The Drunken Intellectual presents his Best of Baltimore Beer Week, featuring his favorites from each day of the extravaganza. Today, we examine Saturday, October 15th.
Real ale. Cask beer. That stuff that comes in the wooden (or metal) kegs you sometimes see sitting atop the bar at that one fancy beer place around the corner. Whatever you want to call it, it is really good. The idea of cask-conditioned beer (an unfiltered, unpasteurized product that undergoes natural carbonation and secondary fermentation in the barrel) is not new. In fact, it hearkens back to the origins of beer, before forced C02 carbonation and all those modern thingys existed. But it is definitely feeling a resurgence at the moment, as pubs and taverns world-round are serving more and more fine brew in this manner. Yes, it may be a little warmer, and the carbonation might not be quite as fizzy, but it lets the beers inner light shine in a way that chillier brews may not allow. So you shouldn't be surprised when I mention my favorite event for Saturday, October 15th is: the Chesapeake Real Ale Festival at Pratt Street Ale House*.
One thing I can say is - if you like real ale, you should not miss this event. Better yet, I would add - if you like craft beer (like... at all), you should not miss this event. The amazing variety and uniqueness of the lineup offered here are staggering to the beer lover in Baltimore. Which is exactly the point of Beer Week, right? It's not just about 'drinking a lot of beer'. It's more about trying new things and learning what you like and/or don't like. And you can't go wrong with an occasion such as this - an exceptional combination of modern brewing creativity and classic serving techniques that is certain to please even the most discerning (or most naive) beer palates.
Just take a look at the amazing list here and start mapping out your afternoon now. Because nobody can drink ALL of the 50+ different casks on display there. But we can try. Oh, sweet baby Jesus, we can try...
DRUNKEN INTELLECTUAL'S FAVORITE EVENTS #10
- What: Chesapeake Real Ale Festival
- Where: Pratt Street Ale House
- When: Saturday, October 15th
- What Time: 1pm-6pm
- How Much: $40 in advance, $50 at the door
Honorable Mention:
- Alonso’s 3rd Annual Oktoberfest
Another big one here! Alonso's will offer 18 taps of Oktoberfest beer, including the classic brew from Spaten in Germany. Not to mention traditional glassware (that you can keep!) and German food. All day long!
- Date Night at the Baltimore Aquarium
This one just seemed... different. Bring a 'friend' and enjoy some Flying Dog brews at the Aquarium from 7-10pm for an exotic dating experience. ($80 per couple)
- Beer and Art w/ Brewers Art at Frisco
Another intriguing combo here. Try some rare and interesting beers from The Brewer's Art at Frisco Taphouse in Columbia, and peruse some beer-centric artwork while you imbibe.
Mark Burlet
Drunken Intellectual
Twitter: @DrunkIntellect
*Sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay branch of the Society for the Preservation of Beers from the Wood (SPBW)
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