Slews of Brews

One rarely needs an excuse to drink craft beer. However, should you need to rationalize slinging back a few pints, American Craft Beer Week (ACBW) provides an excellent justification.

Established by the Brewers Association and celebrated throughout the country, ACBW commemorates the art and tradition of American craft beer. True to form, Hops & Grain has laid plans to fully embrace the festive week with six days of beer drinking and beer education. From May 12-18, the brewery will host a series of pop-up events at notable craft beer destinations throughout the city as well as its East Side brewery. Particularly worthy of note, Hops & Grain has committed to a 50% discount on tours and tastings for any person or group that arrives at the brewery with a designated driver, effective immediately and continuing beyond ACBW.

Now, for the events.

Brew Night at the Brew & Brew
In addition to special brews from Jester King Brewery and Austin Beerworks, Hops & Grain will pour a special selected release from its Greenhouse series. Open to the public. Mon., May 12, 6:30pm. Brew & Brew, 500 San Marcos #105, 512/493-0963. www.thebrewandbrew.com.

Rare Beers at Hi Hat Public House
Hops & Grain will pour its fourth release of the Greenhouse IPA. Ranger Creek and Independence Brewery will also be on-site with rare brews. Open to the public. Tue., May 13, 6pm. Hi Hat Public House, 2121 E. Sixth, 512/478-8700. www.hihatpublichouse.com.

Special Tour and Tappings at Hops & Grain Tap Room
Offering a full day of special Greenhouse beer tappings, a Greenhouse firkin tapping, and a brewery tour led by owner Josh Hare and Bob Galligan – the brewer behind the Greenhouse experimental pilot brewery – 50 lucky imbibers will sample beer straight from the tanks and barrels. This event is first come/first serve and only available by reservation here. The Peached Tortilla will offer food pairings for hungry guests. Wed., May 14, 2-10pm. Hops & Grain Brewery, 507 Calles, 512/914-2467. www.hopsandgrain.com.

Beer and a Shot at Drink.Well
Hops & Grain and Drink.Well couple up to release the Buffalo Trace bourbon barrel-aged version of the El Portero Greenhouse beer, La Tortuga and the Hare. The brew will pair with a shot of Buffalo Trace bourbon. Open to the public. Thurs., May 15, 6pm. Drink.Well, 207 E. 53rd, 512/614-6683. www.drinkwellaustin.com.

Del Roble Tapping at Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden
Banger’s will be pouring the only kegs of Hops & Grains two rare Greenhouse releases. Other Hops & Grain stalwarts – ALT, Pale Dog, and Zoe – will also be available. Open to the public. Fri., May 16, 6pm. Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden, 79 & 81 Rainey Street, 512/386-1656. www.bangersaustin.com.

Pint Day at Salt & Time
A special Greenhouse beer and glass paired with a sandwich. Fri., May 16, 11am. Salt & Time, 1912 E. Seventh, 512/524-1383. $13. www.saltandtime.com.

More Rare Tappings at the H&G Tap Room
Special tappings all day with Gonzo food truck on-site. Open to the public. Sat., May 17, noon-8pm. Hops & Grain Brewery, 507 Calles, 512/914-2467. www.hopsandgrain.com.