Portland & New York: On Deck

The artistry continues inside at Old Lompoc's Sidebar, attached to the brewing space. Try some damn good barrel-aged brew here.

Unfortunately, the BB crew has to maintain employment at real jobs. So we apologize for the lack of material this Monday. We promise to make up for it with some great content on Tuesday.

On Deck – BeerBlotter.com release installment #2 of its New York Beer Chronicles, which includes visits to Blind Tiger, Gingerman, Rattle N Hum (Again), d.b.a., Spuyten Duvil, and Mugs Alehouse.

Also, BeerBlotter.com’s run through Portland. This trip we tried to hit some of the outlying grog houses, including Concordia Alehouse, Lompoc’s Sidebar, Hopworks Urban Brewery, Beermongers, Eastburn, Upright Brewing, and of course – a stop at Belmont Station, Horse Brass, and Bailey’s Taproom (sneak preview: Horse Brass still the best).

So check back tomorrow to read up and meet some of the great people we met along the way (thanks Cody @ HorseBrass and Patrick @ Lompoc).

Events for the week of December 21, 2009

The Old Toad, a British Pub in Rochester, NY

The countdown to Christmas Day is in full effect, so one can only imagine the lack of beer events to unveil.  In place of events, this post will provide more information on what will be on tap leading up to Christmas Day.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Extreme Winter Beers: New York, New York

5:00 PM- until close @ Rattle N’ Hum

A continuation from last week, this event wraps up tomorrow night.  This tap list is top notch and full of Christmas beers and “Winter Warmers.”  Start your holiday week off with the spirit of Christmas in liquid form: Corsendonk Christmas Ale, Elysian Bifrost, Troegs Mad Elf, Heavy Seas Winter Storm and many many many more. For a full list, visit ratebeer.com.

Lagunitas Tasting: Portland, Oregon

5:00 PM-8:00 PM @ The Beermongers

Join the Beermongers for a special Lagunitas Tasting Event and Holiday “Give the Gift of Beer” Sale. Although a list is not posted on the venue’s website, expect to taste brews such as Lagunitas Brown Shugga and Lagunitas Little Sumpin’ Extra and the brewery’s seasonal Cappuccino Stout.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Give a Pint, Get a Pint: Escondido, California

10:00 AM- 5:00 PM @ Stone Brewing Co.

Today and tomorrow, come by Stone Brewing Co., donate a pint of blood and enjoy a great tasting beer in your brand spanking new pint glass.  This event is just one of the many thing Stone Brewing Co. is doing this holiday season to help others in need.  Bring your canned goods down to the brewery for their annual food drive and/or participate in the Toys for Tots program by bringing in a new toy(s).

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Special Kegs!: New York, New York

4:00 PM @ Blind Tiger

For the past month, you have been running around buying gifts for everyone in your life.  Today is the day to buy yourself the gift of beer.  This NYC beer bar is cleaning out the cellar and there will be specialty kegs of the following beers (plus others), Dogfish Head Worldwide Stout (GET THIS!), Allagash Victor, Scaldis Noel, Great Divide Fresh Hop and Stone 13th Anniversary. We can only hope that some of these beers will last through the weekend, as we will be in the Big Apple for the Christmas holiday.

Brown Bag Night: Hollywood, California

6:00 PM- 10:00 PM @ Blue Palms Brewpub

Just in time for the new year, Blue Palms Brewpub is holding a blind tasting with a theme of “The Best of 2009.” Price of admission? Just a bottle or two of your favorite beers of the year, that you bring in for the occasion. Any beer of your choice, provided you think it is “worthy” of “Best of 2009” consideration. If you’re bringing a 22 oz. or 750 mL bottle, one should be enough. If it’s a 12-ounce bottle or can, please bring two (if possible– if you only have one, just bring the one).

Give a Pint, Get a Pint: Escondido, California

10:00 AM- 5:00 PM @ Stone Brewing Co.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Holiday Ale Extravaganza: Rochester, New York

4:00PM- 2:00PM @ The Old Toad

Tonight ends the the range of Christmas/Winter beers on tap at The Old Toad.  Featured beers include, Goose Island Bourbon County Stout, Ommegang Adoration, Brooklyn Black Chocolate Vintage 08′, Avery Old Jubilation and Sierra Nevada Celebration.

Rare Draft Revelry: Seattle, Washington

3:00 PM- 2:00 AM @ The Beveridge Place Pub

It is the night before Christmas and Beveridge Place Pub is tapping some very special brews: Avery Samael’s, Deschutes Abyss, Schooner Exact Bourbon Hoppy Holidays, ‘t Smisje Catherine the Great Imperial Stout, Dubuisson Cuvee des Trolls, and a mystery bottle…Get a few pints and get home before Santa arrives!

Friday, December 25, 2009

Make sure there is plenty delicious beers to taste and have a very Merry Christmas!

From: Beer Blotter

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Brewery Tours: Brooklyn, New York

1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM @ Brooklyn Brewery

The tours are informative and approximately 20 minutes long which leaves patrons plenty of extra time to taste all of the 8 beers on tap.  The brewery is open from 12:00 PM until 6:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays and pints are only $4.00!

Boxing Day Beer Festival: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

8:00AM (oh yes) – close @ the Memphis Taproom

Starting bright and early, the Memphis Taproom will be featuring a rotating tap list of some of the following seasonal beers: **Lost Abbey Angel’s Share, **Port Brewing Older Viscosity, Lost Abbey Gift of the Maji, Port Brewing Santa’s Little Helper and Ommegang Adoration. In keeping with the tradition of Boxing Day, a British holiday, the bar will be collecting canned food and gently used winter coats and warm blankets for donation to two local organizations that distribute to families in need.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Winterfest ’09 Beer Tasting: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

1:00 PM- 4:00 PM @ World Cafe Live

Space is limited to 250 tickets for this winter beer tasting. Get your spot reserved and enjoy a variety of Stouts, Porters, Winter Seasonals, and Special Holiday Brews.  What beers will be there? Ommegang Three Philosophers, Bells Expedition Stout, Left Hand Milk Stout and Rogue Chocolate Stout, just to name a few that pop. All of the selections are subject to availability.

Between Christmas and all these great beers on tap around the country, beer lovers should be pretty busy this week.  Make sure to check your favorite beer bar’s hours of operation this week, as they might be limited.  Beer Blotter leaves this Wednesday for New York City and we have a ton of stuff planned, so check back this weekend for an update on our beer excursions.  Merry Christmas to all, and to all who go to an event that we listed or know of one worth attending, please leave a comment or email us at beerblotter@gmail.com.