The Week in Beer: Good Brews Abound in Any Season

THE BELGIANS ARE COMING! Enjoy a wide variety of Belgian ales at Ashley's Ann Arbor through Sunday and an even wider variety at Ashley's Westland at the Feb. 9-19
Belgian Beer Festival.

Is it winter? Is it spring? Did that old groundhog wake up early just to play tricks on us, laughing his furry butt off down in his little groundhog warren? Who knows? Either way, snow or rain, freeze or thaw, the fun of our local beer scene awaits you.

Friday, January 20

» Get your winter jollies on with a Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales beer tasting at Whole Foods Cranbrook from 5-7 p.m. Thrill to the sour tastes of a brewery known nationally for its craftsmanship! Enjoy $3 glasses of exquisite, complex flavor! Delight in $1 sample pours of inspired brewing! You get the idea. And also toast beer slinger extraordinaire Jimmy’s last tasting at the old Wine and Beer Bar. He’ll be moving on to another gig in the near future.

Saturday, January 21

» At 1 p.m., the Michigan Brewers Guild Enthusiast Tour comes to Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsilanti Arbor Brewing, 114 E. Washington. “Enthusiast” members of the guild enjoy beers and a guided tour of the ABC beer-making operation from the brewery team themselves. Space is limited; RSVP to beth@arborbrewing.com or call 734-213-1393. For information on becoming an MBG Enthusiast member, visit michiganbrewersguild.org.

Sunday, January 22

» Beat that cabin fever with the seventh annual Wheels in Motion Worst Day of the Year Ride. Bundle up and bring your bicycle to the Kerrytown Farmers Market for a ride around Ann Arbor. Choose a route from 6 miles to 40 miles and meet back at Arbor Brewing, 114 E. Washington, for a 3-7 p.m. afterparty with free hot soup and, of course, plenty of soothing beer. Register at wheelsinmotion.us.

Wednesday, January 25

>> Get your taste buds ready for a Michigan beer tasting at the Grange Kitchen & Bar, 118 W. Liberty. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., sample from a dozen of the Great Beer State’s finest brews, take notes, and vote for your top five faves. The winners will be featured in the Grange’s February beer dinner. Tickets are $35 and space is limited; call 734-995-2107 or stop by the restaurant to reserve your place.

Notes on the Napkin

• Going to the February 25 Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival in Grand Rapids but still need a ride? (If you didn’t get tickets, you’re out of luck - it’s sold out!) Enjoy a worry-free trip on the beer bus from the Corner Brewery and Arbor Brewing. Purchase at the pub or call 734-213-1393. Cost is $35 before January 31 or $40 after and includes coffee, bagels, and beer!
  
• Belgian Beer Week continues at Ashley's in Ann Arbor, 338 S. State, through Sunday. But the event's big brother, the second annual Ashley's Belgian Beer Festival, takes place Feb. 9-19 at Ashley's in Westland. More than 160 Belgian ales will be on draft and in bottles, including some not available in Michigan before. Beyond that, there are planned beer dinners pairing Belgian-inspired cuisine with Belgian beers; trivia, games, and prizes; beer and chocolate pairings; and plenty more. Prepare yourself by visiting the event's official site for the schedule of events, beer list and details, and tickets for the dinners.
  
• Wolverine State Brewing, 2019 W. Stadium, announced plans to add an event space adjoining the existing tap room, increase production capacity by 270 barrels, expand distribution to Grand Rapids, and add a Wolverine Amber Lager to their existing bottled lineup of Premium Lager, Dark Lager, and Winter Lager. See all the details here.