Pabst made big news in the beer world with the announcement last week that it plans to open a brewery in Milwaukee on the grounds of the old Pabst Brewery. Master brewer Greg Deuhs will be resurrecting a few old Pabst recipes on a much smaller scale than Pabst churned out in its heyday.
Beer snobs may scoff, but I’m guessing that Pabst Brewing Company, now based in Los Angeles, will do some pretty cool things in Milwaukee.
Brews for Favre
In other big news last week, Badger State Brewing Company announced that it was brewing a limited edition beer to honor Brett Favre’s addition to the Lambeau Field Ring of Honor. The ceremony takes place on Thanksgiving Day during the Packers/Bears tilt. According to the press release, the beer will be released around the same time and “incorporate unique ingredients that reflect the quarterback’s grit and tenacity while celebrating the quarterback’s legacy.”
The beer will be aged, slightly bitter and eventually shipped to Minnesota. I kid, I kid. I applaud Badger State for this move, and I think I’ve gotten to the point where I can applaud Favre again, too (Having Aaron Rodgers as the signal caller for the Pack makes that a lot easier).
Barley Pop of the Week
Really warm temperatures require changes in beer drinking strategy—big imperial IPAs don’t taste as good on a 90-degree day. On the opposite end of the beer drinking curve is Stiegl Grapefruit Radler. It’s a mix of beer and grapefruit soda, which is why it comes in at a barely noticeable 2.0 percent ABV and why it’s incredibly refreshing. Nice tart grapefruit rounds out with a hint of pilsner at the end. Try one after mowing the lawn.
Quick Taps
Sprecher will brew up a special brew to coincide with its 30th anniversary bash, which takes place on August 28 and 29 at Juneau Park (801 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr.). Once I know what it is I’ll pass it along.
Firestone Walker (one of the best craft breweries in the U.S. in my humble opinion) announced a partnership with Belgium’s Duvel Moortgat last week. Not sure on the level of “partnership” in the deal, but this adds to the Duvel interest in American craft breweries that already includes Brewery Ommegang and Boulevard. Is this a reason to be concerned? The jury is still out.
One of the entries on Draft Magazine’s “8 Lager-Only Breweries You Need to Know” list is Metropolitan, a newcomer to Wisconsin and one that Mike Romans is a fan of. If the owner of Romans’ Pub likes you, you’ve done something right.
Events Brewing
Wednesday, July 22: East Coast beers are the subjects of the weekly gathering of the Milwaukee Beer Society at Best Place (901 W. Juneau Ave.) from 6 to 9 p.m. It’s a chance to try beers not available in Wisconsin.
Wednesday, July 22: Green Flash and its newly acquired Alpine Brewing are taking over the taps at Ray’s Growler Gallery (8930 W. North Ave.). Both breweries have a stellar reputation (especially among hop heads) and the selection won’t disappoint.
Wednesday, July 22: Bierklasse at Café Centraal (2306 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) focuses on organic beers. No one does them better than Lakefront, and that’s why they’re co-hosting. Cost is $30 and the tasting starts at 7 p.m. Email Bierklasse@LowlandsGroup.com to make a reservation.
Thursday, July 23: Great Lakes is bringing samples to Discount Liquor Waukesha (919 N. Barstow Ave.) from 4 to 7 p.m.
Thursday, July 23: Head to Burnhearts (2599 S. Logan Ave.) to try brews from Colorado. Rocky Mountain Buzz features beers from Boulder Beer Co., Oskar Blues, Left Hand and Breckenridge.
Friday, July 24: St. Francis and Great Lakes are both on hand at Discount Liquor Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave.) from 4 to 7 p.m.
Friday, July 24: If you haven’t tried Lakefront My Turn: Tom yet, you get the chance at a tasting at Café Benelux (346 N. Broadway) from 6 to 8 p.m. The Citra IPA is easily one of my favorite beers of 2015.
Saturday, July 25: Goose Island hands out brews from its Summer Sampler at Discount Liquor Milwaukee from noon to 3 p.m.
Saturday, July 25: Unique beers are the intriguing theme at Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.) from 1 to 4 p.m.
Saturday, July 25: Milwaukee Brewfest is one of my favorite Milwaukee beer festivals. Sure, the selection from dozens of great breweries is solid, but the location on the shores of Lake Michigan at the Old Coast Guard Pavilion (1600 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr.) can’t be beat. General admission tickets are $45 in advance and the tasting runs from 3 to 7 p.m.
