The Brass Tap
My first visit to the The Brass Tap (7808 W. Layton Ave.) was a good one. I met up with beer aficionado Tom “Grynder” Ciula, had a pint, and discussed topics ranging from where New Glarus ranks on a national scale (very high) to the merits of barrel-aged beer tastings. With 80 taps and a huge selection of bottles to choose from, The Brass Tap was an ideal venue for a lunchtime beer summit. The spot sits unobtrusively in a South Side strip mall, and boasts a solid selection (I drank a Ballast Point Dorado IIPA and it wasn’t easy choosing). A varied selection of styles ensures that there’s something for everyone.
Ray’s IPA Day
This just in: A lot of craft beer drinkers really like IPAs. On Saturday, Ray’s Growler Gallery (8930 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa) taps a few that you simply won’t find everywhere. Fill up a growler with Door County Bare Bottom Madness, the highly anticipated Sierra Nevada Hop Hunter or the rare Nebraska HopAnomaly. There will be plenty of more choices; check in with Ray’s later in the week to find out details.
Barley Pop of the Week
A visit to Ray’s Growler Gallery last weekend paid off. I sampled a Potosi Templeton Slugger Oatmeal Stout, and it was delicious. The stout is aged in Templeton Rye barrels, which gives the brew a boozy kick but doesn’t result in an overly sweet bourbon flavor. I had a five-ounce sample and was satisfied. I can’t imagine what it’s like to have a growler of the potent stuff at home.
Quick Taps
Some beer names have great stories behind them. Draft Magazine highlights one.
An interesting list of rare brews and how to get them. The list is fairly comprehensive, but the “how to find” part is fairly logical.
A good read about Budweiser bringing back an old recipe with Faust. No word if it’s “brewed the hard way.”
A take on the popularity of IPAs and craft beer in general.
Events Brewing
Tuesday, Feb. 24: The Malt Shoppe (813 N. Mayfair Rd.) hosts the Evolution of Style and discusses the history of the Russian Imperial Stout starting a 6 p.m. Perfect for February.
Wednesday, Feb. 25: Tess (2499 N. Bartlett Ave.) hosts the first of two Coronado Brewing beer dinners. The beer list includes Orange Avenue Wit, Islander IPA, Mermaid’s Red, Devil’s Tail IPA and Stupid Stout, and will be paired with a five-course dinner. The cost is $49 and reservations can be made by calling 414-964-8377.
Thursday, Feb. 26: Tess hosts night two of the Coronado beer dinner.
Thursday, Feb. 26: Try brews from California, including some that aren’t available in Wisconsin, with the Milwaukee Beer Society from 6 to 9 p.m. at Best Place (901 W. Juneau Ave.).
Thursday, Feb. 25: Mobcraft takes over the taps at Ray’s Growler Gallery.
Saturday, Feb. 28: Try Bock beers at Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.) from 1 to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 28: Head to Lake Country for Oconomowoc Brewfest from 5 to 9 p.m. at Olympia Resort and Spa (1350 Royale Mile Rd., Oconomowoc). Tickets are $50.
