It's been a year since the pulling of the first cask pint...
Such a bittersweet week for yours truly. Here I am in Halifax, where it has been raining for 9 straight days, and on Thursday (May 19) a whack of lucky Edmontonians will be gathering at the Sugar Bowl for the ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of cask ale events in town. Hard to believe how quickly the time has flown. It was last May that the owners of the Sugar Bowl and Alley Kat, aided by me, took a flyer on hosting a cask event to gauge response. Needless to say, it has been a big success, with consistently big crowds and a wide range of flavourful beer.
The beer for this special anniversary is being kept tightly under wraps. And, alas, I will not be able to sample it. Hoist a pint for me! And then make a comment telling me all the details about this month’s beer.
Plus, here are some other Alberta beer events coming down the pike in the coming weeks:
May 26: Chocolate and Beer Tasting. Cheese and beer, dinner and beer. Both great pairings, but now this is an original idea. It is one that many may overlook, and so I am pleased to hear that Kerstin’s Chocolates and Alley Kat Brewing have teamed up to hold a chocolate and beer tasting. 7 9 p.m at the Alley Kat Brewery (9929-60th Ave). Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online or at the brewery.
May 27-28: Calgary International Beer Fest. Traditionally one of those larger beer events that draw a mixed crowd. However the organizers are trying to slowly reshape the event to emphasize education, attract women and other people who want to appreciate beer. They are planning a series of seminars, food and beer pairings and a guide aimed at female customers. Their slogan this year – “You Came. You Sampled. You Learned” tried to reflect that shift. Good thing. I hope it workds I would be curious to here from any Calgarians who attend what they think of it. Tickets and more info at their website.
June 25: CAMRA Calgary Annual Burn Unit Fundraiser. The date has just been set for this perennially sold out event. Great beer, silent auctions, possibly some high end whiskey and other surprises. More details to come.
Of course, I will miss all of these things. Oh well. Now you will excuse me as I go stand in the rain yet again…
May 17, 2011 at 12:07 PM
Congrats!
May 17, 2011 at 12:12 PM
And thanks for the heads up on the CamRA event…! I’ve sent a note to Tessier for details.
May 17, 2011 at 2:58 PM
As for the Calgary beer fest they used the came you learned logo last year. I heard from lots of agents and attendees the event was a shit show people learned so much. If any one attends the best suggestion is go early and leave early. It gets pretty sloppy.
May 17, 2011 at 7:42 PM
Sad you won’t be here to celebrate something you started.
May 24, 2011 at 10:30 PM
So what was the beer for the cask ale event?