The Week in Beer: Liquid Consolation for a Bummer Weekend Forecast

The Solar Storm Wheat IPA, brewed at Sierra Nevada's Chico, Calif., headquarters with the help of Ashley's co-owner Jeff More, is on tap for a limited time.

Nothing says Michigan like 30-degree temperature swings just days apart, but fortunately there’s something else that says Michigan just as emphatically: good beer. Don’t let the weekend weather forecast bum you out; there’s plenty of liquid consolation at fun events in and around town, and you always know you can count on your correspondent to keep you in the loop. Your Week in Beer awaits!

Thursday, May 31

» Beer is big. Blogging is big. So Ypsilanti superstar blogger Mark Maynard had the idea of combining those two things for something even bigger: Beer with Bloggers, a social event at the Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsilanti, from 7-9 p.m. Bloggers and their readers will have a chance to mingle and chat while enjoying delicious adult beverages. Look for “Beer with Bloggers” on Facebook to RSVP (you do not need to be a blogger) or just show up.

Friday, June 1

» Happy hour at Whole Foods Cranbrook, 990 W. Eisenhower, features the Frankenmuth Brewery. From 5-7 p.m. enjoy some of the most reasonably priced glasses of good beer as you’ll find and chat with brewery reps and the “usual gang.” Bring your shopping list!

» It’s Velvet Hammer Day at the Corner Brewery! What’s that? Well, at its most basic it’s a release party for Velvet Hammer, an old ale aged for a year in a funky oak barrel then bottle conditioned for at least two months and released in June every year. But it’s also a chance to let your inner kink out: Those who come to the party dressed in their finest burlesque attire get 50% off their purchase of a 750ml bottle of Velvet Hammer or Framboozled Sour Ale. The festivities kick off at noon when bottles of current and past years’ Velvet Hammer go on sale. At 2 p.m., a keg of the current Velvet Hammer will be tapped and sold by the glass until it runs out. Then at 9 p.m., the party really gets going with some live entertainment and a burlesque costume contest. Obviously this is for adults only, so no need to dress up Junior in fishnet stockings…

Saturday, June 2

» Jon “Beer Geek” Cole of the Shark Club in Howell brings his thirsty entourage to Liberty Street Brewing, 149 W. Liberty, Plymouth, for the latest in his “Beer Geek on the Road” series. Join them beginning at 2 p.m. as they talk with owner/brewer Joe Walters, sample some Liberty Street beers, and maybe enjoy a tour or drink specials, depending which way the wind is blowing. No need to RSVP, but if you have questions you can email them to beergeekhowell@gmail.com.

Sunday, June 3

» A Tree Town tradition returns as the Taste of Ann Arbor, a sort of strolling street feast, takes over Main Street from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Another tradition returns as well: Arbor Brewing’s beer tent outside 114 E. Washington, just off Main. Bring your delicacies on by and get a beer or two to help wash them down and enjoy live music from Dragon Wagon. No cover.

Tuesday, June 5

» Grizzly Peak hosts its monthly Brewer’s Night from 6-9 p.m. in the Den, where beer drinkers get to mingle with beer makers, enjoy discounts on samplers, and even take a tour of the Grizzly brewery, which is presently undergoing renovation and expansion. Oh, and did I mention the cask of Funky Farmgirl, a barrel aged blend of saison and sour red ale?

Wednesday, June 6

» It may seem like an unlikely place for a beer event, but those in the know have been aware of the penchant for serving good brew at the Jet’s Pizza at 506 N. Main in Chelsea for some time. Join the Jet’s crew and “those in the know” beginning at 5 p.m. for a special Bell’s event including Hell Hath No Fury, Sparkling Ale, and seven other taps; beer flights; games and prizes, and a 6 p.m. tapping of a firkin of Hopslam. Call the store 734-433-9700 for more info. Let’s get (to) Jet’s!

Notes on the Napkin

• The Chelsea Alehouse Brewery has announced that “Founding Memberships” are now available for $150 for individuals or $180 for couples. Said membership entitles you to have your name(s) posted on the brewery wall, a free growler along with 12 refills of it, discounts on all draft beers, a handmade mug, a t-shirt, and other as-yet-unknown perks. Go to chelseaalehouse.com for more info and to order.