Summer is, presumably, right around the corner. Big, chewy, high-alcohol IPAs don’t mix with hot, sunny days (groggy and drooling is no way to go through life). Sessionable, lower alcohol IPAs have been gaining steam over the past couple of years and I discovered their worth last summer after a few days at the Michigan beach with Founders All Day IPA.
I’ve previously given props to Lakefront Extended Play IPA and Milwaukee Brewing Litta Bitta White IPA. Here are a few more standouts that I’ve tried recently and that I expect to be in heavy rotation as the weather warms.
Oskar Blues Pinner (4.9 percent ABV) is one of my favorite new beers. It blends citrus flavor, a hint of piney resin, and moderate bitterness. It’s extremely easy to drink, refreshing and fairly amazing.
Upland Brewing Campside (4.5 percent ABV) was recommended to me by Kaleb Schwecke at Ray’s Wine & Spirits (8930 W. North Ave.). It comes in a 16-ounce can, which is a plus, and is has a nice piney flavor.
If bitterness is what you’re looking for, take a trip to Illinois and seek out Firestone Walker Easy Jack (4.5 percent ABV). It’s smooth but has a remarkably bitter finish and flavor.
I know it might be a stretch to include Three Floyds Yum Yum (5.5 percent ABV), but I can’ t help but mention it. Yum Yum has juicy fruit flavor, the right amount of bitterness and it tastes decidedly bigger than you’d expect from a lower alcohol ale.
A Visit to Romans’
I ventured to Romans’ Pub (3475 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) last week for the launch of the Lakefront/Tyranena Two Lakes Triple IPA. I showed up right after owner Mike Romans opened the place and grabbed a coveted barstool (a spot at the bar at Romans’ is prized real estate, largely because it provides a front row spot to see Mike hold court). I tried the coveted Two Lakes (an outstanding balance of hop bitterness, malt backbone and grapefruit aroma) and took in the scene, engaging in lively conversation with beer guru Tom “Grynder” Ciula, his nephew Kris, and Lakefront’s Chris Johnson. Folks, we’ve got it good here. A launch of a limited brew of this magnitude is a friendly gathering in Milwaukee. In bigger cities it would include a line of hipsters at the door and a packed bar. Cheers.
Barley Pop of the Week
I really wish Toppling Goliath brews were available in Milwaukee. The few IPAs I’ve had from the brewery in Decorah, Iowa, have been as good as most other IPAs I’ve tried. I was fortunate enough (thanks, John) to get my hands on a bottle of Pompeii IPA. The beer is made with Mosaic hops (one of my favorites), which gives it a prominent fruity citrus flavor that gives way nicely to a moderately bitter finish. Pompeii isn’t overpowering, just smooth and delicious.
Quick Taps
Speaking of Kaleb. Saturday was his last day manning the aisles as the beer expert at Ray’s. He’s headed to Washington state where he will no doubt educate the great northwest about Midwest beers. Kaleb is a good dude who certainly knows his stuff. Good luck sir.
The folks at Lakefront mentioned that the next My Turn Series brew will be a Citra IPA. I’m really excited about this one. Look for it in July.
I’m going to start telling you about beer dinners at Tess (2499 N. Bartlett Ave.) a few weeks ahead of time because they’ve been selling out pretty quickly. So here you go. Clear June 17 off of your calendar because that’s when Founders comes to Tess. Call 414-964-8377 for a reservation and details. I’m guessing it will be a good one.
Events Brewing
Tuesday, May 19: The May beer dinner at Erv’s Mug (130 W. Ryan Rd.) features Ballast Point. That means goodies like Grapefruit Sculpin and Tongue Buckler Imperial Red. Cost is $40 and the open dining runs from 5 to 7 p.m. Check out reservation details and the menu here.
Wednesday, May 20: Spring seasonals are the theme at the weekly meeting of the Milwaukee Beer Society. Try some from 6 to 9 p.m. at Best Place (901 W. Juneau Ave.) for the low price of $10.
Wednesday, May 20: Learn about Goose Island brews at Bierklasse at Cafe Hollander (7677 W. State St.) for the low price of $30. Class starts at 7 p.m. and reservations can be made by emailing Bierklasse@LowlandsGroup.com.
Thursday, May 21: Ale Asylum is bringing a few taproom-only brews to Ray’s Growler Gallery. The pouring starts at 5 p.m.
Thursday, May 21: Honeypie (2643 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) is tapping a pair of Lakefront My Turn firkins at 6 p.m. Try the Matt Oak-Aged Farmhouse Red Ale and the Kyle Belgian-Style Tripel.
Thursday, May 21: Romans’ Pub hosts a Lagunitas tap takeover. The highlights include the new Equinox Pale Oat Ale and the outstanding High West-ified Barrel-Aged Imperial Coffee Stout (one of the best beers for the money I’ve had this year). Tasting starts at 7 p.m. but get there early.
Friday, May 22: Sheboygan’s 3 Sheeps brings some samples to Discount Liquor Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave.) from 4 to 6 p.m.
Friday, May 22: Capital Brewery is handing out tastes at Discount Liquor Waukesha (919 N. Barstow Ave.) from 4 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 23: Capital Brewery comes to Discount Liquor Milwaukee from noon to 3 p.m.
Saturday, May 23: Try 3 Sheeps brews at Discount Liquor Waukesha from 1 to 3 p.m.
Saturday, May 23: East coast beers are the theme at the Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.) weekly free tasting from 1 to 4 p.m.
Saturday, May 23: The first Milwaukee Brewery Bike Tour by Hop Head Beer Tours happens from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets for a day of exercise and beer cost just $55.
