Tickets On Sale for Rat Fest 2017

Rat Fest is back February 4 for its seventh incarnation at the Arbor Brewing Microbrewery in Ypsilanti. The popular annual event showcases beers brewed by area homebrewing clubs on Arbor's 10-gallon brewing system, dubbed the Rat Pad.

The event will take place from 1-5 p.m, and follow the same format as previous years, offering 28 different small-batch beers brewed by members of the Ann Arbor Brewers Guild, Pontiac Brewing Tribe, Sons of Liberty, and four other homebrewing clubs. Beers from past events have included such creative takes as Golden Graham Brown Ale, Orange Creamsicle Ale, Shebrew Rye Caraway Ale, Tangerine Coffee IPA, and Loaded Baked Potato Stout.

Tickets are $30 in advance ($35 at the door, if available) and can be purchased by calling the brewery at 734-480-2739 or picking them up in person. The cost includes unlimited beer samples, a commemorative glass, and hot dogs and other appetizers. You know what to do!

Arbor Microbrewery to Host Beer Off-Flavor Class

Certified Cicerone Annette May. 

What does it mean when a beer is "skunky" or "oxidized"? What makes a beer taste like butterscotch, green apples, or creamed corn? What's the difference between an ester and a phenol?

If you want to know all of this stuff and more, then you'll want to check out Fermenta's upcoming Beer Off-Flavor class, taking place Sunday, November 6, at the Arbor Brewing Microbrewery in Ypsilanti. Using the Siebel Institute's Sensory Training Kit, Certified Cicerone and beer educator par excellence Annette May will take you through the eight most common off-flavors in beer, including their causes and how to recognize them.

This class is essential for homebrewers, folks studying for the BJCP exam, those pursuing Cicerone certification of any level, or any beer enthusiast looking to deepen his or her knowledge of the world's best beverage. Tickets are $30 for Fermenta members or $35 for non-members. For more information and to purchase, go here.

Rat Fest Returns

After a year hiatus, the Rat Fest homebrew event is returning to the Corner Brewery February 20 in Ypsilanti. In its six-ish year history, Rat Fest has expanded and evolved considerably, and if you've not checked it out, I would recommend doing so. Tickets are on sale now and the event usually sells out, so act fast. Here's the official press release with all the details:

In a celebration of their roots, Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery in Ypsilanti is hosting the sixth annual Rat Fest homebrew competition February 20, 2016.

The Arbor Brewing Company brand has deep roots in the homebrewing community. Owners Matt and Rene Greff began homebrewing long before Arbor Brewing was born in 1995.

Rat Fest started off as a competition to brew 24 beers in one 24-hour session on two systems between the brewery staff and members of the Ann Arbor Brewer’s Guild. Over the course of the first two years, the event grew and eventually the brewery decided to open the competition up to more of the local homebrew clubs in Southeast Michigan.

This year the microbrewery has invited eight home brewing clubs to come and demonstrate their brewing creativity on a 10-gallon brewing system, affectionately known as The Rat Pad. The AABG Hopheads, AABG Yeasters, Burns Park Brewing, Brighton Brew Club, The Brew Divas, Motor City Mashers, The Sons of Liberty, and Hyperion Brew Club are each brewing four beers for public competition.

As an added bonus, the ABC Microbrewery brew staff has come up with a challenge for the homebrewers: One of their four beers must be a sour. A sour beer is one that is characterized by an intentional sour or tart taste by allowing wild yeast or good bacteria to be introduced into the brew. The result is a wide array of fantastically tart, puckering brews!

This year’s Rat Fest will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on February 20 at Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery in Ypsilanti. Tickets are $30 in advance, or $40 at the door, and include a commemorative tasting glass, beer samples and appetizers. Tickets can be purchased in person at the microbrewery or by phone at 734-480-2739.

Celebrating American Craft Beer Week, Ann Arbor Style

Next Monday marks the beginning of American Craft Beer Week (ACBW), and there are various beer-oriented activities going on around town as a result. Here are a few highlights:

• Wolverine State Brewing, 2019 W. Stadium Blvd., is offering a VIP card beginning Monday, May 11, which entitles the bearer to all sorts of swell discounts and privileges throughout ACBW. These include (but are not limited to) 25 cents for your first beer each day, $2 beer specials the rest of the time, and $5 off the May 14 beer and appetizer pairing in the taproom. VIP cards are $18 or $25 with a special commemorative silipint, which you can use in the taproom all week if you want. See more details on Wolverine's website.
• Arbor Brewing Brewpub, 114 E. Washington St., has different discounts and specials each day, including a tour of the brewhouse with head brewer Chris Davies on Saturday, May 16, from 12-2 p.m. RSVP to beth@arborbrewing.com. Go here to see all the other ABC happenings.
• Arbor Brewing Microbrewery, 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti, is gonna party like it's 1995 in honor not only of ACBW but also of the 20th anniversary of Arbor Brewing's founding. Look for daily Facebook contests, '90s throwback pint prices, specialty brews, and some classics from the kitchen. Follow the brewery on Facebook for updates. And don't forget the first Halcyon Sundaze of the season on Sunday, May 17, from 2-9. I'm working on my setlist as I type this!
• World of Beer, 1300 S. University Ave., is kicking things off Monday with a 6-9 p.m. tap event featuring Coronado Brewing and Latitude 42 Brewing. On tap look for Coronado's Islander IPA, Orange Avenue Wit, and Sock Knocker Imperial IPA; Latitude 42's Lilikoi Wheat Ale and Party at the Moon Tower IPA; and a collaboration brew between the two: 10 Degrees of Separation English Brown Ale. Use hashtag #wobtrip throughout the week for a chance to win an excursion to three American craft breweries, and watch WOB's Facebook page for more.
• Each day of the week, HopCat Ann Arbor, 311 Maynard St., is featuring a different brewery on tap. Monday is Dogfish Head (Aprihop, Namaste, Black and Blue, and more), Tuesday is Coronado and Latitude 42, Wednesday is Arbor Brewing, and Thursday is Brooklyn Brewery. Keep an eye on Facebook for specific beer information and tapping times.
• On Thursday, May 14, from 7-9 p.m., the Beer Grotto, 303 S. Ashley St., is hosting "Hoppy History Night," featuring yours truly talking about and signing copies of Ann Arbor Beer along with featured beers from Arbor, including Buzzsaw IPA, Demetrius Sour Ale, Euchre Pilsner, Phat Abbot Tripel, Strawberry Blond Ale, and a special firkin of Ryeclops Rye IPA. Arbor owners Matt and Rene Greff will also be there to give hugs and high fives.

The Every Two Weeks in Beer: Resolve to Drink Better Beer

Coming really soon: 36 taps at The Beer Grotto's new Ann Arbor location at 303 S. Ashley St.

It’s a new year, and you’ve probably got a whole list of things you’ve resolved to accomplish in 2015. Things like get in shape, get organized, save money, finally clean out that damn garage, and stop judging other people so harshly for their poor grammar. Oops, that last one’s me. May I humbly suggest that you also resolve to drink better beer? It’s easy to do. There’s so much of it all around town that it’s hard to keep up, even if you already feel like you’re doing a pretty good job. Here’s the latest roundup to give you ideas. And you may want to go ahead and renew that gym membership in the meantime. Just in case.

The Every Two Weeks in Beer: Big Brews to Keep You Warm in December

Now that you’re done stuffing your face with turkey, mashed potatoes, squash soup, corn, cranberries, and all the rest of the Thanksgiving buffet, it’s time to kick it into high gear for the end-of-year holiday freakout. Check the sale papers! Get out your wallet! Rush, rush, rush, but look out you don’t slip on the ice or bump into that old lady carrying twenty packages.

Well, it’s not all crazy and bad. There are also fun and festive events to light up your December, and many of them even feature big, bold beers to keep you warm as you do the ho-ho-holiday shuffle. Shall we?

The Every Two Weeks in Beer: The Road to Oktoberfest

Wolverine's The Massacre Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Dark Lager returns this week.

It’s not quite here yet, but you can hear the distant sounds of a tuba as the German band warms up for a certain seasonal celebration involving lots of lager, sausage, and pretzels. In the meantime, you can reap a harvest of other good brews with the cornucopia of cool events going on all around town as we head into Oktoberfest season.

The Every Two Weeks in Beer: Change in the Air – And Your Glass

Seasons may change, but good beer remains.

Change is in the air. The roads, sidewalks, bars, and restaurants are all more crowded, thanks to throngs of students who, like swallows to Capistrano, dependably return to our fair city en masse at the same time every year. Not only that, but the astute observer will have noted the slow withdrawal on tap of various wheats, wits, and other lighter beers in favor of browns, porters, pumpkin beers, and more fall faves. It’s just another reminder of the natural cycle, as well as beer’s long and storied place within it. Be a part of the cycle! Here are some ideas on how.

The Every Two Weeks in Beer: Summer’s Almost Gone

Epic competition returns to Ann Arbor this fall. Not Michigan football --
I mean Vinology's Beer vs. Wine Dinner! But yeah, Michigan football, too.

As the summer wanes, the unmistakable signs of the coming fall appear around town. The return of the students, the beginning of another football season, and the reappearance of autumnal ales are harbingers of the cooler days and nights ahead. It’s all part of the natural cycle, so why not go out and enjoy it? Here are a few suggestions on where and how.

ABC Microbrewery Launches Campaign to Build New Kitchen

The makeshift "Ypsitucky Kitchen" is getting long in the tooth, so yesterday the Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery (aka Corner Brewery) launched a new crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo.com to raise between $75,000 and $125,000 to build a real kitchen.

Now, before you're all like "yawn, another crowdfunding campaign," you'll want to see what some of the offered rewards are, like lifetime Mug Club memberships, private parties, and a "sour cellar." Makes me wish I had money.

The Every Two Weeks in Beer: Independence Day Calls for Independent Beers

Murka.

That uniquely American holiday known as Independence Day is coming up, and what could be more American than grilled food, fireworks, and, of course, beer — especially beer from independent breweries (see what I did there)? You’re on your own for the grilling and fireworks, but I can help you find where the good beer is leading up to your 4th of July vacation and beyond.

Thursday, June 26

» Get thee to Witch’s Hat, 22235 Pontiac Trail, South Lyon, by 2 p.m. for the release (bottle and draft) of Well Water, which is Holy Confusion Barleywine aged (and dry-hopped) in Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels. However, if you’re not a Mug Club member, you’ll have to wait until Friday to get your bottles (you can get draft), if any’s left. If not, ask about the spiffy new $5 Well Water tulip glasses. You can buy one to remind of what might have been, unless you have a generous Mug Club friend willing to split his or her bottle with you. Read more about it here.

» World of Beer, 1300 South University Ave., is hosting a Lagunitas tap takeover to benefit Gilda's Club of Metro Detroit, which provides support for people stricken with cancer. Event begins at 7 p.m.

The Every Two Weeks in Beer: Welcome the Patio Season with Good Brews

Image source: Biercamp on Facebook.

The patio season is here, and as even a careless observer knows, Ann Arborites love to do a lot of dining and drinking outdoors when the weather cooperates. But whether inside or out, there are opportunities galore to find the perfect beer to suit the season and your mood. Here are some highlights.

The Local's Guide to American Craft Beer Week

Did you know American Craft Beer Week starts tomorrow? Now you do! Here's a quick rundown of who's doing what and when.

Monday, May 12

» Arbor Brewing Brewpub, 114 E. Washington, will have a couple guest beers on tap all week, selected by head brewer Mike Moroney. Look for Mt. Pleasant Sacred Gruit Ale and Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA. And, of course, today is happy hour all day.

» Arbor Brewing Microbrewery, 720 Norris, Ypsilanti, is releasing a different special beer each day of the week. Today: Remedy Ginger Pale Ale, a crisp 7.2% ABV ale with a nose full of ginger and subtle citrus hop notes.

» World of Beer, 1300 South University Ave., is having a Sam Adams tap takeover, featuring Boston Lager, Double Bock, Hazel Brown Ale, Honey Queen Braggot, Rebel IPA, and Summer Ale. Everyone who orders a Sam Adams beer gets a free Sam Adams glass (while supplies last) and a ticket for a raffle to win something cool. Boston Brewing rep Catherine will also be on hand to talk beer.

The Short Pour Celebrates Drinko de Mayo

An old t-shirt. Because I don't have any better illustration.

Commemorating the epic battle of something or other with beer and tacos. Mexico!

• ¡Street party! For the second year, Tios Mexican Cafe, 401 E. Liberty St., is closing off the street in front of the restaurant for a Cinco de Mayo celebration from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Various beverages, including Mexican beers and Dragonmead Final Absolution Trippel, will be pouring in the beer tent, and there will be live music and Mexican food (natch).
• ¡Viva la cerveza! World of Beer, 1300 South University Ave., is offering $3 drafts of Short's Cerveza de Julie Mexican Lager, Dos Equis Amber, and Pacifico Pilsner, along with half-off Margar-IPAs, whatever those are. Ashley's, 338 S. State St., is also tapping Cerveza de Julie.
• ACBW is coming. May 12-18 is American Craft Beer Week. Yes, this is a thing. The Arbor Brewing Brewpub, 114 E. Washington St., and Microbrewery, 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti, are celebrating all week long with specials. See what's on tap at the brewpub here and the microbrewery here.
• Stock up on hops. Adventures in Homebrewing is celebrating 15 years in business with a today-only 15% off coupon, good for not just hops but damn near everything. Get the coupon here; expires tonight at midnight.

The Every Two Weeks in Beer: An Unbelievable Bonanza of Beer

Nothing like an imperial stout poured through a Randall of espresso beans.

Beer dinners, homebrewing, outdoor imbibing, firkins full of real ale. Man, there’s so much going on in the local beer scene the next two weeks you wouldn’t believe me if I told you. But I’m going to tell you anyway, because that’s how I do.

The Every Two Weeks in Beer: Hops Aren't Just for Easter

Image: "Hops" by Paul Miller CC By 2.0.

Shed those winter clothes, stretch your arms and legs, and get outside to feel some of that warm sun on your skin (when it’s not raining or snowing, anyway). Everywhere you look, patios are opening, deck furniture is getting dusted off, and beers are being poured in the great outdoors. Be a part of it all this holiday weekend and beyond. After all, hops aren't just for Easter.

The Every Two Weeks in Beer: Skip the Clichés and Go for the Brew

Soon.

It’s April, and I’m fresh out of clichés about warm weather, new life and new beginnings, spring cleaning, college basketball, taxes, and, oh yeah, beer. But despite my lazy — I mean ironic and “meta” — effort here, there is nevertheless a solid schedule of good fun and delicious brew to partake of as spring advances. Here we go.

The Every Two Weeks in Beer: Bell’s Oberon a Harbinger of Spring

Monday is the annual Bell's Oberon Downtown Ann Arbor Pub Crawl.

Apart from the red, red robin coming bob, bob, bobbing along, one sure sign of spring in Michigan is the annual release of Bell’s Oberon Ale, by far the brewery’s most popular beer. And nobody celebrates the occasion quite like Ann Arbor. But Oberon Day is just one of many cool things going on as the weather warms up (fingers crossed). Let’s take a look ahead, shall we?

The Short Pour Is Still Not Green

I know, right?

A few more notes on St. Patrick's Day...

• That's half the cost of a beer. Going to Arbor Brewing in Ann Arbor or the Arbor Microbrewery in Ypsilanti for St. Patrick's Day breakfast? Arm yourself with this coupon for $2 off. That's, like, half the cost of a beer, so be sure to put it to good use. 
• Stouts. Lots of stouts. Witch's Hat, opening at 9 a.m., has 14 stouts pouring for St. Patrick's Day. Yes, 14. They are listed here. 
• Stout lager! Wolverine will debut its new cask beer program on St. Patrick's Day with Velleity Chocolate Milk Stout Cask Lager, a blend of The Volitionist Stout Lager, cacao nibs, and lactose. Get some starting at noon.
• Butt loads. The Wurst Bar is serving up butt-loads (the scientific term) of St. Patrick's Day drink specials, with drafts of Magners Cider, Odd Side Mint Stout, Great Lakes Conway's Irish Red Ale, Short's Uncle Steve's Irish Stout, Arbor Michael Faricy's Irish Stout, and Arcadia Brigid's Irish Red Ale. Plus a bunch of whiskey and stuff.
• Bill's Beer Garden is back. Yeah, I know I said that before. Here's some more stuff about it.

The Short Pour Returns with a Beervengeance

So one of my resolutions for 2014 is to re-invigorate this blog, which could definitely use some re-invigoration. Or even just some plain old invigoration. As part of that effort, I'm resurrecting The Short Pour, an irregular department that rounds up brief beer news and other tidbits that didn't make it into my regular column (usually, but not always, due to deadline thingies).

• Beer festival! No, not that beer festival. Right now, most of Michigan beerdom is in Grand Rapids for the Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival. If you sat it out or weren't able to get tickets, Ohio has a beer festival for you closer to home: the Glass City Beer Festival, taking place Feb. 28 in Maumee (aka Toledo). The organizers have lined up more than 200 beers from 45 breweries, a number of which we don't see in Michigan. General admission tickets are $30 in advance ($35 at the door) and VIP tickets (includes special beers and early entry) are $50 in advance ($55 at the door). See all the details, including the beer and brewery list, on the official website.
• Free (and cheap) beer. Really! Keeping up with the high cost of living can be easy if you know where  and when to look. Every Friday, you should look at the Produce Station, 1629 S. State St., and/or the Wine Seller, 2721 Plymouth Rd., who routinely host free beer tastings beginning at 5 p.m. to get your weekend started right. After 8 p.m., check out the Wurst Bar, 705 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti, where craft drafts are just $2 after 8 p.m. You're welcome.
• Laissez les bon temps roulez. It's Mardi Gras time, y'all. Both the Chelsea Alehouse, 420 N. Main St., Chelsea, and the Arbor Brewing Microbrewery (née Corner Brewery), 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti, are celebrating in style. On Saturday, March 1, Creole du Nord rocks the Alehouse from 8-11 p.m. with an infectious zydeco groove, and also offers up free dance lessons and a New Orleans-inspired menu. Oh, and beer. On the Day Itself, March 4, the Arbor Microbrewery is hosting a four-course New Orleans-inspired beer dinner beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 (plus tax and tip) and seating is limited to 25. Stop by the brewery or call 734-487-2739 for tickets. Menu is here.
• Taking over the taps. Lagunitas Brewing of Petaluma, Calif., takes over (some of) the taps at Sidetrack Bar & Grill, 56 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti, Feb. 26 beginning at 6 p.m. Beer list is still TBD, but look for something special pouring through the 'track's spiffy new Randall.