MillerCoors sent out a press release last week touting that the Milwaukee brewery (and its offices) are now completely landfill free. Miller reduced waste by 19 percent over the past year and any residual waste that may have originally been destined for a landfill is being sent to a waste-to-energy facility in La Crosse. As a company, MillerCoors reduced landfill waste by more than 448 tons in 2014.
It’s fashionable to be disparaging of the big brewers (I’m still irritated by the ridiculous Budweiser Brewed the Hard Way ad) but they should receive some credit for earth-friendly thinking like this.
The Latest New Glarus Gem
Knowledgeable beer aficionado Tom “Grynder” Ciula is raving about the super limited New Glarus R&D Sour Blonde Gueuze. I’ve struggled to make the move to sours, but Grynder swears that the brew is good enough to be appreciated by anyone. Bottles went on sale at New Glarus over the weekend. If you know someone who bought a bottle it might be a good idea to start being really nice to them.
I hate to sound like I’m pandering, but it’s hard to overstate just how good New Glarus is at what they do. They don’t brew one style well, they brew everything well. It’s astonishing to see a brewery craft world class fruit beers like Belgian Red and Raspberry Tart, and also brew things like the amazing Scream IIPA and Moon Man Pale Ale.
I’m off my soapbox now.
Quick Taps
Mark your calendars, Romans’ Pub will be closed from June 28 to July 6. Mike is allowed to have a few days off.
I love the fact that both Draft & Vessel and Ray’s Growler Gallery are adding patios this summer. Good beer is made better when it’s enjoyed outside on a (rare) Wisconsin summer day.
Draft Magazine investigates five radlers for your summer drinking. The sweet and fruity pseudo beers aren’t for everyone, but they are certainly gaining in popularity.
Last week, I mentioned my trip to New York and a steady supply of East Coast beers. The supplier of those brews, my younger brother Patrick, was miffed that he earned no mention for purveying a great selection. So, here’s his mention. Thank you sir. Pat gets married in Maine in late August. I’m hoping he provides another round of outstanding beers for the big event.
Barley Pop of the Week
An unseasonably cool Friday night gave me the chance to open up a bottle of Central Waters 17. The barrel-aged stout was everything I anticipated. The rich, decadent brew had a moderately boozy feel and a nice slightly bitter coffee finish. The 17th anniversary beer is another shining example of Central Waters’ excellence when it comes to barrel aging.
Events Brewing
Tuesday, June 16: New Holland is bringing its Mad Hatter brews to Draft & Vessel (4417 N. Oakland Ave.).
Tuesday, June 16: Ray’s Growler Gallery (8930 W. North Ave.) gives its taps up to the good folks at New Belgium. The tasty brews (many of which are from the Lips of Faith Series) start pouring at 5 p.m.
Wednesday, June 17: Bierklasse comes to Cafe Hollander (7677 W. State St.) and discusses beers from New Belgium. For $30 you can sample five beers and hear from the New Belgium rep. Make a reservation at Bierklasse@LowlandsGroup.com.
Thursday, June 18: From 5 to 7 p.m. Oskar Blues will be pouring cans of goodness at The Malt Shoppe (813 N. Mayfair Rd.). The list includes Gubna Imperial IPA, Dale’s Pale Ale, G’Night Imperial Red IPA and the delicious Pinner, one of my favorite session IPAs.
Thursday, June 18: Firkin night at Honeypie (2643 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) features a treat from New Holland Brewing. The pouring starts at 5 p.m.
Thursday, June 18: Cafe Hollander (2608 N. Downer Ave.) hosts a four-course New Belgium beer dinner. The cost is $45 and reservations can be made by calling 414-963-6366.
Friday, June 19: Try New Holland Hatter brews at Discount Liquor Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave.) from 4 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 20: Try beers for dad at Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.) from 1 to 4 p.m.
Saturday, June 20: Spending a few hours at the Wisconsin Beer Lovers Fest is one of the best ways to appreciate just how good our local beer scene is. Dozens of Wisconsin breweries descend upon Bayshore Town Center (5600 N. Bayshore Dr.) from 1 to 5 p.m. General admission tickets are $45 and VIP tickets cost $65.
Saturday, June 20: The day before Father’s Day, Discount Liquor Waukesha (919 N. Barstow Ave.) is appropriately sampling Not Your Father’s Hard Root Beer from 3 to 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 21: The Malt Shoppe hosts its third bottle share starting at 5:30 p.m. The theme is East Coast beers, so bring either two 12-ounce bottles or one 22-ounce bottle of something excellent (leave the Sam Adams bottles at home) from the Atlantic coast and a snack.
Sunday, June 21: Dads get a free Lowlands Company beer at the Lowlands Grand Cafes (Cafe Benelux, Cafe Hollander, Cafe Centraal) or a free Krombacher at Cafe Bavaria.
