Tacoma: The Gritty City I heart and it's love of drink.

If you haven't already picked up your copy of the latest issue of Tacoma's Weekly Volcano (and hightailed it straight away to see what wittiness the new PSP ad has to offer then immediately started working up a word storm on the crossword puzzle like I do) then you need to get on it!

The featured article is all about the history of libations in the city of Tacoma and the impact that drink has had on our community image through the years. There is such a drink-centric history here that I was astounded to learn of. Here is an excerpt:

"Regardless of whether you work at a desk or in a labor job you want a beer after work," says Thoburn. "Beer tastes good. It makes you smile and if you're having a hard time smiling, chances are having a beer with your friends will help. I think it's good for Tacoma to stick with the working class image, because it's honest."

Ken Thoburn of Tacoma's current-day Wingman Brewing had the following to contribute in the article: "I started a brewery in the historical brewery district because I want to recharge this industry in Tacoma, beer is in our blood," Thoburn continues. "Regardless of whether you work at a desk or in a labor job you want a beer after work," says Thoburn. "Beer tastes good. It makes you smile and if you're having a hard time smiling, chances are having a beer with your friends will help. I think it's good for Tacoma to stick with the working class image, because it's honest."

Click here to read the article in its entirety, you'll be happy you did and hopefully be a smidge more educated as well. Cheers!

Happy 4th Anniversary to The Red Hot !!!!

Today is a day for celebration as we pile some love on the wonderful Red Hot of the 253. It is their 4th Anniversary (which is the 'fruit & flowers' anniversary if you're all traditional like that and trying to pick out a gift for them) and they are hosting a casual BBQ soiree today (Saturday, August 13th) in celebration of their glory and achievement in awesomeness.

Party goes from 11-9p, so find some time to stop by and pay your respects. 

For more info on the event and a big fatty thank you message from The Red Hot, check out their blog/website. Here's the draft lineup for today:

• 7 Seas Bloody Seas Bloody Mary-infused Beer (Uh yeah, delicious! It'll blow your mouth hole away)
• Snoqualmie Falls pub-only keg of Little Si Kolsch
• Cascade Brewing Test Drive IPA
• Cascade Brewing Lime/Ginger/Honey Sour
• Two Beers Heart of Darkness Imperial CDA

While I've known of the Red Hot's existence for a couple years now, they officially weaseled their way into my heart of hearts at Tacoma Craft Beerfest last October. After a string of experiences I had at The Red Hot (some of it was them & some of it was me), it became the place that I wanted to like so very badly, but just didn't. Through the hard pressed efforts of the Red Hot just being cool in the way that it is and owner Chris Miller (one of the nicest dudes you'll ever meet), they now have a perma-place in my heart.

They've stayed true to their nature of serving up delicious/quirky/gourmet tube steaks, on-site execution of any jerks who dare to enter, and pint after pint of great craft beer. 

Wishing The Red Hot many more years of success, keep up the great job in true Tacoma fashion!!

Some of my favorite moments at The Red Hot...

A post gym drink up. Yes, that's what I wear to the gym & yes, I go to a bar after the gym.

The Red Hot is an enthusiastic participator & amazing force behind Tap Night Tacoma (2nd Monday of every month, real cask ales poured at several locations around the 253). We try to make it for every one if we can, whether we have enough funds or not. We're hardcore like that.

Ice Cream Social at The Red Hot

 One of my All Time favorite local events: Tacoma Drinks Washington Beer
2 weeks.
2 punch cards.
2 dedicated imbibers.
Too many pints to count.
(not really, I just prefer not to think about how much money we spent and how much beer we drank)

2 growlers earned.
Pictured above are our first set of victory beers & me claiming Growler #1 at The Red Hot.


way less of a jerk, because of you Red Hot
the pissed liBEERian

 This is me being less of a jerk @ Tacoma Craft Beer Fest. 

 

Photography by that one guy, the Real MGD or something like that. I'm sure I took some of these pics too.

Seattle Beer Week - 7 more days of potential fun!

Numerous days of Seattle Beer Week left!

Here's what looks UBER awesome to me if I had like 5 clones and unlimited monies and minions to do it all....

Monday 23rd

• Beveridge Place Pub (all day) This Is Washington Dammit! Twenty-four Washington beers, all from different breweries. $3 pints and WINGMAN BREWERS will be on tap!
• Columbia City Ale House (6-9p) Odin Brewery will be featuring their Belgian Wit & Ruby Ale (one of my FAVES!), buy a pint and keep the glass!

Tuesday 24th

• Big Time Brewery & Alehouse (all day) Mini (6) IPA Fest. Self explanatory event.
• Bottleworks (3-6p) New Belgium Sensory Class. Learn common defects in beer and why you shouldn't have to drink it. Hosted by Sir Jamie Mastin.
• Brouwer's Cafe (5-10p) Burgers n' Beers Bash. 5 burgers and 5 world class brewers. Go eat some meat, 'cause I'm sure as hell not gonna.
• Brave Horse Tavern (6-9p) Schooner Exact Cask Night. Yet another self explanatory event.

Wednesday 25th

• 99 Bottles (4-6p) Craft Beers of the NW with Lisa Morrison. $3 for 5 Pacific NW craft beers, come earliest for widest selection. Meet beer talk radio hostess, beer author and the beer goddess Lisa Morrison, and have her sign a copy of your book. (have not gotten my copy yet but can't wait to read!)
•  Malt & Vine (5-8p) Oregon's HUB vs. Olympia's Fish Brewing. Self Explanatory. Oh and HUB is freakin'awesome!
• Full Throttle Bottles (6-9p) Ladies of Craft Beer. Meetup sponsored by FTB & Pike B.C. Come network, conversate & imbibe. I'll be there!

Thursday 26th

• Brouwer's Cafe (11a-11:45p) Sour Fest. No details needed, just show up.
• Columbia City Alehouse (6-9p) Big Al Night. The crew will be on hand to discuss the greatness that is Big Al and serve up some of their Summer Ale & IPA.

Friday 27th

• Super Deli Mart (all day) Plenteous Growlers: New Belgium. Hop on over to try some goodness from the Lips of Faith collection. La Folie & Le Terroir... yes please!
• 99 Bottles (5-6p) Dogfish Head Limiteds. For $5 doll hairs come taste 5 DFHead brews and meet/chat with Bryant Goulding of Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales. (SBW Events lists this event happening on Sunday, confirmed with Tiffany of 99 Bottles that it is on Friday @ 5p!)
• Fiddler's Inn (7-11p) Night of the Living Nanos. Brewers from three of WA's smallest breweries unite.

Saturday 28th

• Pub at Piper's Creek (3-8p) CAN-Tathalon Beer Olympics. 6 Teams. Events include: CAN-Struction, CAN-You Shotgun, CAN-You Bullseye,CAN-Putt, CAN-You Barstool Stack, CAN-Toss, CAN-You CAN CAN? Click here for more details and to sign up.
• Duck Island (6-11p) Eve of the Apple II. Take a break from beer and enjoy some fine ciders accompanied by cheese pairings.
• Collins Pub (7-9:30p) Sound Brewing Coursed Dinner. Sound Brewing beer paired with lovely food from Collins, can't go wrong!

Sunday 29th

• Fremont Brewing Company (12p-2p) BBQ & Free Liver Testing. Free BBQ and "Oh Sweet Baby Jesus, What Have I Done to My Liver?" testing. Hahahahaha!
• Old Town Alehouse (12-3p) Pliny Who? Does not specify which Pliny will be on tap (Elder or Younger) but I suggest getting their early if you want any.
• CLOSING CEREMONY @ The Yard Cafe (all stinkin' day) Grand Opening of The Yard Cafe and the grand closing of Seattle Beer Week. Beer, tacos, sunshine... activate!

I hope everyone got a chance to celebrate Seattle Beer Week at one of these events or one of the many others that were scheduled. 

The Pacific Northwest is an amazing place to be if you are a craft beer lover like me. I feel blessed every week, including this one.

the pissed liBEERian