Happy birthday to Burnhearts (2599 S. Logan Ave.), one of the gems of the Milwaukee beer bar scene. The venerable corner bar turns eight this week and is celebrating, as you would expect, by tapping some great beers. Among the rarities and highlights that will be poured sometime between June 1 and June 7 are Three Floyds Alpha Kong Belgian Ale, a cask of Lakefront/Tyranena Two Lakes Grapefruit IIIPA, Hinterland Bourbon Barrel Dopplebock, Ballast Point Barrel Aged Victory at Sea Porter and more. On Wednesday, the bar hosts the Hatter Day House Party and is offering seven different variations of New Holland Hatter brews. Saturday at noon, Perennial takes over the taps, and on Sunday the celebration wraps up with free Pabst.
Stop by sometime this week and raise a birthday glass to one of the best bars in Milwaukee.
Barley Pop of the Week
In honor of Surly Brewing’s June arrival in Wisconsin, I bring you Surly Furious, one fine American IPA. The amber brew has big hops upfront and an even malt sweetness. The decidedly bitter finish lets you know that you’re sipping something with plenty of hops. I’ve mentioned this before, but we have access to an amazing amount of world-class IPAs here in the Midwest (Bell’s Hopslam, New Glarus Scream, Founders Harvest Ale, nearly everything from Three Floyds, etc.). Hop heads rejoice.
Quick Taps
With a little help from Sprecher, WMSE is in the brewing business. SMASH Ale is a single hop/single malt brew created by WMSE deejay Andrew Walther. A portion of the proceeds benefit Milwaukee’s best radio station. Check the list to see where you can find it.
I got a kick out of the Tag & Tap Battle that’s happening on Saturday at Bounce Milwaukee (2801 S. 5th Ct.). Folks from Sprecher and Lakefront will duel it out in the laser tag arena. Each team gets an extra point for each pint of Sprecher and Lakefront beer purchased. Bounce will donate $2.25 for each pint sold to Extra Life and the Children’s Miracle Network.
Lace up your running shoes. Draft Magazine highlights a summer’s worth of beer runs .
Events Brewing
Tuesday, June 2: Beer School at Comet Cafe (1947 N. Farwell Ave.) is hosting a pale ale tasting. Find out your favorite at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 3: O’so takes over the taps at Draft & Vessel (4417 N. Oakland Ave.) at 6 p.m. and is bringing rarities like Le Tigre Belgian IPA.
Wednesday, June 3: Milwaukee Beer Society discusses and samples beers from Kansas City from 6 to 9 p.m. at Best Place (901 W. Juneau Ave.). Cost is $10.
Wednesday, June 3: Bierklasse at Cafe Hollander (2608 N. Downer Ave.) examines and tastes Belgian-style brews from five different American brewers. The tasting starts at 7 p.m. and costs $30. Email Bierklasse@LowlandsGroup.com to make a reservation.
Thursday, June 4: All seven New Holland Hatter beers are on tap at Ray’s Growler Gallery (8930 W. North Ave.).
Thursday, June 4: Joey Gerard’s (11120 N. Cedarburg Rd.) is hosting a Central Waters beer dinner at 6:30 p.m. The $50 cost includes four courses and four beers from one of Wisconsin’s best breweries. Call 262-518-5500.
Friday, June 5: Try Guinness Blonde samples at Discount Liquor Waukesha (919 N. Barstow Ave.) from 5 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 6: Try amber beers at Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.) from 1 to 4 p.m.
Saturday, June 6: The World of Beer Festival is easily one of the best beer fests of the year. Head to the Schwabenhof (N56 W14750 Silver Spring Dr.) at 1 p.m. to try beers from dozens of outstanding breweries. Tickets are $45.
Sunday, June 7: Stubby’s (2060 N. Humboldt Ave.) hosts a Hatter Day brunch that includes a tap takeover of New Holland’s Hatter brews.
Monday, June 8: The second Beer Co.-Lab is taking place at Story Hill BKC (5100 W. Bluemound Rd.). Five courses from three of Milwaukee’s best chefs are paired with brews from Central Waters, Like Minds and Surly. The cost is $95. Call 414-539-4424 for a reservation (if space is still available).
