This weekend marks the start of Milwaukee Beer Week, and there’s an abundance of great events taking place all over the city. I can’t list them all here, but the event website is a great way to plan your week. Here’s a sample of what’s in store.
Ray’s Wine & Spirits (8930 W. North Ave.) kicks things off in a big way with the Super Saturday Founders KBS release on Saturday, April 18. The first 120 in line (and there will definitely be a line) get two tickets at 8 a.m. — one guarantees a bottle of KBS and the other is a lottery ticket. Of those people, the first 45 get the pleasure of hanging out with the Growler Gallery where KBS, Big Luscious and other treats will be on tap. Even if you’re not one of the first 120, you will get a lottery ticket and at 8:30 a.m. Ray’s will start drawing numbers for a cache of good stuff that includes brews like Perennial Abraxas, KBS, Bourbon County Stout and many more. I’ve been told by the good folks at Ray’s that there’s plenty to go around and the chances are pretty good that you’ll walk away happy. Even if you don’t have your number called, Ray’s is offering 10 percent off of most beers until 11 a.m. Everybody wins.
On Saturday, April 18 head to the Marcus Center (929 N. Water St.) for a viewing of Tale of the Spotted Cow: The Cow That Changed Everything, which is the story of New Glarus founders Dan and Deb Carey. A complimentary New Glarus brew starts the night at 6 p.m. Call 414-273-7206 or email tickets@marcuscenter.org for ticket information.
Discount Liquor’s Crafts & Drafts Spring Beer Festival has become a popular event. It returns to Serb Hall (5101 W. Oklahoma Ave.) on Sunday, April 19 from 2 to 5 p.m. More than 200 beers will be on tap for tasting. Tickets are $60 and $45 and I suggest you buy in advance.
I’m intrigued by the Best of Our Cellars bottle share at Palm Tavern (2989 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) because I’m pretty sure that the bar has some great stuff coming out of the cellar for the event. Also, bottle shares can yield plenty of rarities. Get there at 6 p.m. and bring a bottle.
Beer Travels, Part I
I spent a few days in Cologne, Germany, last week and of course had to sample a few beers while I was there. The local specialty is Kolsch, a crisp beer that has to be brewed around Cologne to truly earn its name. I sampled a few different varieties but seemed to gravitate to the Gaffel Kolsch the most. I also had a few Franziskaner Hefeweizens (which is kind of sad considering that it’s readily available in Milwaukee). I’m headed to Paris next, and I’ll let you know what the beer scene is like there.
Barley Pop of the Week
Black Husky Schutzengel White IPA is one of the latest brews to come out of Pembine, and it’s one worth trying. The flavor tends to skew toward mild tropical fruits, with a slight bitter end–nothing overpowering but enough that you notice it. Schutzengel may be difficult to pronounce but as far as taste goes, it’s a winner. The well balanced brew is extremely easy to drink and a nice addition to the Black Husky offering.
Quick Taps
Oddly enough, Draft Magazine just posted a list of the best American Kolsch-style beers to try this summer.
Tyranena Scurvy made this list of some citrus IPAs worth trying.
Events Brewing
Note: Check out the biggest beer events this week on the website of Milwaukee Beer Week.
Wednesday, April 15: A Van Steenberge rep is on hand for Bierklasse at Cafe Hollander (7677 W. State St.) starting at 7 p.m. Cost is $30. Email Bierklasse@LowlandsGroup.com for a reservation.
Friday, April 17: Discount Liquor Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave.) hands out samples from Capital Brewery from 4 to 7 p.m.
Friday, April 17: Krombacher samples are available at Discount Liquor Waukesha (919 N. Barstow Ave.) from 4 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 18: Discount Liquor Milwaukee has samples of Krombacher from noon to 3 p.m. and Pearl Street from 3 to 5 p.m.
Saturday, April 18: Pearl Street comes to Discount Liquor Waukesha from noon to 3 p.m. and Capital Brewery will be there from 2 to 5 p.m.
Saturday, April 18: Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.) has samples of lesser known beer styles from 1 to 4 p.m.
