This week is packed with exciting events and beer releases for local craft beer enthusiasts, as several breweries roll out exclusive offerings ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Whether you’re planning to hit up local taprooms or pick up some limited-edition brews, there’s plenty to keep you busy through the weekend.
Wednesday, Nov. 27
Raised Grain Brewing in Waukesha kicks off the festivities early with a Friendsgiving celebration, opening its doors at 11:30 a.m. to release the Six Stone Barrel-Aged Scotch Ale.
Meanwhile, Drinksgiving at both 1840 Brewing locations — 342 E. Ward St. in Milwaukee and 401 N. Main St. in West Bend — brings a special tapping of West Bend Dark, a coffee-infused stout, from noon to 10 p.m.
3 Sheeps Brewing in Sheboygan hosts its Sheepsgiving event from 7 to 11 p.m., featuring live music and extended hours for those looking to get into the holiday spirit before family gatherings the next day.
Friday, Nov. 29
For those who can’t make it to the brewery tours, Magellan’s in Waukesha will pour a variety of local stouts starting at 3 p.m. on Black Friday. Featured beers include the 2024 Explorium Milwaukee County Stout Proprietors Reserve, Central Waters Black Gold, Raised Grain Nine Lives 2024 Barrel-Aged Anniversary Stout, and Eagle Park Brewing Last Christmas Stout. The taproom opens at noon, with surprises likely in store.
At Black Husky Brewing on Milwaukee’s East Side (909 E. Locust St.), the big event is Wednesday’s release, so their focus shifts to Fabulous Friday, featuring vertical flights of Sparkly Eyes DIPA from 2020 to 2024, along with their Ahead of the Pack, a Belgian golden strong ale.
Several locations are offering exclusive pre-sale options for the highly anticipated Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout variants. Aman’s Beer + Wine in Wind Lake will have a presale for the 2024 variants, including Bourbon County Stout, Bourbon County Vanilla Rye Stout, Bourbon County Cask Finish Stout, and Bourbon County Macaroon Stout. Sales begin Friday.
Discount Liquor in Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave.) and Waukesha (919 N. Barstow St.) open at 9 a.m. with all four variants of the 2024 Bourbon County lineup available, plus a selection of vintage bottles and barrel-aged brews from local favorites like 3 Sheeps, Explorium, and Revolution Brewing.
Explorium Brewing also has several special releases lined up, including a Milwaukee County Stout variant aged in Driftless Glen and 1792 bourbon barrels. Consumers can find it at locations like Brewed Omen in Hartford, The Stillery in Grafton, and Consumer Beverage Outlet in Greenfield.
For a more social beer experience, head to Ray’s Bar (8930 W. North Ave.), where they’ll tap four stouts and offer a buy-one-get-one-free deal from 4 to 10 p.m. Ray’s Wine & Spirits will also offer presales for Bourbon County variants.
In downtown Racine, enjoy the Bourbon & Beer event from 1 to 5 p.m. for $40, which features samples of 10 bourbons, 10 beers, and 10 bourbon-infused appetizers.
Saturday, Nov. 30
Sahale Ale Works in Grafton celebrates the Grafton Christmas Parade with an afterparty starting at 10 a.m., complete with food, drinks, and live music.
Sunday, Dec. 1
The Brewery District in Milwaukee will host the Milwaukee Krampusnacht event from 3 to 10 p.m. The festivities will feature a parade, vendors, food, live music, and, of course, a wide selection of local beers.
Upcoming Events:
Dec. 4: Tess in Milwaukee will host two Freestyle Holiday Beer Dinners, offering a five-course meal paired with seasonal beers. Reservations are required at 414-964-8377.
Dec. 5: Perspective Brewing releases Señor Krampus, a stout brewed with guajillo and ancho chiles, cocoa, cinnamon, and Madagascar vanilla beans.
Dec. 7: Kegel’s Inn celebrates 100 years with a Centennial Birthday Bash, including the release of Barrel Breaker Doppelbock, a collaboration with MobCraft aged in Central Standard whiskey barrels with Wisconsin maple syrup.
Dec. 14: Amorphic Beer marks its third anniversary with a party, featuring special beer releases, food, and live music.
Dec. 18: The last Beer School of the year at Third Space Brewing, focusing on barrel-aged beers, starts at 6:30 p.m. It’s expected to fill up quickly, so early reservations are recommended.
With so many events and exclusive beer releases, it’s clear that the Thanksgiving weekend will be a great time for local beer lovers to gather, try new brews, and enjoy the company of friends and family.
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