Thursday, April 26, 2012

May Craft Beer Events

May Craft Beer Events & Going Ons
in and around Tacoma
(including related events outside of Tacoma that I think are rad and/or will be attending personally)

Thursday 3rd - Give Blood Get Beer @ Great American Casino (Lakewood) Cascade Regional Blood Services brings a bloodmobile to the sponsoring business for a Pint-for-Pint blood drive around lunch time or early afternoon. All registered donors receive a prepaid coupon for a pint of beer that can be redeemed beginning the day following the drive.

Tuesday 8th - Science Cafe @ The Swiss Pub (Tacoma, 6:30p) 'Preserving Asia's Wild Cats' is the topic of this month's Science Cafe, put on by the PacSci Center and KCTS9. Come to the Swiss Pub to participate in a discussion about the following: Clouded leopards, fishing cats, bay cats, and more: Southeast Asia's wild cats are beautiful and fascinating, yet poorly understood. At the May Tacoma Science Cafe, join Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium zoologist Karen Povey to explore the challenges of studying these elusive cats in the wild and learn how our actions can impact the survival of rare species half a world away. You can learn about more Science Cafes by checking out their schedule of talks also taking place in Kirkland and Seattle.

Thurs. 10th thru Sun. 20th - Seattle Beer Week 2012 (All over Seattle!) An insane amount of craft beer awesome events are happening for Seattle Beer Week this month, no one person can possibly do them all! Might be a challenge tho... so get out there and try your darndest.

Thurs. 5/10 Cask-O-Rama Pt.1 (BPP)
Fri. 5/11 Back in Black Stout Fest (Brouwer's Cafe) & Cask-O-Rama Pt.2 (BPP)
Sat. 5/12 Pine Box Can Derby (The Pine Box) & Brewers Mini-Golf Blowout (Interbay Golf Center)
Sun. 5/13 Iron Brewer Triple Header (BPP)
Mon. 5/14 This is Washington Dammit! (BPP) & Beer Bingo! (Pyramid) & Big Al's Brewery Night (Columbia City Alehouse) & Big Sky Ride the Bull Night (Brouwer's Cafe)
Tues. 5/15 Northwest Women in Beer (Pike Brewing Co.) & New Brewers' Night (Park Pub) & Bottleworks Cellar Tasting (Bottleworks)
Wed. 5/16 Score on Skip (American Brewing Co.) & All Beer Quiz Night (BPP) & New Belgium Sour Symposium (Stumbling Monk) & Snipes Mountain Sour Night (The Noble Fir)
Thurs. 5/17 Sour Fest (Brouwer's Cafe) & Wall of Casks (Latona Pub)
Fri. 5/18 Bodacious Brewfest (BPP)
Sat. 5/19 Beer Sensory Panel w/ Jamie Floyd (Bottleworks)

Saturday 12th -  
Gig Harbor Beer Festival (Gig Harbor, noon-7p) Check out the site for information on tickets and which brewers will be representin'. This is the first beer festival in Gig Harbor and I'm sure the sun will be a shining!!!
Pocket Aces Double IPA Release @ Wingman Brewery Tap Room (Tacoma, 2-11p) Head on down to the new Wingman Tap Room for a pint of their New Pocket Aces Double IPA. There's only one keg of it so show up early!

Wednesday 16th
-Wingman Brewers Night @ Dog & Pony (Renton, 6:30p) There should be a Wingman beer on tap for every kind the Wingman guys have available at that time. Go drink and enjoy some local 253 goodness!
-Silver City Tap Room Opening @ Silver City Brewery (Bremerton, 3p)
Silver City Brewery Taproom will open to the public on Wednesday May 16th. The Taproom will feature all of their annual offerings, seasonal brews, specialty releases, small & pilot batch & experimental beers on tap for guests to try & enjoy. All beers will be available in samples or pints to enjoy, with most available for growler fills, 22oz bottles & kegs to go. Silver City Taproom will also offer retail merchandise and daily brewery tours.
  
Thursday 17th - (SBWk Event) Sour Fest @ Brouwer's Cafe (Seattle, 11a) This might be a day worth getting off work early for... Russian River Supplication, Temptation, Several Cantillions, Cascade has something in the works, as does New Belgium, Double Mountain Devil's Kriek, and so many more. Oh my!

Friday 18th - Give Blood Get Beer @ The Spar (Tacoma) Cascade Regional Blood Services brings a bloodmobile to the sponsoring business for a Pint-for-Pint blood drive around lunch time or early afternoon. All registered donors receive a prepaid coupon for a pint of beer that can be redeemed beginning the day following the drive.

Wednesday 23rd - Wingman Brewers Can Release Party @ 99 Bottles (Federal Way, 4-7:30p) That's right! Wingman Brewers of Tacoma is now packaging some of their beers... in cans! Why cans? It keeps beer fresher, protecting it from light and oxygen better than the bottle. And you can take cans nearly anywhere: River rafting, golfing,... Meet head brewer Ken Thoburn and taste Wingman's canned beers for $1 and bring photo id. The first 48 tasters get a FREE Wingman pint glass!!                                         

Saturday 26th - Made in Tacoma @ Wingman Brewery (Tacoma, 6-11p) Madrona Coffee, 21Cellars Winery, Barrel 51 BBQ, and Backcountry Creamery will be joining Wingman Brewers in a celebration of products made in Tacoma. There will be beer, coffee, wine, cheese, and BBQ. Check out their event page to RSVP and get more information.


Reoccurring Events

Randall Wrecker Mondays @ Parkway Tavern (Tacoma, 6p) - A new beer (and much more!) will be thrown into Parkway's Randall every Monday night for your mouthhole delight. They even have a Randall Wrecker punch card!

Beer Tasting Wednesdays @ Tacoma World Beers (Tacoma, 4-7p) Hit up your localest of local beer stores every Wednesday for a $2 beer tasting. You can always make your own tasting from the beers they have on tap but check out their Facebook page or sign up for the newsletter to see what special beers are being served every week.

Cask Thursdays @ Airways Brewing Tap Room (Kent, 4p) - A firkin will be tapped every Thursday at their Tap Room. You can find weekly updates on what cask ales are being served on their website.

Growler Fills @ Wingman Brewery (Tacoma) - New Taproom open!!! Newly located at 509 1/2 Puyallup Ave, Tacoma, 98421. Swing by for a growler fill or taste of their lovely beer on Thurs, Fri & Sat from 2-11p.


the pissed liBEERian 

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Things are brewing in Puyallup!

It appears that things are really brewing (sorry, I couldn't help myself) in the Puyallup area lately. In addition to the oh so loverly Power House Brewery, the area now hails as the home of both DUO Brewing and Puyallup River Brewing. My experience with the guys and brews behind each of these breweries has been a pleasure in many ways (and by pleasurable I am referring to free bottles of beer and not being scolded in 'class' for talking too much) and I am stoked to see both places making a go of it.

I initially met Puyallup River Brewing's Eric Akeson through my blog (he was a long time reader, first time stalker) and we have become good, beery friends ever since. I was privileged to sample some of his ales early on and am excited to see what progressions have come of the movement to a larger system. Puyallup River is doing bottles only to start and you can currently grab a few at Tacoma Boys, H&L Produce and 99 Bottles. Thank goodness for our new beer fridge (which  has essentially converted a typical, everyday garage into what we lovingly call Beertopia; a heavily guarded and padlocked Beertopia that is...), we are now free of space issues when it comes to buying beer. First brews on my list to snag will be the Paradise Blonde Saison (adorable blond chickie on the label has my salivating, even if the beer style isn't one of my faves) and the Fryingpan Cascadian Red Ale (for obvious reasons).

See? Adorable!
On a random whim of mutual inspiration, my superb minion Basil and I signed up for a Beginners Homebrewing class at the King County Library. Dan O'Leary (of DUO Brewing) helped teach the class, which was not only informative but made the endeavor of homebrewing seem both easy and approachable. Which explains why I still haven't gotten around to doing it yet... The first thing I noticed about Dan was that he was sporting one of those bottle opener rings. Plus he and his co-teacher were willing to take cheesy pics with me for my blog, so my first impression was obviously a favorable one. I've gotten to know Dan a bit through the interwebs and have had his beer at a couple of festivals now. DUO Brewing been a long time dream for both Dan and his wife Heather, who have dealt with a fair share of hardships getting started up. You can find DUO's beer in a few places around Tacoma such as at Engine House No. 9 and The Red Hot, but check out their website for what brews are currently on tap elsewhere. They have hopes to distribute some 22oz bottles on the farmers market scene this summer so keep your eyes peeled!
Dan and I at Belgianfest '12, enjoying some beer and randomness
You can read about more wonderfulness on both breweries if you check out the recent write ups by Sue Kidd (of TNT Diner fame), on both DUO Brewing and Puyallup River Brewing.

I'm curious to hear what others have to say about these local brews so feel free to drop me a line with your thoughts!

Cheers!
the pissed liBEERian

Me and my trusty sidekick, BASIL!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

April Craft Beer Events

April Craft Beer Events & Going Ons
in and around Tacoma
(including related events outside of Tacoma that I think are rad and/or will be attending personally)


Tuesday 10th - Science Cafe @ The Swiss Pub (Tacoma, 6:30p) Get your nerd on while enjoying a pint or two! This month's Science Cafe topic is all about climate change. "Climate Change and the Arctic Ocean"As global warming continues, we hear a lot about melting polar ice, warming oceans, and their potential consequences. At the April Tacoma Science Café, join Dr. Mike Steele from UW's Polar Science Center to discuss his experiences in the Arctic studying how our changing climate is affecting the Arctic Ocean. If this date/time/location isn't convenient for you, check out the other April Science Cafes in different areas.

Thursday 12th - PRO-AM Parkway Submissions Due @ Parkway Tavern (Tacoma, by closing time) This is the last day to enter your beers in the Parkway Am-Pro. Bottles must be properly labeled and it is $5 per entry. MGD & I have been asked to guest judge again this year and I'm excited for another chance to do so, it was so fun and I learned a ton!

Saturday 14th - Snipes Mountain Brewers Dinner & Blending Panel @ Snipes Mountain Brewery (Sunnyside, 6p) All kinds of delicious, gourmet oddities (such as Prairie Oysters and Creole Bread Pudding) will be served up to us with Snipes beer pairings for their Brewers Dinner after we participate in a beer blending panel. And since MGD and myself are making the trek across the mountain on Friday night, we can commence the wine tasting at 10a on Saturday to get nice and lubed up for said blending and eating.

Sunday 15th - PRO-AM Parkway Beer Judging @ Parkway Tavern (Tacoma, should probably find out what time they need us there since we have to drive back from Eastern, WA this same morning...) We had a blast being a part of the beer judging process for Parkway's PRO-AM homebrew competition, I'm sure this year won't let us down one bit either! Can't wait to try what's been concocted! Last year I rated a barleywine that a good friend had brewed (unknowingly a the time, as all the brews are anonymous) and he gave me some kudos for my review a few weeks later. He said my comments were constructive and helpful, so this year I feel marginally more confident in my abilities as a judger of beery goodness vs. beery badness.

Wednesday 18th 
- Wingman Brewers Night @ Diamond Knot Brewery & Alehouse (Mukilteo, 6-9p) I don't have any other info on this so just show up at Diamond Knot and enjoy some tasty Wingman brews, mmmmkay?
- Sidetrack Distillery Collaboration Beer Release @ Airways Bistro (Kent,  5:30p) For the 2nd beer released in Airways' collaboration series you can head on down to the Bistro and enjoy Airways Starliner Stout with Oak Chips soaked in Raspberry Liquer.
- Black Raven Night @ Red Hot (Tacoma, 6p)Your favorite tube steak place has the hook up on some gems by the oh so popular Black Raven Brewery. Swing in tonight for a taste of the Trickster IPA, Totem Northwest Pale, Wisdom Seeker Double IPA and Grandfather Raven Redmond Imperial Stout (only brewed once a year). It's sure to be packed with this kind of line up, so get there early!

Thursday 19thDouble IPA Blind Tasting @ Beveridge Place Pub (West Seattle, All day long) Think you know what your favorite IPA is? Challenge your taste buds with 6 of the best and find out the truth...

 Saturday 21st - Wingman's New Brewery Opening!!!  (Tacoma, starts at 2p) The Wingman Brewery doors will finally be open on the new brewery and taproom, a much needed expansion. You can find their new digs at 509 1/2 Puyallup Ave, Tacoma, 98421. Come join the party!

Wednesday 25th
-PBR Night @ Parkway Tavern (Tacoma) Something about there being a gigantic Connect Four game, IDK. Gets pretty kuh-razee up in the Parkway sometimes so bring your A-Game.
-DUO Brewing Brewers Night @ Dog & Pony (Renton, 6:30p) Go try a pint of DUO's Belgian Golden Ale, Coffee Porter, Cask Conditioned Vanilla Porter, or the Milk Stout.

Saturday 28th - April WABL Gathering @ H20 Bar (Anacortes, 3-6p) This new beer bar is owned and operated by the peeps of Anacortes Brewery. Go check out the new bar (maybe on your way to April Brew's Day in Bellingham) and enjoy 24 taps of lovely craft beer. WABL members can enjoy $3 pints (this means you should probably bring your passport) and there will be prize drawings!

Saturday 28th thru Monday 30th - Holy Crap, It's Barley Wine Fest! @ Parkway Tavern (Tacoma, from 2p on Sat. until closing on Sun. (technically 2a Mon.) My liver is both excited and currently cramping in anticipatory happiness for the Parkway's BWF. I don't remember last year very well but that means I probably had a stellar time. Hit up their Facebook page for a complete list, it's guaranteed to make your mouth hole water. They usually coordinate a Barley Brunch for one of the mornings with special food (brunch, duh) and beers so keep an eye out for that as well!

Reoccurring Events

Randall Wrecker Mondays @ Parkway Tavern (Tacoma, 6p) - A new beer (and much more!) will be thrown in the Randall every Monday night for your delight. They even have a punch card!

Beer Tasting Wednesdays @ Tacoma World Beers (Tacoma, 4-7p) Hit up your localest of local beer stores every Wednesday for a $2 beer tasting. You can always make your own tasting from the beers they have on tap but check out their Facebook page or sign up for the newsletter to see what special beers are being served every week.

Cask Thursdays @ Airways Brewing Tap Room (Kent, 4p) - A firkin will be tapped every Thursday at their Tap Room. You can find weekly updates on what cask ales are being served on their website.

Growler Fills @ Wingman Brewery (Tacoma) - New Taproom open now!!! Newly located at 509 1/2 Puyallup Ave, Tacoma, 98421. Swing by for a growler fill or taste of their lovely beer on Thurs, Fri & Sat from 2-11p.

 April showers bring me
special beer powers!