Sometimes it’s easy to forget precisely how fortunate we're, as lovers of fresh, local craft beer, to reside where we all do. I don’t just mean inside Washtenaw County area, that is indeed chock-full of great beer options, in America the gorgeous itself.
Little more than a generation ago, our country was (rightfully for the most part) derided being a land of bland swill, the laughingstock from the remaining portion of the beer-drinking world, which told off-color jokes about America’s offerings.
Now, with thanks to the rise in the craft brewing movement, America boasts the widest collection of high-quality beer styles available around the globe, as talented brewers re-discover and in many cases re-invent classic styles from my European (as well as other) forebears as well as constantly create new categories of their own - or even beers that defy categories.
So whether you’re heading up north for the cottage or lurking in your backyard for Independence Day, be sure to celebrate with a few delicious beer in one of America’s many small, independent breweries. And, naturally, if you’re sticking out, your Week in Beer has ideas so that you can rock your Fourth of july with liberty and fraternity for many, amen.
Monday, July 4, Independence Day
>> The 3rd “Dark Monday” at Arbor Brewing Co., presented with the Ann Arbor Summer Festival’s The top of Park, takes place from 7-9 p.m. Calm down using a reading of excerpts from a number of books about seminal rock ’n’ roll albums, followed by a DJ spinning songs through the featured artist. Tonight’s book: "Bruce Springsteen's Born inside U.S.A.," by Geoffrey Himes, read by local writer Emlyn Chand. DJ: Aaron Smith of WCBN. Cash bar, happy hour prices, and no cover. Don’t forget to get a pint or two of Festival Saison Ale, proceeds from which conserve the AASF.
Tuesday, July 5
>> The very first Tuesday with the month means beer release party over at Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsilanti. This time it’s Hell Relates to Hoptown Brown, a sturdy brown ale with citrusy hop notes balanced against an abundant, malty flavor profile. From 6-8 p.m., enjoy pints of the limited-release brew together with pizza along with other snacks. Beer release parties have the freedom for Arbor Brewing and Corner Mug Club members; $10 for infidels.
>> First Tuesday is also Brewer’s Night at the Grizzly Peak Den, 120 W. Washington St., Ann Arbor, from 6-9 p.m. As usual, there will be great beers on tap, like Yorkshire Angel, a session beer (4.6% ABV) brewed with oat malt; discounts on samplers; and around the Grizzly brewery, in which the magic happens, courtesy of brewer Duncan Williams and co. Be sure to try the special cask ale, Honey ’n’ Oats ’n’ Hops Ale, a version of Yorkshire Angel dry-hopped and cask-conditioned with honey.
>> In fact, first Tuesdays are rather busy about the beer front, with Opera on Tap at Frenchie’s (Sidetrack Bar & Grill) in Ypsilanti, a monthly combination of culture and beer (or do I repeat myself?). The show begins at 8:30 p.m., but seating is fixed, so call 734 483-1035 to reserve your house and visit sidetrackbarandgrill.com to learn more.
Notes for the Napkin
Obligatory Wolverine beer garden update: The parking zone outside of Wolverine State Brewing, 2019 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, is constantly on the slowly transform into an outdoor drinking area, which is important considering how short the outdoor drinking months are in our beloved Great Beer State. A gate is at place and the tables, chairs, and umbrellas are actually delivered and await deployment. Current target for opening is July 1, pending slow-moving approval from distant, lackadaisical alcohol bureaucrats without personal economic stake within their petty decisions or indecisions.
Take me out to the ballgame - with beer! Wolverine is organizing a bus day at The D July 31 to watch the second-I-mean-first-I-mean-second-place Tigers take on the L.A. Angels. Your $70 ticket includes two pre-game beers at the brewery, beer on the bus (Premium Lager), game ticket, and t-shirt. Meet at the taproom at 10 a.m. for your 1:05 p.m. game start. Check out the taproom to join up.
What’s on tap at Plymouth’s Liberty Street Brewing, 149 W. Liberty, today? Glad you asked! There’s a refreshing Biere de Garde, a summer brew approaching session strength at 4.8% ABV, and Lime Cerveza, a light, citrusy lager of slightly larger strength at 5.5%. Want something more substantial? Have a look at Liberty One, a 7% porter and three-time medalist with the World Expo of Beer, or Brewer’s Garden Amber Ale, a 6.4% brew that mixes the components of Liberty’s Red Glare Amber Ale and regular IPA. Why do not do as Patrick Henry urged and go get yourself some Liberty?
So allow it to go be written: State politicians have again waved their magic legislative wands and declared July to become Michigan Craft Beer Month, offering an answer to “commend Michigan craft brewers for providing jobs, improving the balance of trade, supporting Michigan agriculture, and educating residents about the background and culture of beer while promoting the responsible utilization of beer like a beverage of moderation.”
Lastly, for the reason that same vein, a long-awaited bill to formally lift restrictions on homebrewing clubs’ capability to meet and sample their beers at brewpubs and restaurants in addition to conduct tastings on site (e.g., for judging homebrewing competitions) passed hawaii House yesterday and today faces step 2 inside sausage-making process when it heads for the Senate’s Regulatory Reform Committee. USA! USA!
David Bardallis is a freelance writer and editor, blogger, bon vivant, and man about town. Visit “All the Brews Fit to Pint” at AnnArborBeer.com, follow @allthebrews on Twitter, or join the "All the Brews Fit to Pint" Facebook page. Email your beer-related thoughts to annarborbeer@gmail.com.
0 comments:
Post a Comment