Plenty of “best beers” lists come out every year, and I’ve mentioned one or two, but Draft Magazine puts as much or more thought into theirs as anyone. Just read the intro of the Top 25 Beers of 2015 and you’ll get the idea they know what they’re talking about. The one surprise about this list for me was the fact that I haven’t tried any of them. I’m not saying that I’m any sort of connoisseur, but you’d think that I would’ve stumbled across one or two of these over the course of the year. I’ll keep an eye out.
Good News for Brewers and Beer Drinkers
The big news last week was the announcement by the Brewers Association that the number of breweries in the United States has reached an all-time high. There are now 4,144 breweries in the U.S., and that number is growing. The article states that 15 states are home to more than 100 breweries, and thankfully, Wisconsin is one of those states.
Barley Pop of the Week
I’ve shared my thoughts on this year’s batch of Goose Island Bourbon County Stout variants, but up until last week hadn’t tried the standard version. Guess what? It’s really good. The beer is rich, decadent, boozy and ideal as a winter warmer. As most of you likely know, this year’s BCS comes in a fancy 16.9-ounce bottle (as opposed to a four-pack). This new packaging makes opening a bottle a bigger commitment, and ideal for sharing. So, find a friend who has a bottle or two and invite yourself over.
Quick Taps
An interesting take on whether or not New Glarus is worth the drive from the Chicago Tribune. I think Josh Noel is pretty fair here, except for his take on Scream IIPA. When it’s fresh (and he addresses this), it’s one of my favorite IIPAs and as good or better than anything I’ve had from Half Acre (and I like Half Acre) and up to par with the excellent Ninja vs. Unicorn.
Lewis Kent set a new beer mile record at the Beer Mile World Championship in Austin last week. That’s cool and all I suppose, but what’s outstanding is that Kent recently signed an endorsement deal with Brooks. That’s right, a beer miler with an endorsement. That’s awesome.
Events Brewing
Tuesday, Dec. 8: Story Hill BKC (5100 W. Bluemound Rd.) is tapping Bourbon County Stout at 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 8: The Malt Shoppe (813 N. Mayfair Rd.) is releasing its Bourbon County allotment at 9 a.m. The first 50 people in line get the chance to snag a Bourbon County variety, but also must purchase a six-pack of one of Goose Island’s standard beers.
Tuesday, Dec. 8: If you’re at The Malt Shoppe early, come back at 5 p.m. to try a range of brews from Southern Tier.
Tuesday, Dec. 8: Erv’s Mug (130 W. Ryan Rd.) hosts Beer School at 6 p.m. where attendees get to learn about how to pair beer and cheese. North Coast Brewery is brining Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout and more.
Wednesday, Dec. 9: The Milwaukee Beer Society is featuring stouts at its weekly tasting. The dark brews will be poured at 6 p.m. at Best Place (901 W. Juneau Ave.).
Wednesday, Dec. 9: Founders is taking over the taps at Ray’s Growler Gallery (8930 W. North Ave.). Get there early for the 5 p.m. start because the odds are pretty good that Ray’s will be tapping something special. And, bring a toy for the Ray’s Toys for Tots bin to be entered in a raffle for Founders stuff.
Wednesday, Dec. 9: Raised Grain brings some of its tasty brews to Draft & Vessel (4417 N. Oakland Ave.).
Thursday, Dec. 10: Try Guinness Nitro IPA at Discount Liquor Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave.) and Discount Liquor Waukesha (919 N. Barstow Ave.) from 5 to 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 11: Lakefront is bringing samples to Gilbert’s Liquor (2853 N. Oakland Ave.) from 5 to 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 11: Point Brewery hands out samples from 4 to 7 p.m. at Discount Liquor Milwaukee.
Friday, Dec. 11: Try Holiday Spice and other Lakefront brews from to 4 to 7 p.m. at Discount Liquor Waukesha.
Saturday, Dec. 12: Scotland’s Innis & Gunn offers samples from noon to 2 p.m. at Discount Liquor Milwaukee.
Saturday, Dec. 12: Taste Point Brewery samples from noon to 3 p.m. and Innis & Gunn brews from 3 to 5 p.m. at Discount Liquor Waukesha.
Saturday, Dec. 12: From 1 to 4 p.m., Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.) provides samples of “not what I thought” beers. Sounds interesting.
Saturday, Dec. 12: Head to Otto’s Wine Cask (4600 W. Brown Deer Rd.) to try samples of Lakefront brews from 5 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 12: It’s a busy day for Lakefront. They’re also heading to Yield Bar (1932 E. Kenilworth Pl.) for samples, discounted drafts and prize giveaways.
