The Roaming Pint has compiled a great (and really extensive) Craft Beer Lover’s Holiday Gift Guide. There’s certainly no shortage of beercentric gifts out there. I have a few other recommendations.
- For the aspiring brewer: A brewing kit from Brooklyn Brew Shop. I have one and I love it.
- For the whale hunter: Trade for a rarity on the Milwaukee Craft Beer Exchange.
- For the fan of limited releases: Get them a ticket to the Central Waters 18th Anniversary party. Tickets go on sale Monday (see below) and allow for the purchase of a few bottles of Central Waters 18 Barrel-Aged Stout. I’ve tried the last three anniversary beers from Central Waters and they are amazing.
- For the beer traveler: Hop Head Beer Tours has a great weekend trip to Chicago planned for Feb. 27 and 28. Early bird pricing of $300 is available until Dec. 23.
Dublin’s Makes an Impression
I’ve never mentioned Dublin’s (110 Wisconsin St., West Bend) before. But the bar deserves special mention this week. On Saturday at 6 p.m., Dublin’s hosts the Darkest Day of the Year, a tap takeover of more than 25 barrel-aged beers. There are some beauties on the list including Goose Island Bourbon County Stout, Epic Big Bad Baptist (2014 and 2015), New Holland Dragon’s Milk Reserve with Coffee and Chocolate, and three years (2013, 2014 and 2015) of Central Waters Bourbon Barrel Stout—those three alone are worth the trip. Find a driver and make the trip to West Bend on Saturday.
Barley Pop of the Week
Now that Surly Brewing distributes in Wisconsin, we have access to the outstanding Darkness Russian Imperial Stout. Get some if you see it. The dark elixir is rich and decidedly complex. Quite simply, it’s one of the best stouts you can get your hands on.
Quick Taps
Darkness crept into Milwaukee last weekend, as Surly Brewing’s amazing Russian imperial stout hit some tap lines. And, on Monday, it will be hitting store shelves in Milwaukee. An extremely limited barrel-aged version, aged in High West barrels, is out there too. If you find a bottle of that stuff, it should be a fine Christmas indeed.
Draft Magazine offers suggestions for pairing beers with some delicious holiday appetizers.
Events Brewing
Monday, Dec. 14: Tickets go on sale for the Central Waters 18th Anniversary party. The popular event takes place on Jan. 30 at Central Waters Brewery in Amherst.
Tuesday, Dec. 15: Starting at 7 p.m., Deschutes is taking over the taps at Finks (1875 N. Humboldt Ave.) and bringing Black Butte XXVII Anniversary, Mexican Mocha Black Butte, Pinedrops IPA and more.
Tuesday, Dec. 15: Milwaukee Brewing plans to bring something special to The Malt Shoppe (813 N. Mayfair Rd.) from 5 to 7 p.m. A keg of Louie’s Resurrection aged on Door County cherries is slated to make an appearance. That’s not a beer you can try every day.
Wednesday, Dec. 16: Ray’s Growler Gallery (8930 W. North Ave.) hosts its Holiday Soiree at 5 p.m. Wear an ugly sweater and bring cookies if you’d like. Ray’s will supply the entertainment and plenty of fine taps.
Wednesday, Dec. 16: Merriment Social (240 E. Pittsburgh Ave.) hosts a five-course Central Waters beer dinner starting at 6 p.m. Cost is $50. Reserve a spot by calling 414-645-0240.
Thursday, Dec. 17: Head to Biloba Brewing (18720 Pleasant St., Brookfield) at 5 p.m. to pick up a few bottles of Night Out Bourbon Barrel Stout. Biloba knows a thing or two about barrel aging and I’m guessing this beer will be a winner.
Thursday, Dec. 17: Burnhearts (2599 S. Logan Ave.) hosts Sour on Christmas. The holiday party features dozens of outstanding sour beers on the taps. Creepy Santa will be there to. Ho, ho, ho.
Friday, Dec. 18: New Glarus hands out samples, including the delicious Scream IIPA, at Discount Liquor Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave.) from 4 to 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 18: Discount Liquor Waukesha (919 N. Barstow Ave.) is offering samples from Founders from 4 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 19: Bell’s is bringing some special beers to Burnhearts. The list includes the 30th Anniversary Imperial Stout and Traverse City Cherry Barrel-Aged Third Coast Ale. Wow.
Saturday, Dec. 19: Try Lakefront brews at Discount Liquor Milwaukee from noon to 3 p.m. and beers from New Belgium from 5 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 19: New Glarus comes to Discount Liquor Waukesha from noon to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 19: Christmas beers are the focus at the weekly sampling at Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.) from 1 to 4 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 20: The big week of events at Burnhearts wraps up with Victory at Sea Day. Try the porter from Ballast Point as well as a Victory at Sea variant.
