CraftBeer.com posted a thoughtful list of the Five Habits of Highly Successful Beer Bars.
The first item on the list is a knowledgeable waitstaff. I’m finding that more and more bars and restaurants are doing a great job of checking this one off of the list. However, it’s also extremely important to be able to convey that knowledge to those who don’t consider themselves beer geeks. I was recently at a taproom with a group, and one person I was with — who doesn’t consider herself a beer expert — asked for a beer that was “light and drinkable.” The server chastised this description as being a bad way to describe any beer. While “light and drinkable” might be vague, a good server should certainly be able to offer a suggestion based on these two words. Any response would have been better than trying to make the person ordering feel bad for not being a beer aficionado.
I’m now off of my soapbox.
Barley Pop of the Week
I’m a big fan of New Glarus Moon Man. It’s as good as it gets when it comes to sessionable brews. And now that it’s in a can, the citrusy and crisp beer is even more fitting as a go-to summer beer. Thanks, New Glarus for the cool aluminum vessels.
Quick Taps
Starting July 9, the Museum of Wisconsin Art (205 Veterans Ave., West Bend) hosts Art on Tap: Early Wisconsin Brewery Art and Advertising. The exhibition includes some great programming and even a beer tasting or two. Plan on making a trip to West Bend before the exhibit ends on Sept. 25.
The Brass Tap (7808 W. Layton Ave.) is hosting a charity golf outing at South Hills (3047 Hwy 41, Franksville) on Saturday, July 30. The $100 entry includes golf, lunch, craft beer samples at every hole, a bus ride from The Brass Tap to South Hills and raffle chances. That’s not a bad deal. Secure a spot and find out more here.
Because we need a list of the best beers of the year so far—Paste Magazine has you covered. Sadly, I’ve only tried one of these, Maine Beer Company Dinner IIPA, but it deserves a spot on the list.
Early reviews about the new MobCraft space (505 S. 5th St.) are pretty positive. The brewery invasion continues in Milwaukee.
Events Brewing
Wednesday, July 6: New Belgium is taking over the taps at Ray’s Growler Gallery (8930 W. North Ave.) with collaborations made for its 25th anniversary. Get there at 5 p.m.
Wednesday, July 6: The Milwaukee Beer Society is hosting a bottle share from 6 to 9 p.m. at Best Place (901 W. Juneau Ave.). Bring a bomber of something special and prepare to share.
Thursday, July 7: Rush River is making the trip from Black River Falls and visiting The Malt Shoppe (813 N. Mayfair Rd.) from 5 to 7 p.m.
Thursday, July 7: The Brass Tap is letting 3 Floyds take over a few taps starting at 4 p.m. There will be around eight different beers to choose from, and yes, Zombie Dust is one of them.
Friday, July 8: Enlightened Brewing is quietly making some pretty good beers. I recommend trying some at Draft & Vessel (4417 N. Oakland Ave.) when they take over the taps at 5 p.m.
Friday, July 8: O’so Brewing takes over the taps at the Humboldt Park beer garden (3000 S. Howell Ave.).
Friday, July 8: Café Bavaria (7700 Harwood Ave.) hosts the release party for Lakefront’s My Turn Series: Howard Helles Lager from 6 to 8 p.m.
Friday, July 8: Milwaukee Brewing is bringing samples to Discount Liquor Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave.) from 4 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, July 9: Milwaukee Brewing comes to Discount Liquor Waukesha (919 N. Barstow Ave.) from noon to 3 p.m.
Saturday, July 9: I really recommend Lakefront’s firkin of the day at Summerfest. It’s Citra! At the Disco, a single malt, single hop beer made with the wonderful Citra hops.
Saturday, July 9: Staff favorite beers 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.
