Rebel Kettle – Rebel Kettle is releasing the Black Reign, a bourbon barrel-aged Russian Imperial Stout on Thursday. We had a chance to give this a sip a few weeks ago at their anniversary party and it was very good. It is no slouch at 9.6% abv, but still comes across nice and smooth with a bit of oakiness from the barrel.
Flyway – Last week Flyway rolled back out their Cloudsplitter Pilsner. The traditional European Pilsner was popular last spring, and is made from German Pilsen Malt and Saaz Hops. It drinks crisp at 5.5% abv. Flyway is also bringing in Kent Thompson from Central Arkansas Fermenters to brew on their pilot system, so that should be around in a few weeks.
Water Buffalo – Brew from the Buffalo has been exclusively a tap room and beer festival experience. They have some great beers lined up, as you would expect from the place that taught most current LR homebrewers how to brew. They are finally making their first appearance outside their tap room at The Pizzeria in the Heights. Currently they have pineapple wheat on tap, expect to see more beers and taps around town soon.
Josiah Moody at Bike Rack Brewing – Earlier this year famed brewer Josiah Moody left Little Rock for Bentonville’s Bike Rack Brewing. Moody was responsible for most of the brew at Vino’s as well as his own Moody Brews line. We caught up with Moody last week as he was working on the first brew day in the new Bike Rack Facility, just in time to get the first batch in before the birth of his son. Some takeaways from that visit: Bike Rack’s increased production should mean some Bike Rack beer in Central Arkansas, even if only in can form. Moody Brews will likely be on a bit of a hiatus while Josiah is getting going, which is unfortunate because it is some of the best in the state. Hopefully Bike Rack gives Moody the ok to brew some of his own on the new system sooner rather than later, because it is a huge addition that could bring some much needed attention to the brewery, even if it is not Bike Rack labeled.
Stone’s Throw Brewing – Stone’s Throw will drop two beers on Friday, their Tropical Stout and Mosaic Pale Ale. They are moving to fairly regular beer releases on Fridays now. Last Friday they released the Dunbar Wit, which should still be around.
Diamond Bear – Beer festivals are all over the place this time of year, Diamond Bear is doing one of the more unique ones with their Brews and Barks craft beer festival. As the name implies, this is a dog-friendly craft beer tasting, scheduled for Saturday, April 29th, 2-6pm. The event is hosted by the Humane Society of Pulaski County and Diamond Bear, and takes place at the tap room at 600 N. Broadway in North Little Rock. Tickets are $35/ea in advance, and $40 the day of the event. The cost of admission entitles participants to unlimited beer tasting from a variety of craft beer breweries (not just Diamond Bear). Participants are welcome to bring their furry friends on a leash, or come solo to sip the suds and enjoy the afternoon activities.
Lost Forty – Lost Forty will release the latests from their Barrel Program, the Rum Barrel-Aged Baltic Porter this Monday. The dark baltic porter is aged in Rum Barrels for 4 months and gives off a chocolate, roasted coffee, and vanilla flavor.
RIP Damgoode Pies
November 20, 2023
