There are plenty of potential home brewers out there who haven’t pulled the trigger because they are apprehensive about how it all works. Ron Jacobson is giving those people a chance to try out brewing before investing in expensive equipment at Brü Self-Brewery (4343 S. 27th St.).
For between $160 and $220 patrons can use one of six 25-gallon brew kettles and cook up a stout, pilsner, wheat, IPA or a seasonal. Brü provides all of the grain, yeast and hops needed and provides simple instructions on how the process works. Brewers spend two to three hours on their first visit and then return a few weeks later to bottle their brew. Each batch yields roughly 72 bombers (22-ounce bottles), so patrons will have plenty to share with friends.
“This is Brew City,” said Jacobson. “Let’s get people brewing, right?”
Brü is on the cusp of opening, check out Jacobson’s website, bru-mke.com, for more information and to make a reservation.
Barley Pop of the Week
I’m still learning when it comes to sour beers, but I tried one last week that helped me understand their popularity. Upland VinoSynth Red is aged on Catawba grapes, and has a fruit flavor that walks the line between sweet and tart, without being cloying or painfully sour. Notable fizz was reminiscent of a dry sparkling wine. It all combines to create a delicious sipper.
Quick Taps
Draft Magazine posted an interesting article about tasting a vertical of old Hopslam bottles, including a 2010 version. The synopsis? Drink yours now.
Story Hill BKC (5100 W. Blue Mound Rd.) is tapping the extremely rare Founders CBS on Tuesday, Feb. 23. Mark it on your calendar and get there at 2 p.m. to buy a $13 ticket ensuring you get an 8-ounce pour.
Keep an eye out for beers from 3rd Sign Brewery. The brewer in Waunakee is working its way into the Milwaukee market with beers like Madagascar Vanilla Mild Ale and Forest American IPA. For Valentine’s Day, 3rd Sign is releasing limited quantities of Beatrice Chocolate Cherry Porter and Abandon All Hope Coconut Spiced Porter.
Events Brewing
Tuesday, Feb. 9: Tyranena is bringing Rocky’s Revenge Brown Ale, S’mores Imperial Porter and more to The Malt Shoppe (813 N. Mayfair Rd.) from 5 to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 10: Bocks are the topic of discussion and sampling at the weekly meeting of the Milwaukee Beer Society from 6 to 9 p.m. at Best Place (901 W. Juneau Ave.).
Wednesday, Feb. 10: I don’t think Upland Brewing gets the attention it deserves. Find out what you think when the Indiana brewery takes over the taps at Ray’s Growler Gallery (8930 W. North Ave.).
Thursday, Feb. 11: Lakefront takes over the taps at Stack’d Burger Bar (170 S. 1st St.) at 7 p.m. and is bringing treats like the new Hop Jockey IIPA and My Turn: Josh Imperial Black IPA.
Friday, Feb. 12: Sprecher (701 W. Glendale Ave.) hosts the Valentine’s Beer Dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the menu looks tasty. The cost is $95 per couple and reservations can be made by calling 414-964-2739.
Friday, Feb. 12: Try Point Bock and brews from Bofferding at Discount Liquor Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave.) from 4 to 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 12: North Coast is bringing samples, including Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout, to Discount Liquor Waukesha (919 N. Barstow Ave.) from 4 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 13: North Coast is at Discount Liquor Milwaukee from noon to 3 p.m. and from 3 to 6 p.m., Wisconsin Brewing is handing out samples.
Saturday, Feb. 13: Bofferding is at Discount Liquor Waukesha from noon to 3 p.m. and Point Brewery is there from 3 to 6 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 13: Over the weekend, the Lowlands Group Grand Cafes are pairing Central Waters firkins with brunch and dinner. So head to Café Hollander, Café Benelux or any of your other favorite Lowlands spots for a unique taste of Central Waters beers.
Saturday, Feb. 13: Popular beers are the theme at Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.) from 1 to 4 p.m.
