At least once during the summer, I make a trip to the Michigan shore. As is the case with most of my traveling, a few beer-related stops are essential. I spent the Fourth of July weekend near New Buffalo and made sure to sample some local beers. Greenbush Brewing in Sawyer is always a must. I was rewarded for the trip with a barrel-aged One and the Same Ale made with raspberries. It was a potent brew that was a little boozy but had a nice hint of fruit flavor.
One of the founders of Burn ‘Em Brewing worked at Greenbush before getting into the craft beer scene. The intriguing brewery on the outskirts of Michigan City, Ind., is doing some interesting things. Coconoats Pale Ale is an example. It is brewed with oats and coconuts. Hop bitterness is tempered by a moderate coconut flavor. Black Beer’d is a decadent black ale made with hazelnuts and vanilla, and my favorite from Burn ‘Em. I root for breweries like Burn ‘Em–small batch brewers willing to experiment in order to stand out.
Barley Pop of the Week
India Pale Lagers seem to be picking up steam. The crisp lager finish nicely rounds out any bitter hop flavor. The new Central Waters Summarillo IPL is a fine example. The beer has a nice citrus hop bitterness and a refreshing and clean finish. It’s a fine choice for warm summer days, assuming that warm summer days ever get here to stay.
Quick Taps
Black Husky Howler Imperial Pale Ale is being shipped out this week. It’s the Equinox hops variety and it’s delicious. Head to Stubby’s (see below) this week to try it out.
BeerPulse.com posted an item about Left Hand Brewing employee stock ownership plan. Pretty cool, and a good way to help ensure that the big breweries stay away.
Grilling season is upon us. Here’s your obligatory “pairing beers with grilled foods” guide. It’s a good one (despite not including any Wisconsin brews).
Events Brewing
Monday, July 6: Draft & Vessel (4417 N. Oakland Ave.) hosts a bottle share. Bring an out-of-market or limited 22-ounce bottle, or two 12-ounce bottles. Get there early because space is limited. Email rob@draftandvessel.com for more info.
Wednesday, July 8: Vintage Brewing brewmaster Scott Manning heads to Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.) from 6 to 8:30 p.m. to pour beer and talk about the new arrival to Milwaukee.
Wednesday, July 8: Pucker up. The Malt Shoppe (813 N. Mayfair Rd.) has a few limited sour beers from Paradox on hand at 5 p.m.
Wednesday, July 8: Ray’s Growler Gallery (8930 W. North Ave.) hosts a preview of Firkin Fest. A pair of firkins will start pouring at 5 p.m. Ray’s is also giving away three free tickets to Firkin Fest, which happens on July 18.
Thursday, July 9: Black Husky founder Tim Eichinger is driving in from the northwoods for Beer School at Stubby’s at 7 p.m. He’s bringing 10 Black Husky brews. Call 414-763-6324 to reserve a spot because there’s a 30-person limit.
Thursday, July 9: Lagunitas takes over the taps at Draft & Vessel. They promise a One Hitter Series beer, I’m guessing that will be the delicious CitruSinesis.
Friday, July 10: Sample beers from Wisconsin Brewing from 6 to 8 p.m. at Erv’s Mug (130 W. Ryan Rd.).
Friday, July 10: Tallgrass rep Kris Graham comes to The Malt Shoppe to talk about the Kansas brewery and pour a few beers.
Friday, July 10: Try the delicious HHG Pale Ale, Summarillo IPL and Scotch Ale from Central Waters at Discount Liquor Waukesha (919 N. Barstow Ave.) from 4 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, July 11: Central Waters offers samples at Discount Liquor Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave.) from noon to 3 p.m.
Saturday, July 11: Camping beers are the theme for the weekly Three Cellars tasting from 1 to 4 p.m.
