Please drink locally
American Craft Beer Week puts the spotlight on nation's microbreweries
American Craft Beer Week, a celebration of the dedicated microbreweries that save us from Anheuser-Busch's mostly bland products, kicked off on Monday, and many of our favorite breweries and pubs will be rolling out special taps and hosting tasting events to celebrate.
The week is packed with worthwhile events, but we have compiled a list of a few from each day that we're most excited about. Check it out.
Tuesday May 15:
Draughthouse will be tapping New Belgium's Tart Lychee, a sour beer that has been a favorite among enthusiasts. A cheese pairing will be provided alongside the brew thanks to Antonelli's Cheese Shop. Pint glasses will be given away with purchase of the Tart Lychee, Ranger IPA, Belgo IPA or Somersault.
North by Northwest will be releasing the 2012 batch of their Barton Kriek sour. The brew took home the bronze medal at last year's Great American Beer Fest and will be in short supply. Definitely one to try before the keg empties.
The Dig Pub will be tapping a cask of Great Divide's 18th Anniversary Wood Aged Double IPA. Based off of one of their most popular brews, the double IPA provides a very hoppy flavor that manages to mellow out some of the bitterness. One of my favorite double IPAs.
Wednesday May 16:
Draughthouse will be hosting a Deschutes Brewing tasting. The Oregon based brewery has recently popped up all over Austin, and with good reason. If you haven't yet, grab one of their variety 12 packs, each of the diverse brews is worth a drink. Their Hop Henge and Hop In the Dark — a delicious sounding India Black Ale — will be showcased.
Independence Brewing will host a pint night at Zax Pints and Plates from 5 to 7 p.m. Sample the featured brews and keep the glassware while supplies last.
North by Northwest will be celebrating their spot in upcoming beer documentary, Crafting a Nation by screening the team's past beer doc, Beer Culture. Beer themed trivia to follow.
Thursday May 17:
Hopfields will be debuting Shmaltz Brewery/ Coney Island's new Mermaid Pilsner, a Brooklyn, NY brewed golden amber, from 6 to 8 p.m.
One of the more packed events, North by Northwest and Austin Film Society SXSW Community ShortCase will be screening select shorts at Austin Studios. Discussion and tour of the studios will follow, with complimentary beer provided by NXNW, Austin Beerworks and Live Oak Brewing.
Celebrate Austin Beerworks' 1 anniversery at The Dig Pub with Flying Head Butt Belgian Imperial IPA at 7 p.m. Beerworks glasses will be given away with each pint.
Friday May 18:
Taste a rare Convict Hill cask at Draughthouse alongside a plate of oysters from 4 to 6 p.m. Brooklyn Brewery showcase, with glasses and cheese pairing will also be available.
Swing by Whip In for a performance by klezmer band, Mazel Tov Kocktail Hour. Shmaltz Brewing's He'Brew Hop Manna pints will be available for $3 from 5 to 9 p.m. And they will be tapping one of the first kegs of Coney Island's Albino Python.
Head over to Skinny's Ballroom from 7 to 11:30 p.m. for their American Craft Beer Week party. Expect music and plenty of Independence brews on special.
Saturday May 19:
Draughthouse will be tapping kegs of Victory Brewing's Braumeister Pils and Scarlet Fire.
Flying Saucer will be featuring beers from Colorado's Breckenridge Brewery.
Sunday May 20:
Independence will be at Flying Saucer from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Tapping a Lupulust cask, and serving their other brews at special prices.
There you have it, enough beer drinking events to keep your belly full and brain comfortably inebriated throughout the week. Cheers!
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A thank you to Austin Beer Guide for compiling much of the info seen here.