Beer Buzz January 5-7: Mead Tasting, Sierra Nevada Release, Beer Dinner & Sentinel Peak Anniversary

The craft beer scene in Tucson is hopping (pun intended).

With a current tally of 18 craft breweries in southern Arizona along with three additional beer shops that specialize in craft beer from down the street to across the continent, it’s safe to say we have options.

But it would be difficult for the typical suds seeker to know when and where to find the latest releases or biggest to-dos in the industry without being constantly tethered to their mobile device.

While we can’t change that, we can help.

Below are four craft beer events happening from now through January 7.

Superstition Meadery Berry White Series Vertical

Arizona Beer House, 150 S. Kolb Rd., 6 – 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 5

Mead, the drink of the gods and a favorite of Tyrion Lannister has been experiencing a renaissance of sorts thanks to the craft beer explosion. At its simplest, mead is a wine that uses honey as its fermentable sugars. Arizona’s own Superstition Meadery has quickly become a favorite in the mead world with their “Berry White” series.

If you’re a fan of mead or just want to try what’s arguably the best mead in the country, get to Arizona Beer House Friday, January 6. You’ll receive four two-ounce pours from the 2015 series along with four more from the 2017 series. Variants include the original Berry White made with raspberries, Black Berry White, Blue Berry White, and Straw Berry White.

For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

Sierra Nevada Sidecar Release Party

Tucson Hop Shop, 3230 N. Dodge Blvd., 6 – 8 p.m. on Friday, January 6

The grand-daddy of the craft beer world is adding a new beer to its year round repertoire on Friday, January 6. The New England-style IPA is all the rage right now with big, juicy flavors that cloud the glass as thick as London fog.

This Orange Pale Ale isn’t as hoppy nor as cloudy as the aforementioned style but stills packs a hop bite with plenty of citrus to make you wonder if you reached your recommended daily allowance of vitamin C.

Other great Sierra Nevada beers on tap to enjoy are Barrel-Aged Narwhal Imperial Stout with currants, 2015 Narwhal Imperial Stout, 2015 Bigfoot Barleywine, and their Beer Camp release, Golden IPA.

For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

Ben’s Craft Beer Dinner

Gentle Ben’s, 865 E. University Blvd., 7 -8:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 7

If it’s a fancy night out with your lady that you are seeking, Gentle Ben’s in Main Gate Square will fit the bill nicely on Saturday night. Chef Jonah Gomes is preparing a five-course meal paired with their own Barrio Brewing Co. beer.

The lineup includes gold medal-winning Nolan’s Porter, bronze medal-winning Rojo Scottish Ale along with their newest beer, the Citrazona IPA (I told you the style was popular).

The full menu is available a the Facebook event link below.

For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

Sentinel Peak Brewing Co. 3rd Anniversary

Sentinel Peak Brewing Co., 4746 E. Grant Rd., 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Saturday, January 7

Sentinel Peak, Tucson’s only midtown brewpub opened its doors January 9, 2014  and the firefighting day job trio of owners have only seen their brewery gain steam since day one.

Look forward to a great menu of their signature smoked meats and loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese dishes to complement their flagship beers along with a special tapping of their Anniversary Strong Ale. Tucson’s favorite former UA cheerleader, Drew Cooper will supply the music for the shindig with his unique brand of rebel country music.

For more information, visit the Facebook event page.