What’s Up in Beer: 7th Chili Cook-Off, Tour de Jing, Tianjin Steamer Launch Party, and New Brews
Spring can be tough on us Beijingers, what with allergies triggered by pollen, smoggy skies and unpredictable temperature changes. All that is magnified, in my case, by severe food poisoning (yes, we food writers get it all the time), and an unexpected foot injury, leaving me more than a bit crippled and uncomfortable. That means I'm even more ready for a weekend of drinking and fun than usual, so let’s have a look at what new brews can help bring us some much-needed cheer.
If you didn't get enough fiery food during last weekend’s Hot & Spicy Festival, worry-not. Just head to Great Leap Brewing #6 (the hutong one), which will have its seventh Back-Alley Chili Cook-Off on Apr 21 (2-6pm). If you have a great chili recipe, sign up to show off your cooking prowess, enjoy all the beers you can drink during the event, and even win the coveted Judge’s Prize (an RMB 588 voucher from Great Leap Brewing) or the People’s Choice Prize (an RMB 888 voucher). Contact jimmy@greatleapbrewing.com for more information. For the rest of us, RMB 150 will get you access to all the chili con carne you can eat (plus a vegetarian option) from 2-6pm, and includes any two beers on the menu. Your ticket will be the ballot for your favorite chili. I’ll be joining our beloved old friend Steven Schwankert and Joel Shuchat of the boutique Orchid Hotel as judges, so see you there.
Aside from that, two new beers are being released on tap at GLB. General of the Stampede, their newest IPA, was brewed solely with Qingdao Flower hops, and is a showcase of how locally sourced Chinese ingredients can let the beer shine. Named after general Tian Dan of the Warring States period, this sessionable beer has 5.5 percent ABV and costs RMB 40. Then there's the Dubbel Happiness, which is their seasonal beer in honor of the founders’ son’s birthday. This Belgian Dubbel is malty, sweet, and fruity with 7.1 percent ABV for RMB 50. Happy birthday Robby.
The Jing-A boys are bringing the Tour de Jing back on Apr 22. It kicks off with their Brewer’s Brunch at 1pm at Jing-A Xingfucun Brewpub, after which you'll pedal your way to six more locations. At each spot you'll get a different Jing-A brew on tap for RMB 30 and a stamp, which will get you a bottle opener at the end as a reward. Extra prizes will be in store for the riders with the best individual costume and the best group costume, so it’s time to dig up your old Halloween threads. E&A Livehouse wil be hosting the afterparty with a performance by Stevie Mac & The Mac Daddies. Here's the full schedule:
- 1PM: Jing-A Brewpub Xingfucun
- 2PM: Jianguo Bar
- 3PM: DDC (Dusk Dawn Club)
- 4PM: Punk Rock Noodles
- 5PM: The Great Outdoors
- 6PM: Tiki Bungalow
- 7PM: E&A Livehouse
A new beer, Tianjin Steamer, is the second co-brew by Slow Boat and WE Brewery from Tianjin. It is a California Common, or “steam beer" brewed with lager yeast. Slow Boat and WE Brewery's rendition is easy-drinking with 4.75 percent ABV. And to launch it, they will offer free beers (both at the station and on the train) for anyone who ventures to Tianjin to try it. Upon arrival, more free suds await you at WE Brewery. All you need to do is grab a ticket for Train G217 and head to Beijing South Train Station on Apr 21 (the train leaves for Tianjin at 1.30pm, and Slow Boat asks that everyone meet there early at 12.30pm).
To celebrate their one year anniversary, Transmountain will hold an unlimited drinking party on Apr 20 from 4pm. For RMB 188, you will get unlimited pints of four selected items – Urbrau’s IPA, Transmountain’s pils, and wheat beer, along with a cider from Orchard Pig. They will also serve roast lamb for 24 hours from Apr 20 at 4pm until Apr 21 at 4pm. You can also enjoy a special discount on other beers on tap. Join the crowd by scanning the code on the poster (it's a special circular QR code in the bottom left-hand corner).
Brotzeit in the New Zone of China World Mall is launching a new happy hour. Mon-Fri from 4-7pm, one of their most popular beers (light beer, dark beer, pilsner, and wheat beer) is buy-one-get-one-free, and you can enjoy buy-one-get-one-free on all their beers over the weekend.
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Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
Twitter: @flyingfigure
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Photos courtesy of venues
