Mitten Fest
It may be in the dead of winter, but Mitten Fest is still one of Milwaukee’s best beercentric events of the year. It takes place on Saturday (Feb. 7) on the streets in front of Burnhearts (2599 S. Logan Ave.) from noon to 8 p.m. Bring a canned good to donate to the Hunger Task Force and enjoy good music and some serious (and warming) beers. The two beers that intrigue me the most are Central Waters Brandyland Old Fashioned and Ginger Brandyland, which are both Central Waters Scotch Ale-aged in the cocktail barrels used for the barrel-aged Old Fashioneds that were served last year. And by the way, Burnhearts will also be tapping Founders KBS, Central Waters Bourbon Barrel Stout, La Petit Mort and more that I swore I wouldn’t name at this time. If you’ve never been, I recommend going.
Budweiser’s Big Beer Ad
Super Bowl ads are always great water cooler fodder on the Monday following the big game. One ad in particular has certainly been noticed by the craft beer community. “Brewed the Hard Way” takes pride in Bud’s macro image and pokes fun at those beer geeks who presumably drink beer for the flavor (what a concept). Paste’s Jim Vorel took Budweiser to task immediately. Watch the video (embedded in the Paste article) and see what you think.
Barley Pop of the Week
I hadn’t tried this year’s batch of New Glarus Scream IIPA when I walked into Draft & Vessel (4417 N. Oakland Ave.) this weekend, and fortunately for me it was on tap at the cozy beer haven. Scream tasted deliciously fresh, and mixed big grapefruit and citrus flavors with a bitter finish. I bought a growler of the stuff and I have a four-pack of bottles, so I’m looking forward to the side-by-side comparison.
Quick Taps
Sprecher is now offering a beer of the month at the Sprecher Gift Shop (701 W. Glendale Ave.). Get deals on growlers and bottles by purchasing the special brew. The February beer of the month is Winter Brew.
Bell’s Hopslam is starting to show up in Milwaukee. I’ve been told it should arrive at Ray’s Wine & Spirits (8930 W. North Ave., Tosa) on Wednesday.
Ballast Point finally arrived in Milwaukee. Are we all glad?
CraftBeer.com lists the Five Biggest Beer Releases of 2015. The list isn’t surprising, but the beauty of it is that three of them are within reasonable driving distance of Milwaukee. Road trips?
Draft Magazine pairs beer and pizza. Of course they do.
Events Brewing
Tuesday, Feb. 3: The Malt Shoppe (813 N. Mayfair Rd.) gets a visit from Abita Brewing from 5 to 7 p.m. The Louisiana brewery is bringing Mardi Gras swag and a few brews, including the outstanding Wrought Iron IPA, which is easily my favorite from Abita.
Tuesday, Feb. 3: Beer School at Comet Cafe (1947 N. Farwell Ave.) features Three Floyds. That’s really all you need to know. Tickets are $20, and you can reserve a spot by calling 414-273-7677.
Wednesday, Feb. 4: Ray’s Growler Gallery Great Gastropub Dinner at Hinterland Gastropub (222 E. Erie St.) may have a spot or two open. Don’t miss the chance to combine rare proprietary beers with amazing food.
Wednesday, Feb. 4: Disclaimer: I almost feel bad about burying this among other events. Champps Americana (1240 South Moorland Rd.) is making its mark on the Milwaukee beer scene, and adds to its barley street cred by tapping a barrel of Founders CBS. The rarity will be tapped at 4 p.m. (and likely won’t be around very long).
Thursday, Feb. 5: Try homebrews from the Milwaukee Beer Society at Best Place (901 W. Juneau Ave.) from 6 to 9 p.m. These guys know their stuff, and all it costs is $10 to sample their concoctions.
Friday, Feb. 6: Try pours from Tallgrass at Discount Liquor Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave.) from 4 to 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 6: Abita hands out samples at Discount Liquor Waukesha (919 N. Barstow Ave.) from 4 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb 7: Tallgrass comes to Discount Liquor Waukesha from noon to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 7: Try samples from Abita at Discount Liquor Waukesha from noon to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 7: Try “big beers” from 1 to 4 p.m. and Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.). A good way to keep warm in February.
Saturday, Feb. 7: Grab a Sprecher or two at the Brown Deer Park clubhouse (7835 N. Green Bay Rd.) during Winterfest from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sprecher pairs nicely with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding. Plus, the Sprecher Tap Fire Truck will be there.
