urban Harvest and the latest new brewery in town, Third Space. The tasting is noon-5 p.m. on both weekend days. The brewery voted as the crowd favorite earns a tap takeover at The Brass Tap on Oct. 7.

 

Barley Pop of the Week 
I was in Evanston last weekend to watch the Nebraska/Northwestern football game (as a native Nebraskan, I was obligated to go). Before the game, I sampled more than one Half Acre Akari Shogun. The pale wheat ale from the Chicago brewery is extremely refreshing. Citrus hops flavor is there, but it’s not overpowering. It’s a crisp brew that’s really easy to drink.

 

Quick Taps
Bumstead Provisions (2671 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) opened last week. The menu looks amazing and the beer list includes 16 taps. Can’t wait to give it a try.

The grilled cheese sandwich and beer pairing at Uber Tap Room (1048 N. Old World Third St.) this Wednesday is sold out – it’s an amazing idea so I’m not surprised. But there are two more slated for October that still have spaces available. Get tickets for a night of deliciousness.

Good City Brewing has another event to prepare for. The brewery is hosting its first beer dinner on October 24. Tickets are limited, so get them now.

For those of you fortunate enough to be making the trip to Denver for the Great American Beer Fest, which runs October 6-8. CraftBeer.com provides a tongue-in-cheek guide..

 

Events Brewing
Wednesday, Sept. 28: The slightly irreverent Oliphant Brewing brings its wit and a few brews to Ray’s Growler Gallery (8930 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa) at 5 p.m. Try their stuff without driving all the way to Somerset.

Thursday, Sept. 29: Pere Marquette Park (950 N. Old World Third St.) and the adjacent Marcus Center grounds (929 N. Water St.) are the sites of Downtown Milwaukee’s Oktoberfest celebration all weekend. Brats, beers and a large Oktoberfest tent are all in the works. Check out the weekend schedule.

Friday, Sept. 30: Palermo’s Pizzeria 3301 (3301 W. Canal St.) pairs pizza with Lakefront beers. Tickets are $40, and reservations can be made by calling 414-982-6060 or emailing events@palermopizza.com.

Friday, Sept. 30: Stone is taking over the taps at Whole Foods Market (11100 W. Burleigh St., Tosa) from 6-8 p.m. Stone IPA, Ruination IIPA, Enjoy By 10-31, Vertical Epic, Xocoveza Mocha Stout and Coffee Milk Stout are all on tap and just $3 a pint.

Saturday, Oct. 1: Bofferding is bringing Luxembourg’s finest brews to Discount Liquor Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave.) from noon to 3 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 1: Red ales 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, Oct. 1: Burnhearts (2599 S. Logan Ave.) teams up with Vanguard for Falloberfest. Beginning at noon, you can enjoy seasonal brews, polka bands and tasty Vanguard sausages.

Saturday, Oct. 1: MKE Cider & Nano Beer Fest takes place at Schlitz Park (1543 N. Second St.) from 1-4:30 p.m. Try cider from the likes of Vander Mill and Finnriver and beer from local breweries like The Fermentorium, Raised Grain and Third Space. See the full list.

 

 

Dan Murphy has been reviewing bars for Milwaukee Magazine for roughly 20 years. He’s been doing his own independent research in them for a few years more.