Good for What Ales You

These are glorious times to live in if you're a beer lover (ahem). The days of our fathers' mass-produced, pale yellow suds are gone; now beer drinkers have choices, and plenty of 'em. But with those choices come tough decisions -- do you keep buying the same microbrew and miss out on what other local brewers are doing, or do you label-hop and hope you don't end up with a six-pack that doesn't tickle your fancy? To get the most bang for your buck, check out the Fest-of-Ale at the Missouri Botanical Garden (4344 Shaw Boulevard; 314-577-5118 or www.mobot.org). The Young Friends of the Missouri Botanical Garden have lined up seventeen local breweries to offer tastings from 6 to 9 p.m. this evening in the lovely environs of the garden. Try something from Crown Valley Brewing & Distilling Company, give Charleville Brewing Company a shot, see what Piney River Brewing Company has under the hood -- they'll all be there tonight. Admission is $30 to $40, with a $15 option for non-drinking designated drivers; everybody's welcome to light appetizers, and drinkers can keep their tasting glass. There's also a raffle for "Beer for a Year" from Urban Chestnut Brewing Company.
Fri., Oct. 18, 2013