The Week in Beer: Buckets of Brew for You

Chef Doug Hewitt of Terry B's Restaurant & Grill, 7954 Ann Arbor St., Dexter,
pairs American fusion cuisine with Michigan craft beers.

This Week in Beer has everything from tastings to German beer buckets to a class on beer appreciation to a beery celebration of that barfly’s barfly, Tom Waits. Now, aren’t you curious? Keep reading for all the delicious details.

Friday, June 24

» Another Friday, another Michigan beer tasting over at Whole Foods Cranbrook, 990 W. Eisenhower. Join Jimmy and his merry band of beer purveyors at the Wine and Beer Bar for a tasting of Arbor Brewing beers. A brewer or other brewery representative will be on hand to discuss the wonders of beer as you enjoy $3 drafts, $1 sample pours, and bottles of varying prices opened sans corkage fees.

Saturday, June 25

» Judging for the Brew Bubbas Session Beer Challenge homebrew competition takes place at Liberty Street Brewing, 149 W. Liberty, Plymouth, beginning at 12:30 p.m. The Bubbas are still looking for some extra judges and beer stewards, so if you're interested in helping out in a real live competition, contact Craig Belanger at craig@brewbubbas.com. Or swing by the pub, enjoy a pint of something tasty, and watch the show.

» What would summer in Ann Arbor be without the legendary German Park Picnic, the first of which takes place from 4-11 p.m. (no admission after 9 p.m.) at 5549 Pontiac Trail. Get ready for some German food, music (courtesy of “Sorgenbrecher”), dancing, and, of course, buckets of beer including Spaten Lager, Spaten Optimator, Franziskaner Hefe-weisse, and several selected “blah” beers for the non-adventurous. Admission is $5 for adults; free for children 12 and younger (under 21 must be accompanied by parent). Don’t forget to bring cash, as you will need it to buy tickets for all the yummy food and beer. If you miss out, mark July 30 and August 27 on your calendar for the other two. See you there, Heinrich!

Sunday, June 26

» The Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main, Chelsea, plays host to a panel on local beer and brewing, including Rene Greff of Arbor, Oliver Roberts of Wolverine State Brewing, Charles Psenka of Jolly Pumpkin, and Dave French of Frog Island Brewing. It's a great opportunity to learn more about the ins and outs of our area's vibrant beer scene. Event begins at 2 p.m. in the McKune Room.

» Summer school never tasted so good. Join Beer Wench E.T. Crowe and brewer Oliver at the  Wolverine tap room at 2019 W. Stadium for a course in beer appreciation and education. From 6-8:30 p.m., learn the ins and outs of ales and lagers and the other important topics of Craft Beer 101. Fee is $45, and advance registration is required through Ann Arbor Rec & Ed at www.aareced.com/reced.home/catalog__registration_form.

Monday, June 27

» The second “Dark Monday” at Arbor Brewing, presented in conjunction with the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, takes place from 7-9 p.m. It’s a a celebration of words and music, including a reading of excerpts from the "33 1/3 series" of books about classic rock albums, followed by a guest DJ mixing songs from the evening’s featured artist. Tonight’s book: "Tom Waits's Swordfishtrombones" by David Smay, read by Jeff Meyers of Concentrate Media. DJ: Saramin of WCBN. Cash bar, happy hour prices, and no cover.

Notes on the Napkin

• Around about June 30, the Wolverine beer garden should be open in the scenic parking lot outside the tap room (or, anyway, I trust they will be making it scenic), and in conjunction with this occasion, they will be releasing a Classic American Pilsner, just in time for outdoor summertime sipping. Following soon will be the first of a series of bourbon barrel-aged brews, so keep an eye out!
  
• Yesterday night's Arbor Brewing beer dinner at Terry B's in Dexter lived up to its billing — look for a write-up in this space soon. Terry's presently has a pretty good bottle selection, but only four taps. However, all taps are all Michigan, all the time, and plans are underway to expand to at least eight taps. So you know where to go for good food and beer when you're in Dexter.