Allagash Bash

Asheville has been host to several of the beer worlds biggest names over the past couple of years, including Alain De Laet of Delerium Tremens, Adam Avery of Avery Brewing, Lee Chase, former Stone Brewer, and of course, Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head. Heck, I even ran into Jeff Lebesch and Kim Jordan, owners of New Belgium Brewery, on my birthday last year. Next week, another big name will be visiting our fair city. Rob Tod, Brewmaster for Allagash Brewing Company, will be in town to promote his brewery, which is well known as being one of the best belgian style breweries in America.

The festivities begin at 5 pm on Tuesday the 25th at Bruisin' Ales, where Rob Todd will be on hand for a beer tasting. This is a special tasting that requires a reservation, and it costs 15 dollars, with proceeds going to the Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is an excellent opportunity to meet one of the country's premier brewers, and to sample some of Allagash's fine beers. In addition, Julie and Jason will be preparing some great food to be paired with the beers. Just call Bruisin' Ales at 252-8999 to make your reservation.

The fun doesn't stop there, as Rob Tod will be heading over to the Thirsty Monk after the tasting at around 7 pm. The Monk will have five Allagash beers on tap all week, including the Black, the White, the Hugh Malone, the Fluxus 2008, and one of my personal favorites, the Interlude. They will also have a special keg that evening, the Burnham Road, a smoked beer. The Allagash festivities continue all week at the Monk, with Pint Night on Wednesday and the Odyssey, my other favorite Allagash beer, will be on cask Thursday. Be sure to check it out.