The Week in Beer: Drinks, Shoots & Leaves

The hardcore photo that was TOO X-TREME for AnnArbor.com.

Note: Yeah, so I'm re-posting Thursday's AnnArbor.com column (with original photo!) way late, on account of post-vacation hangover, but there's still relevant info in it, so here you go.

As you read this, I should be slowly recovering from my vacation down in New Orleans, where I in fact did drink and do shots* before leaving. (Sorry, Lynne Truss.) Perhaps you followed my Big Easy odyssey on the Twitters.

Anyway, enough about New Orleans. I'm back in the Deuce, yo, and dishing up more of your local beer goings-on and whatnot, just like you've come to expect. Behold another glorious Week in Beer.

* Shots of oysters, that is.  

Friday, April 20

» No one remembers your name, when you’re strange. So what? Head over to the Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsilanti, for “People Are Strange,” an event so bizarre even you will fit in. From 7-11 p.m., the joint will be jammed with weirdoes, freaks, and oddballs of every stripe, all enjoying wacked-out beers (such as Pork Roll, Egg, and Cheese Ale) and peculiar foods while digging offbeat live performances throughout the evening. Dress like a nutjob and get your beer at happy hour prices! No cover.

» At 3 p.m. when the doors open, Liberty Street Brewing, 149 W. Liberty, Plymouth, will be pouring its 42nd Parallel Imperial IPA, a 7.9% ABV monster clocking in somewhere north of 120 IBUs, which in non-beer dork terms means “freakin’ bitter!” Brewer Joe Walters goes Simcoe hop crazy when he makes this once-a-year beer, so get it while it lasts. (A small amount will also be bottled.) At 9 p.m., the band Social Bones will take the stage to rock you out of your hop stupor in the upper hall.  
Saturday, April 21

» Golden Limousine is now offering Detroit brewery tours! Meet at Wolverine State Brewing, 2019 W. Stadium, at noon for a few rounds before departing east to Traffic Jam & Snug, Motor City Brewing Works, Atwater Brewery, and Detroit Beer Co. then returning to Wolverine for a nightcap. Tickets are $90 and include tours, beer samples, and lunch and dinner. Register online by April 13 at goldenlimo.com/brewtours or call 800-300-5151. [Ed. note: Registration is closed for this tour, but I'm leaving it here for future reference. Next tour is May 12.]

Monday, April 23

» Been to the Wurst Bar in Ypsilanti yet? Whether you answered yes or no, Monday is a good time to head over to 705 W. Cross and enjoy some craft beer and gourmet sausage. That's because it's the Michigan Belgian-style ale tap takeover, with an impressive lineup of appropriate beers. See the full list here), and check out this review from the Metro Times to find out more about this newcomer venue for drinking well.

Tuesday, April 24

» Summer draws ever nearer, and another milestone along the way is the release of Strawberry Blonde Ale at the Corner Brewery. It’s party time from 6-8 p.m. as the Strawberry Blonde flows, the snacks get passed around, and conversation comes easy. But be careful: This is one deceptive blonde, going down easy but packing a 7.7% ABV. The event is free for Arbor and Corner Mug Club members and $10 for interlopers.  

Wednesday, April 25

» A reliable little bird has informed me that Ashley's, 338 S. State, is tapping firkins of both Bell’s Hopslam and Two Hearted Ale at 6 p.m. If your body's suffering from a dangerous hop deficiency, this is the place to come for the cure. Other Bell’s beers including Oberon, Oarsman, Amber, and more will be on tap as well. >> You’ve gotta have art… and it’s even better when you can have it while you drink beer. Witch’s Hat Brewing, 22235 Pontiac Trail, South Lyon, presents “A Night with the Artists,” beginning in the pub at 6 p.m. The artists responsible for the work hanging on the walls will come in, discuss their work, and, they hope, sell some of it to you. Like beer? Like art? This is the place to be.  

Notes on the Napkin

• Look for the "Small Batch Series" coming to the taps of the Wolverine tap room, featuring a succession of pilot brews including Smoking Gunn Scottish Lager, Running Zythos Single Hop Lager, Chrysalis American Wit Lager, and Bluewater Cream Ale. Beer Wench E.T. Crowe sez, "All of these are true test batches on our pilot system, which means if they stick when we throw 'em against the wall, they will be brewed Large and put on tap." Follow Wolverine and the Beer Wench on the Twitters for announcements as to availability.
  
• Both Arbor Brewing and the Corner Brewery are closed April 22 for the annual staff fun day field trip. Yes, it involves beer but no, you are not invited. Better get an extra growler filled the night before to tide you over.