Welcome to Growlers: your weekly roundup of news, events and specials from Little Rock’s breweries and taprooms. Little Rock’s beer scene is growing and improving at a rapid pace, and we’re dedicated to keeping you up to speed on all of it. Here’s what’s happening this week:
For that person in your life who just can’t get enough pumpkin spice this time of the year, today is your day at Lost Forty Brewing. At 4 p.m. today, Lost Forty is releasing its Pumpkin Spice Bock as part of its Freshcut Monday series. The beer is created by resting Love Honey Bock on nutmeg and whole vanilla beans to unlock plenty of fall spice flavors. There won’t be any to-go options for this one, only pints sold at the taproom, so you’ll want to get there today to try it. Speaking of cans, Lost Forty has gotten its cans in for its well-received Forest Queen Milk Stout winter seasonal release. Expect to see that beer hit shelves some time in November.
That cornhole tournament we told you about last week between Diamond Bear and Flyway Brewing kicks off Thursday, and there are still some open spots for teams to compete. Get to either brewery to sign up soon. In addition to the tournament fun, Flyway Brewing has a new beer release as well. It’s the Thrasher Black Lager, a classic Schwarzbier that’s easy to drink at only 5.5 percent ABV. That one comes out on Friday. By the way, you can catch Flyway Tuesday pouring at the Audubon Arkansas open house event, as well as Saturday at the Paws in Prison fundraiser in Scott and the Six Bridges Regatta event in downtown Little Rock.
Buffalo Brewing Company at The Water Buffalo is now open on Sundays, pouring both its own beer and beers from brewers all over the state. I stopped in this week to pick up a growler of Damgoode Brews’ Ready Set Gose beer, and got to taste brews from 501 Brewing, Stone’s Throw, Moody Brews and more. If you live in the Midtown area, it’s really worth paying these guys a visit. Plus, their growler prices are some of the best in the city.
Congratulations to Bubba Brews Brewing Company for getting a chance to pour at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver this past week. The Bubba Brews team is back this week in Hot Springs, but if you live in Little Rock, you have a chance to taste some of their beer this Thursday. That’s when Bubba Brews stages a tap takeover at Skinny J’s in Argenta from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. Several team members will be on hand to talk about the beers and answer any questions.
Stone’s Throw’s #NewBrewFriday release this week is the Fr. Marquette Bier de Garde. This is a style that originated in France and was typically brewed in the fall or winter, then cellared until the spring (“Bier de garde” translates to “beer for keeping”). Expect a copper colored beer with a medium body. Also, Stone’s Throw is hosting a pumpkin carving contest called Pints and Pumpkins in the biergarten on Saturday from noon until 4 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the scariest, funniest and most creative pumpkins carved.
Josiah Moody at Moody Brews is putting out his new Belgian Pale Ale at Vino’s Brewpub this week. Moody says he used more malt to boost the ABV to 7 percent and fermented it at a warmer temperature to release more of the aromatic spice notes. Moody still has some of his Earl Grey ESB available. Also, be on the lookout for a new Moody Brews barrel-aged series that will begin releasing this fall.
Blue Canoe Brewing Company is fully embracing the fall weather with the release of its Cranberry Gose on Wednesday. Gose beers are generally light and tart, and the addition of cranberry should make for a refreshing, drinkable brew. Blue Canoe also released its barrel-aged Pumpkinetic beer on Sunday, containing 50 pounds of Arkansas pumpkins and honey. When I called the brewery Sunday evening, there was still some left, so you might be able to try it when Blue Canoe opens its doors again Wednesday.
Rebel Kettle is skipping its usual Growler Tuesday special this week. However, 4:30 Thursday is still very much alive. This week, it’s a fall saison called Harvest Season. Brewmaster John Lee tells me he added more malt to this recipe to boost the ABV. The malt is darker and contains a good bit of rye, meaning this beer is going to have plenty of bread flavors and should pair well with food.
Do you have some beer news you would like to share with us? Email me at steve@rockcityeats.com.
RIP Damgoode Pies
November 20, 2023
