Baltimore Beer Week
Local beer lovers, rejoice—Baltimore Beer Week is upon us.
Starting on Friday, bars around Baltimore will celebrate the suds with a variety of events ranging from rare beer tastings to cask ale festivals.
To see all 397 Baltimore Beer Week events, check the website but here's a look at some of the best.
What: Opening Tap Celebration
When: Oct. 19, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Power Plant Live, Inner Harbor
Why Go? It's the kickoff party for the annual Baltimore Beer Week. You'll have a chance to enjoy unlimited samples of local brews from Flying Dog, DuClaw, Pratt Street Alehouse and more.
Cost: $30, tickets available through MissionTix.
What: Chesapeake Real Ale Festival
When: Oct. 20, 1-6 p.m.
Where: Pratt Street Ale House, 206 W. Pratt Street
Why Go? Check out local, national and even international brews served in the "real ale" style—fermented in the cask and served without extra carbonation, often with added ingredients. You'll definitely want to sip on offerings like Stillwater Ales' "Why Can't IBU" and Oliver Breweries "Tonic For The Troops".
Cost: $40 in advance, $50 at the door. $60 for a VIP ticket.
What: Football, Beer and Blue Water
When: Oct. 21, 1-7 p.m.
Where: Alonso's, 415 W. Cold Spring Lane
Why Go? Cheer on the Ravens as they travel to Houston to take on the Texans while you enjoy one of 6 New Belgium beers on draft. Every pint sold helps to raise money for Blue Water Baltimore.
Cost: Pay as you go.
What: Evil Lurks At Hudson Street
When: Oct. 22, 3 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: Hudson Street Stackhouse, 2626 Hudson Street
Why Go? To taste all those Evil Twin beers that you see on the shelf at the store but never buy because there are just so many to choose from. Options include a Kiwi Pilsner, and the Black IPA called Russian Roulette.
Bonus: On Oct. 23, meet brewer/owner Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø at Max's on Broadway for even more Evil Twin draft action.
Cost: Pay as you go.
What: Third Annual Homebrew Extravaganza
When: Oct. 24, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Little Havana, 1325 Key Highway
Why Go? Homebrewers from around the Baltimore area will submit their libations for your judgement. Taste a lot of different, creative beers and your admission is a donation to the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS).
Cost: $10 donation to BARCS.
What: Meet One Of Marylands Newest Breweries
When: Oct. 25, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Racers Cafe, 7732 Harford Road
Why Go? You read about Burley Oak Brewing Company here on Patch, and you don't want to drive all the way to Berlin, MD to get a taste. Racers, right in Parkville, is the perfect solution.
Cost: Pay as you go.
What: Pumpkin Night With Paula and Doug
When: Oct. 26, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Hop Heads Alehouse, 9611 Pulaski Highway
Why Go? Meet representatives from Legends and FP Winner and sample beers like Southern Tier Pumking and Dogfish Head Punkin' among other pumpkin beer offeirngs and check out the relatively-new Hop Heads.
Cost: Pay as you go.
What: Chilibrew VI
When: Oct. 26, 7-10 p.m.
Where: 2640 Space, 2640 Saint Paul Street
Why Go? You're a homebrewer, a chili maker or just someone who wants to eat, drink and judge the entries at this combination homebrew and chili competition. Proceeds from the event benefit the Baltimore Rock Opera Society, the Indypendent Reader, and Whitelock Community Farm. Check out the rules for entering a beer or chili here.
Cost: $15 donation gets you a ballot to vote in any or all of the competitions.
What: Burritos and Rare Beer
When: Oct. 27, 9-11 a.m.
Where: Max's Taphouse, 737 S. Broadway
Why Go? The title of the event really says it all here—enjoy tasty breakfast burritos and more than 30 rare beers from around the world on draft, including one "very special" beer from our own DuClaw Brewing.
Cost: Pay as you go.
What: Halloween Party at Union Craft Brewing
When: Oct. 27, 8 p.m. until
Where: Union Craft Brewing, 1700-D Union Avenue
Why Go? It's an excuse to get costumed, enjoy special brews and live music and Union Craft Brewing owner Jon Zerivitz and head brewer Kevin Blodger are awesome.
Cost: $18, admission covers your first pint of beer. Tickets are available through MissionTix.
Bonus content: Local Breweries Bring Home GABF Medals
The Great American Beer Festival was held last weekend in Denver, CO and some area breweries brought home the bacon.
Congratulations to long-time Maryland brewers DuClaw Brewing and relative newcomers Union Craft Brewing on their wins.
DuClaw won a silver medal in the chocolate beer category for their eXile series X-1 Imperial Chocolate Rye Porter and Union brought home GABF gold in the Altbier category for their Balt Altbier.