Nine out of ten historians agree that beer's invention coincided with early humans developing powerful chugging muscles and enough balance to perform prolonged keg stands. Celebrate ale-advanced anatomy with this Groupon to the Cask Ale Fest at Alewife NYC in Long Island City. For $36, you get one general-admission ticket (a $90 value). Choose from the following tasting sessions:
- Friday, July 13, 6 p.m.–10 p.m.
- Saturday, July 14, noon–4 p.m.
- Saturday, July 14, 6 p.m.–10 p.m.
The Cask Ale Fest packs Alewife NYC with an assortment of more than 30 unfiltered beers—all of which are dispensed from a cask—paired with six gastropub dishes. While exploring the venue's chandelier-lit stairway, red-walled dining area, or patio, guests can sample rare ales from nationally renowned liquid alchemists such as Stone, Flying Dog, and Smuttynose. Local pours from Greenport Harbor Brewing, Sixpoint Craft Ales, and other small breweries fill out the sudsy selection, allowing guests to tipple regional ales. Guests can head back for unlimited samples until the casks are tapped out or decide they don’t like the cut of your jib.
Get Real Presents
Barbecue ribs with a smoky rauchbier. A melon salad with a dark doppelbock. The folks behind Get Real Presents specialize in pairings like these, sharing the joys of craft beer and delicious, locally-sourced foods. In this spirit, its team of foodies and beer aficionados hosts festivals featuring more than 80 brews, as well as restaurant events that pair craft beer with regional foods. As unique as it sounds, they admit this isn't exactly a new idea—they take a page from other countries, such as Belgium, who actually anchor much of their cuisine around the effervescent beverage. Following this "cuisine a la biere" model, they aim to highlight all of the great things a freshly crafted brew can do to enhance an evening out on the town, such as highlighting the flavors of a complementary dish, spicing up a local chef's stew, or softening your dad to the idea of paying off all of your student loans.
-
1