The week before Christmas is usually quiet around Central Arkansas, but that’s not the case this week. Let’s start at Rebel Kettle Brewing Company, which has a jaw-dropping surprise release this weekend. On Saturday at 11 a.m., the brewery is releasing a four-year vertical of its annual RedRumPum in 12-ounce bottles. Lucky customers will get one 12-ounce bottle each from 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 in a handcrafted beer caddy from Rock City Thumps. You also get a stemmed beer glass etched with the RedRumPum insignia. Now, here’s the catch: there are only ten vertical packages available at $70 each, and there is a limit of one per person, first come first served. If you need refreshing, RedRumPum is Rebel Kettle’s annual barrel-aged imperial amber ale aged in Caribbean rum barrels. Bottom line: if this release is important to you, you should be there extra early Saturday morning before the doors open at 11 a.m.
Also this week at Rebel Kettle is a double release for its 4:30 Thursday event. First up, it’s Fruity Kettles, a 6% ABV cereal milk IPA brewed with Fruity Pebbles cereal; lactose; and Citra, Julius and Mosaic hops. Also making its debut is Cumulocitron Oat Cream IPA. This one is brewed with oats, lactose and 100% Citra hops for a soft, juicy beer with a creamy finish. Both Fruity Kettles and Cumulocitron are on tap at 4:30 this Thursday.
Diamond Bear Brewing Company has a new man in charge at the brewhouse. Well-loved homebrewer and owner of the Leap of Faith label Joe Mains has joined the Diamond Bear team. Mains takes over for Greg Berbusse, who is moving to Miami to work as head brewer for a new company called Bay 13 Brewery and Kitchen. Mains has worked in brewhouses at Flyway and Stone’s Throw over the years. His Leap of Faith brews Righteous Indignation and Absolution have been well-received over the years.
Lost Forty Brewing isn’t done having fun with its seasonal S’morest Queen milk stout. Today, it’s another variation release for Freshcut Monday with Butterfinger-inspired S’morest Queen. S’morest Queen is a riff on the seasonal Forest Queen milk stout brewed with cacao nibs, marshmallows and graham crackers. This new version doesn’t have release notes, but peanut butter is almost certainly joining the party. There’s only a half-barrel of this one available, so be sure to get there when doors open at 4 p.m. today for a glass. Also this weekend, Lost Forty is holding its Holiday Shop n’ Sip event. On both Saturday and Sunday, take advantage of winter beer gear sales, a special bottle shop and a couple of charity drives. Bring in a new or gently used sleeping bag for The Van for a $10 Lost Forty gift card, or bring in five or more canned goods for Arkansas Foodbank and get $5 to spend in the pop-up shop. That’s both Saturday and Sunday at the Lost Forty taproom.
‘Tis the season for a beer that will help fight the cold. Stone’s Throw Brewing’s #NewBrewFriday release fits the bill nicely. It’s the annual release of Winter Warmer, an 8% ABV British ale brewed with mulling spices for a pop of holiday flavor. For the first time, this #NewBrewFriday release will be available at both the MacPark and Stifft Station locations. Winter Warmer is available by the glass or in growlers and crowlers to take home for the holidays.
And if you’re looking for a beer-themed Christmas party tonight, head to Fermentables in North Little Rock for the Tap Time Christmas Party. There will be home brews and some beers from the cellar to go with sausages made by Edward’s Food Giant. In addition, Tap Time will broadcast live on 103.7 The Buzz at 8 p.m. from the party. Come say hi to Bryce and Scott and enjoy the fun!
Do you have any beer news to share with us? Email steveshuler@gmail.com.
Photo is property of Rebel Kettle Brewing Company and is used with permission.
RIP Damgoode Pies
November 20, 2023
