One of Central Arkansas’ best recurring IPAs is back this week at Rebel Kettle Brewing Company. In honor of National IPA Day, the brewery is releasing Headbanger’s Ball Double IPA for its 4:30 Thursday event. This year’s version has some changes, including a higher ABV at 9% and a less bitter hop profile, which should result in a smoother, juicier brew. One thing that hasn’t changed is the fact you can take it home in four-pack cans in addition to enjoying it on tap. Cans of Headbanger’s Ball will be available starting at 11 a.m. Thursday; it goes on tap at 4:30 Thursday afternoon.
The Arkansas Brewers Guild is holding its quarterly tap takeover event this week, this time at Prestonrose Farm and Brewing Company. More than a dozen breweries will be on hand for the event, and they’re bringing beers with them. Regular names like Lost Forty, Stone’s Throw and Flyway will be there, as will breweries you can’t usually find in Central Arkansas, like Fort Smith Brewing Company, Country Monks and Gravity BrewWorks. There’s no charge to attend; just pay for your beer and enjoy some snacks courtesy of Liz Preston and the Prestonrose kitchen. If you’ve never been to Prestonrose, this is a great time to check out one of Arkansas’ best beer destinations and have some beer from around the state while you’re at it.
Lost Forty Brewing has two distinctly different beers coming out today for its Freshcut Monday release. The first is a brand new one. Watermelon 2nd Rodeo is a mild 4.1% ABV brew that combines Lost Forty’s popular new cream ale with fresh watermelon from Hardin Farms in Grady. This very small batch is only available on tap today. The second release is the return of Snake Party Double IPA, a monster 10% ABV beer packed with Azacca hops for a powerful, balanced flavor profile. This will be available today on tap as well as in four-packs to go. You will also be able to pick up Snake Party in select liquor stores around the state. Freshcut Monday kicks off today at Lost Forty at 4 p.m.
Congratulations to Stone’s Throw Brewing for putting on what was an excellent Block on Rock celebration this past weekend. I’m sure the Stone’s Throw team is exhausted, but it’s back to regular work this week. The brewery is still holding its #NewBrewFriday event with the debut release of Light Weizenbock. A weizenbock is an ale that has mostly wheat in the mash, robust alcohol content and very little bitterness. Stone’s Throw’s version is a 9% ABV brew that drinks like a hefeweizen and has a light, golden color. Light Weizenbock will be released at 4 p.m. on Friday at the MacPark location.
Buffalo Brewing Company looks to be ready to open its new taproom later this week pending final approval from Arkansas Beverage Control. The new spot is in the Heights neighborhood, next door to Burge’s Hickory Smoked Turkeys and Hams. We will have a First Look at the new spot as soon as ABC gives the place the green light. We will also preview the new brewing facility on Cantrell Road.
Nothing new hitting the tapwall at Flyway Brewing this week. However, the brewery is holding Flyway night at the Arkansas Travelers game Friday night against the Springfield Cardinals. The Flyway team will be out there with some special giveaways and promotions, so make sure to stop by and say hello.
Do you have any beer news to share with us? Email steveshuler@gmail.com.
RIP Damgoode Pies
November 20, 2023
