The Beer Friends

Tuesday, May 22 – French Beer Night @ Bierkraft, Brooklyn:

I suppose one could say that Europe is famous for beer.  I mean, after all, if you think about it they were the original craft beer when regular beer was some kind of puddle fruit wine.  However, there is one country in Europe that is often forgotten by craft beerists – France.  If you guessed Spain or Italy then, really?  They probably deserve to be forgotten.  No, it’s France.  Now don’t get me wrong, they have some pretty wildly famous brews, just nothing on the scale of Germany, Belgium or England here in the good ol’ USA (were they pissed after the whole “freedom fry” incident?).  Well, now you can fix this problem in your life by attending tonight’s Tuesday Nice Tasting over at Bierkraft.  They, for free (as long as you can get a seat), are going to walk you through the brews that put Paris on the map. Get there early, because it fills up quick. (more…)

Hey now!  Is it Tuesday already.  I reckon so.  Here’s some beer events for ya!

Tuesday, May 8 – Sierra Nevada Night @ The One Mile House, Manhattan:

Remember when Sierra Nevada was the only West Coast game in town?  They would throw events and thousands, millions even, of people would turn out just to see what those crazy Pacific Highway dudes were brewing.  Now, they come back around a little bit less often, but it’s okay.  We still love them.  They’ll be taking over some taps tonight at the One Mile House on Delancey.  Expect some fancy and semi-rare brews to be pouring.  Here’s the draft list: (more…)

Tuesday, May 1 – Allagash Brewery Night @ Bar Great Harry, Brooklyn:

Have you been looking for an excuse to go to Brooklyn?  Well you shouldn’t have been, it’s awesome and you should visit all the time.  But I suppose if you need special motivation then tonight’s Allagash tap takeover at Bar Great Harry (that’s BGH for you true fans) should be plenty.  They’ll be serving up a draft list of impressive proportions that feature a wide range of Allagash brews – mostly Belgian influenced, but with true American heart. (more…)

Tuesday, April 24 – Allagash Tasting @ Rattle n’ Hum, Manhattan:

Allagash Brewery from Portland, Maine will be bringing their lineup of Belgian inspired brews to Rattle n’ Hum tonight.  Expect some rare and awesome brews (our personal favorite is Allagash Black) as they’ll be pouring from 15 taps.

Rattle n’ Hum is located at 14 East 33rd Street between Madison and 5th Avenues, Midtown, Manhattan. (more…)

Wednesday, April 18 – Ballast Point Tasting @ The Stag’s Head, Manhattan:

It seems just a little while ago I was basking in the glorious glow of the Ballast Point brewery’s chalkboard menu searching the smorgasboard, planning all the delicious pints I would consume.  Now, tonight, Ballast Point is bringing their lineup to Manhattan and the Stag’s Head.  They’ll be featuring 6 draft lines including Victory at Sea and San Salvador.  And as always – free food. (more…)

Tuesday, April 10 – $10 Tuesday Tastings: Yeast Cultures! @ Jimmy’s No. 43, Manhattan:

Even though there are really only 4 ingredients that should go into any beer it as a genre of beverage arguably contains more complexity than any other on the planet.  How can so few ingredients change the flavor in so many, hundreds and thousands even, different ways?  Especially when one ingredient is just water (which believe me, can dramatically affect your beer too!).  Well types of hops and malts are a huge factor, but never discount the little microorganism that makes your brew so fun to drink: YEAST!  Jimmy’s No. 43 will be featuring beers made with different yeast cultures and will do their best to educate you on the slight and not so slight changes in flavors when different strains are used.

Jimmy’s No 43. is located at 43 Upstairs East 7th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, East Village, Manhattan. (more…)

Tuesday, April 3 – Founders Night with Kentucky Breakfast Stout @ Bar Great Harry, Brooklyn:

The elusive KBS. Only the most dedicated craft beer drinker can find where to obtain this masterpiece of brewing. We know that because you keep up with the Beer Friends that you must be dedicated, so we have a reward for you: (more…)

I was in a craft beer bar recently when someone brought up the fact that this year we are already seeing summer brews hit the taps even though it has just turned the corner into spring.  What happened to all those quirky interpretations of the different versions of what a spring beer should be?  The light copper ales, floral IPA’s and crisp browns?  Just because it’s been a mild winter we’re all of sudden dismissing a whole season?  I’m all for the milder temperatures, however I’m not sure I’m ready to ditch a style that has just so recently begun diversifying itself.  Maybe this week’s beer events will contain some solutions…

Tuesday, March 27 – Shmatlz: Coney Island Slideshow Night @ Rattle n’ Hum, Manhattan: (more…)

This is a week of doubles apparently.  Two of NYC’s best beer bars are doubling up their event lineups this week with some big time brews.  Check em’ out!

Tuesday, March 20 – Left Hand Nitro Milk Stout Debut @ Bierkraft, Brooklyn: (more…)