Growlers: Ozark BDCS Release Events, Lost Forty Wild Cider, Stone's Throw Cigar Pairings

Central Arkansas this week gets its chance at nabbing the outstanding Ozark Beer Company BDCS 2018 in stores and bars. The Ozark Beer team will be doing plenty of publicity, starting tonight at 7 p.m. with an appearance on Tap Time on 103.7 The Buzz. Tuesday is a busy day with tastings at Lake Liquor at 2:30, Springhill Liquor at 4 p.m. and 107 Liquor at 5:30. If you don’t get to any of those, be sure to hit up Flying Saucer Tuesday at 7 p.m.; not only can you try BDCS 2018, but Flying Saucer will also be tapping the very rare Onyx Coffee BDCS. Then on Wednesday, Ozark goes to Legacy Wine and Spirits at 1:30, Colonial Wine and Spirits at 3 p.m. and Sullivant’s at 4:30 p.m. We covered the BDCS 2018 release party last week; suffice it to say this is not a beer you want to miss. Ozark Beer made a larger batch this year, so supplies in Central Arkansas will be less scarce than in years past.
It almost seems like Lost Forty Brewing got so good at its Wild Barrels Project that it decided to challenge itself. The latest installment in its terrific sour series is Wild Cider, a 6.3 percent ABV cider fermented with wild yeast and Brettanomyces. This funky apple cider is available in large-format bottles to enjoy at the taproom or to take home. It goes on sale at 4 p.m. today. Then tomorrow, Lost Forty is heading to U.S. Pizza Co. in Hillcrest for the 7th Annual Project Swim Patio Pool Party. The event features live music, Loblolly desserts and plenty of Lost Forty beer. Attendees are encouraged to bring swim items, like beach towels, goggles and flip flops, to donate to Our House and Project Swim. Those who donate will get a swag bag from Lost Forty.
Tonight at 8 p.m., Stone’s Throw Brewing is teaming up with West End Cigars for a unique pairing. (Update on 5/22 at 9 a.m.: this event has been postponed due to inclement weather) Your $55 admission gets you two cigar and beer pairings. The first is an Alec Bradley Post Embargo cigar paired with Stone’s Throw’s Hoppla Hefeweizen, and the second is a Padron 3000 with Big Peaty’s Barrel-Aged Wee Heavy. There will also be a few more beers to enjoy in between pairings, as well as some light hors d’oeuvres. Cigar fans really shouldn’t miss this event. And beer fans shouldn’t miss #NewBrewFriday at Stone’s Throw, when the brewery taps its Papa Geyer’s Imperial Pilsner. This brew is no joke; at 9 percent ABV, it’s a powerful pils that still manages to let its balance of malt and hops shine through. Stone’s Throw puts it on tap at 4 p.m. Friday.
Slate Rock Brewing in Amity this week taps its first-ever seasonal brew. On Friday, starting at 11 a.m., Slate Rock will have a limited amount of its new Copperhead IPA on tap. Slate Rock is pulling no punches for its first special release, as Copperhead is fermented with fresh habanero peppers. Co-owner Orianne Burgess says this one has a bold, fruity nose and a warm finish with plenty of bite. We highlighted Slate Rock when the brewery first opened, and I’m really excited to see how this adventurous brew turns out.
Last week, I got a chance to visit Prestonrose Farm and Brewing Company, one of my favorite spots anywhere in Arkansas. I urge you to head out to “the beer farm,” as many of us know it, and try some of the brewery’s excellent creations. This week, brewer Liz Preston is tapping a new pale ale with plenty of citrus notes. She also has her classics Mariachi Stout, Blue Centennial, Dirt Road Abbey and several others. If you go by on Saturday or Sunday, Prestonrose offers a can’t-miss menu, with almost every dish featuring ingredients grown on the farm. Bottom line: just get there. It’s a one-of-a-kind Arkansas experience.
Do you have any beer news you want to share with us? Email steve@rockcityeats.com.

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