Moment of truth: I started this post thinking Central Market was going to host some marginal events over the next week for their Brewniversity event and, mostly, I was excited that they're offering 20 percent off beer purchases of $25 of more. But as I dug through the store calendars, there are actually some pretty awesome events and tastings.
Various breweries will be at different stores offering samples and tastings over the next 10 days, including Ballast Point, No Label, Mendocino, Brooklyn Brewery, Saint Arnold, Rahr, Alaskan, Franconia, Oskar Blues, Lazy Magnolia, Perdernales, Lakewood, Martin House, Revolver and Boulevard.
CM has updated all of the individual store calendars with all the details, just make sure you have your preferred store pulled up.
Here are some highlights:
At the Central Market on Lovers tonight (September 13), High Road Craft Ice Cream is doing a tasting of the brown ale caramel ice cream and lemon hop sorbet. John Leinenkugel from Leinenkugel will be there from noon to 3:00 p.m. sharing his goods.
And from 4 to 7 p.m. there will be tastings with master cicerone Neil Witte from Boulevard Brewery and Phil Leinhart from Ommegang.
Next Thursday, September 19, at 6:30 there is a Brooklyn Brewery beer dinner for $45 at 6:30 p.m. at the CM on Lovers with brew master Garrett Oliver, who is "reviving an art that was once a thriving industry."
If you happen to be in Fort Worth, they have recently added a 19-tap craft beer wall along with a growler system. Customers can either purchase 32 or 64-ounce growlers at the store, or bring their own.
Also in Fort Worth, Fritz Rahr of Rahr & Sons Brewing is hosting a beer dinner tomorrow night along with chef Eric Hunt of the Fire Oak Grill in Weatherford. The menu includes Rahr Blonde Lager steamed clams and mussels.
And, in what might be the coolest event, next Wednesday, St. Arnold's will have a special release tasting from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Fort Worth store. From the site, "You'll enjoy a tasting led by the Brewmaster that includes the Bishop's Barrel series of releases that have been barrel aged." You need to reserve a spot for $25. Barrel number 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12 and 13 will be on hand to sample.
