What's Brewing
Able Baker Opening Its Own Brewery
Since entering the Southern Nevada market in late 2016, Able Baker’s beers have been popping up just about everywhere. The name is reflective of the partners being longtime Nevadans, and refers to the state’s atomic history, as the very first two atomic bombs detonated at the Nevada Test Site were named “Able” and “Baker.” Their now iconic Atomic Duck logo with a duck head inside an atomic star symbol, is representative of the rumor that a duck was the only animal to survive the blasts and the use of this symbol represents perseverance and good fortune.
Most know Able Baker as a local brewery, but what many don’t realize is the beers are contract brewed at Joseph James Brewing by Able Baker co-owner Randy Rohde and the Joseph James team, but now that’s about to change. Co-owner James Manus informs that construction is now underway for a 15-barrel brewing system with capacity to brew 6,500 barrels a year. Located in the Arts District, which is quickly becoming a “beer district,” there will be a 7,500 square foot taproom with capacity for about 150 guests and 33 tap handles to serve them with. Unlike most of the other taprooms in the District, there will be a food concept contained within the brewery, and it will definitely be high quality, for it will be operated by Van-Alan Nguyen and his group behind 595 Craft & Kitchen. In addition, there will be a small stage in the venue to be used for special events, live music, DJ's and private events & seminars. Manus relates, “This new facility will allow us to expand our barrel-aging program and to offer some brewery-only exclusives. We're keeping the ‘Atomic theme’ for the brewery so expect an ambiance that reflects our core theme of the Atomic Era in Las Vegas from the early 40s to late 50s. Also, we gotta keep the duck imagery going. Good times are coming.”
The targeted opening date is mid-summer 2019. In the meantime, look for Able Baker Atomic Duck IPA, Kris Kael Impale’d Ale, Test Site Saison and Honey Dip Stout around town; and this month debuting is PRESS IPA, produced exclusively for the Four Seasons property.
Southern Nevada Beer Events
As the temps increase, so does our thirst for beer, and fortunately there are several beer events on tap in the coming weeks.
On May 11 the 13th Annual Lee’s Beer & Tequila Experience will take place at the Thomas & Mack Center at UNLV from 4-8 p.m. featuring more than 300 handcrafted beers and 70 tequilas. There will also be a DJ and silent auction. Tickets are being sold at all 20 Lee’s Discount Liquor Southern Nevada locations with a two-for-one deal being offered through May 10.
leesliquorlv.com/13th-annual-lees-beer-tequila-experience
While not specifically a beer event, on May 11 A Smokin’ Good Time with Susan Feniger at Border Grill/Mandalay Bay, part of the Uncork’d events, will be a BBQ party with a Mexican twist, but the beers will all be from local brewery CraftHaus. Blood Orange Pale Ale was brewed specifically for the event and also being served are CraftHaus Silver State Green Chile Michelada, BlackStar Black IPA, Amigo Mexican Imperial Stout and frozen beer Slushy-Zitrone Gose with Prickly Pear. To my knowledge this is the first time a local brewery has been featured at an Uncork’d event.
vegasuncorked.com/a-smokin-good-time
The 10th Annual Stone Domination at Aces & Ales Tenaya location on May 18 beginning at 3 p.m. will devote all 50 of its taps to rare and unique Stone beers, including an Aces & Ales/Stone collaboration brew and the opportunity to meet Stone Brewing’s Executive Chairman/Co-Founder Greg Koch, President/Co-Founder Steve Wagner, Senior Innovation Brewing Manager Jeremy Moynier, Senior Manager of Brewing and Innovation Steve Gonzalez and Stone Liberty Station Brewing Manager Kris Ketcham. There will also be a Stoned Brunch pre-party from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. with all-you-can-drink Stone beers and a brunch food menu.
On June 1 the MonteLago Beerfest will be held on the cobblestone pathways of The Village at Lake Las Vegas from 3-8 p.m. There will be more than 100 craft beers from 40 breweries, beer-centric specialty vendors, festival menus by the Village restaurants and live music. The festival is open to the public to visit the vendor tents and restaurants, but to sample the beers you’ll need the ID wristband and souvenir glass.
On June 8 the 3rd annual Hopped Taco Throwdown, a Motley Brews event featuring all-you-can-eat tacos from 12 restaurants and all-you-can-drink craft beer with a selection of more than 40 beers, including brews from several local breweries, will be held from 8-11 p.m. (7 p.m. for VIP) at a venue not often enjoyed by the public: the mystical Backyard at Zappos at 400 Stewart Ave. in Downtown Las Vegas.
As always, great beer happens in Vegas!