Lakewood Brewing Co., a family-owned craft brewery in Garland, Texas, is hosting a unique Beer and Pickle Pairing Tasting event on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 2302 Executive Drive, Garland, TX 75041. This event combines house-made gourmet pickles with carefully selected beers to create a memorable tasting experience for beer and pickle enthusiasts.

Event Highlights
The Beer and Pickle Pairing Tasting features four distinct pickle and beer combinations, crafted by Lakewood’s culinary team to enhance bold, tangy, spicy, and citrusy flavors:

Lakewood Lager House Pickle with Tajin paired with Lakewood Amber Lager
Curried Lakewood IPA Pickle paired with Lakewood IPA
Sweet & Spicy Thai Chili Pickle paired with Stubs Texas Pilsner
Mango Citrus Pickle paired with Goddess Hazy IPA

Each pairing includes tasting notes to guide guests through the flavor profiles. The event runs from 12 p.m. until the pickles sell out, with Lakewood’s full menu of beers and food available all day. Notable menu items include the Bavarian Pretzel with Beer Cheese and Temptress Mustard, and a limited-time Chicken Pickle Ranch Flatbread featuring ranch, grilled chicken, mozzarella, house-made Lakewood Lager pickles, and a buffalo drizzle.

Event Details
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Time: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Lakewood Brewing Company
2302 Executive Drive
Garland, TX 75041

About Lakewood Brewing Company
Lakewood Brewing Company, based in Garland (on Dallas’s east side), was founded in 2011 by Belgium‑born brewmaster Wim Bens, who relocated to Texas early in life and later earned a brewing degree from the American Brewers Guild before launching the brewery in 2011 and selling its first keg in August 2012. Bens’s wife, Brenda Busch, contributes as vice‑president, reinforcing the company’s identity as a tight‑knit, family‑owned operation.

Under Bens’s leadership, Lakewood Brewing has built a reputation for “Seriously Fun Beer,” blending Belgian-inspired craftsmanship with innovative Texas creativity.  Signature beers like Temptress Imperial Milk Stout—the top‑selling craft stout in Texas—and seasonal favorites like Tangerine Queen and Goddess Hazy IPA highlight their range. The brewery operates a taproom, beer garden, and special event spaces in its 2,000 ft² facility, producing small‑batch, experimental brews developed on‑site by a dedicated “mad scientist brewers” team .

The current head brewer is Duncan McClain, who oversees beer production across Lakewood’s extensive lineup and statewide Texas distribution. Under his technical guidance and Bens’s creative vision, Lakewood continues to expand, offering unique series like the Legendary and Seduction lines, while preserving its family‑centric culture and strong community ties.

Lakewood excels at balancing artful brewing traditions with Texas flair—fostering innovation in both their beers and taproom experience, all while staying firmly rooted in family and community.

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The story behind Lagunitas Brewing Company’s Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale is a tale of rebellion, craft beer culture, and a cheeky response to authority. Brewed by Lagunitas in Petaluma, California, this American Strong Ale (9.6% ABV, 66.6 IBUs) commemorates a 2005 incident dubbed the “St. Patrick’s Day Massacre” and the brewery’s subsequent 20-day suspension. Here’s the “highstory”:

The Incident
Lagunitas, founded by Tony Magee in 1993, was known for its laid-back, counterculture vibe, hosting weekly parties every Thursday at 4:20 PM in their taproom loft. These gatherings featured beer, live music, and food, attracting a mix of locals, friends, and family. The brewery’s open embrace of cannabis culture—evident in the conspicuous 4:20 start time—drew the attention of California’s Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC).

In early 2005, the ABC launched an eight-week undercover investigation, suspecting illegal activities at these events. Undercover agents posed as partygoers, attempting to catch the brewery in acts like serving minors, overserving alcohol, or facilitating drug sales. Despite their efforts, the agents found no evidence of underage drinking or alcohol-related violations. However, they did observe cannabis use outside the brewery, which was common but not condoned by Lagunitas. Frustrated by their lack of success in nabbing serious offenses, the ABC culminated their sting on St. Patrick’s Day 2005, raiding the event, arresting a few individuals for possession, and charging Lagunitas with operating a “Disorderly House” and “Moral Turpitude” (a term the brewery had to look up, defined as “devoid of social morals”).

The Fallout
The ABC initially slapped Lagunitas with a one-year suspension of their operating license, a potentially devastating blow for a growing craft brewery. After negotiations, the penalty was reduced to 20 days, and Lagunitas strategically chose to serve the suspension in mid-January 2006, using the downtime to install a new bottling line and generate significant media buzz. The brewery leaned into the ordeal, turning a setback into a marketing triumph.

The Beer
In defiance and celebration, Lagunitas created Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale, first released in 2005. The beer’s label, penned by Magee, a former reggae musician, drips with sarcasm: “We Brewed This Especially Bitter Ale In Remembrance of the 2005 St. Patrick’s Day Massacre And in Celebration of Our 20-Day Suspension. … Whatever. We’re Still Here.” The name itself was a jab, as the ABC had to approve the label, forcing them to stamp their own embarrassment.

The beer is a malty, hop-forward American Strong Ale that defies strict style guidelines—Lagunitas jokingly calls it an “Imperial Mild” or “Uber ESB.” It pours a clear amber with a light beige head, offering aromas of pine, citrus, and caramel malts. The flavor balances sweet malt, fruity hops, and a bitter, grapefruit-zest finish, with a creamy medium body and a sneaky drinkability despite its high ABV. Reviewers praise its balance, though some note the alcohol can be prominent.

The Legacy
The ale became a fan favorite, earning a 91/100 on BeerAdvocate with over 4,500 reviews and a 3.9/5 on Untappd with 131,000+ check-ins. It’s celebrated not just for its taste but for its story, embodying Lagunitas’s irreverent spirit. The brewery even produced a YouTube video in 2015, “The HIGHSTORY Behind Undercover Investigation Special Ale,” where employees recount the tale with humor, mentioning “undercover agents hiding in jean jackets” and a “giant joint made with a sushi roller.”

The beer also nods to a broader ethos. Tony Magee, reflecting on the incident, quoted Benjamin Franklin: “You can tell the strength of a society by the paucity of pages in its book of laws,” critiquing overreach by authorities. When an ABC agent later returned to reinstate the license, Magee teased him, learning the agent had aspired to be an astronaut—hence the beer’s dedication to “all the world’s would-be astronauts.”

Conclusion
Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale is more than a beer; it’s a middle finger to bureaucracy and a testament to resilience. Lagunitas turned a bust into a badge of honor, crafting a bold, bitter ale that tells a story in every sip. As they put it: “Do the crime. Do the time. Get the bragging rights.”

About Lagunitas Brewing
Founded in 1993 by Tony Magee in Petaluma, California, Lagunitas Brewing Company has grown from a small kitchen stove operation to a globally recognized craft brewery, now a subsidiary of Heineken International since 2017. Renowned for its hop-forward beers, particularly the iconic Lagunitas IPA—the top-selling IPA in the world—the brewery has built a loyal following through its irreverent spirit, innovative brews, and commitment to community. With a diverse portfolio that includes non-alcoholic offerings like Hoppy Refresher and IPNA, as well as experimental seasonal releases, Lagunitas continues to push boundaries while staying true to its roots, welcoming open-minded beer enthusiasts with open taps and a vibrant, inclusive culture.

Lagunitas remains deeply connected to its Petaluma home, where its taproom and beer sanctuary serve as a hub for locals and visitors to experience exclusive brews, live music, and events like Thursday karaoke and bingo nights. The brewery’s commitment to sustainability and community shines through initiatives like its collaboration with Toast Ale, creating The Toast of Petaluma, a lager brewed with surplus bread to reduce food waste, and donations to local nonprofits like Sonoma Family Meal. As Lagunitas consolidates its brewing operations in Petaluma following the 2024 closure of its Chicago facility, it aims to enhance efficiency, focus on innovation, and continue delivering fresh, high-quality beers to fans across 20 countries and beyond.

Top 10 Beer Festivals in America plus a few more: Click Here!

DENVER, CO—The Belgian Import Festival, a highlight of Denver’s vibrant craft beer calendar, transforms Bruz Beers’ original West 67th Avenue location into a slice of Belgium on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from noon to 3 p.m. Hosted by the artisanal brewery renowned for its authentic Belgian-style brews, the event brings together 18 world-class Belgian breweries—including icons like Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle, Lindemans, Rodenbach, Huyghe, Kerel, and John Martin—for a curated selection of rare imports specially shipped to Colorado. Tickets, priced at $60, grant attendees a tasting glass and unlimited samples, making it an accessible gateway for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to explore the nuanced flavors of tripels, dubbels, lambics, and sours that define Belgium’s storied brewing legacy.

Beyond the pours, the festival immerses guests in Belgian culture through live rock tunes from local favorites Boot Gun, dubbed “the Denver Rock Band to Watch This Year” by Westword, and a lineup of four food trucks offering thematic bites: Big Belly Brothers BBQ with pig roasts, Papa Frites slinging Belgian fries and poutine, Shuck Brothers’ oysters and lobster sliders, and Macs and Mutts’ dog treats alongside human macarons. Organized by Bruz co-founders Ryan Evans and Charlie Gottenkieny—passionate about bridging European traditions with Colorado’s beer scene—this milestone gathering echoes their annual overseas tours, delivering standout discoveries straight to the Mile High City without the need for a passport.

BELGIAN IMPORT FESTIVAL DAY-OF DETAILS

When: Saturday, June 6, 2025 – 12 to 3 pm

Where: Bruz Beers, 1675 West 67th Avenue #100 Denver, CO 80221

Rain or Shine

Breweries on the Menu:

Chimay: Renowned for its Trappist beers, Chimay produces rich, complex ales like Chimay Blue, crafted under monastic supervision in Belgium since 1862. Its beers are celebrated globally for their balance of malt, fruit, and spice.

Cornelissen: Brouwerij Cornelissen, a family-owned Belgian brewery, is famous for its Herkenrode abbey beers and Limburgse Witte, blending tradition with innovative flavors. Its Pax Pils offers a crisp, refreshing take on the classic style.

De Brabandre: Founded in 1894, De Brabandre is known for its Petrus sour ales, particularly Petrus Aged Pale, combining oak-aged tartness with fruity depth. The brewery also crafts the hoppy Kwaremont, inspired by cycling culture.

Dubuisson: One of Belgium’s oldest family breweries, established in 1769, Dubuisson is famed for its Bush Ambrée, a strong, malty ale with caramel notes. Its Cuvée des Trolls offers a lighter, citrusy alternative.

Halve Maan: Located in Bruges, Halve Maan brews the iconic Straffe Hendrik and Brugse Zot, blending centuries-old tradition with modern creativity. Its historic brewery site attracts beer enthusiasts worldwide.

Huyghe: Best known for its Delirium Tremens, a strong golden ale with a spicy, fruity profile, Huyghe has been brewing since 1906. The brewery’s pink elephant logo is a global craft beer symbol.

John Martin: Founded by a British expatriate in 1909, John Martin is celebrated for its Gordon Finest Scotch Ale and the crisp Timmermans lambics. Its portfolio blends Belgian tradition with international appeal.

Kerel: A modern Belgian brewery, Kerel focuses on bold, experimental beers like its Saison and Dark Farmhouse Ale, emphasizing organic ingredients. Its vibrant branding reflects its innovative spirit.

Lindemans: Since 1822, Lindemans has specialized in lambic beers, with its Kriek and Gueuze offering tart, fruity flavors from spontaneous fermentation. Its fruit lambics are a gateway for new beer drinkers.

Orval: A Trappist brewery since 1931, Orval produces a single, distinctive beer, Orval Ale, known for its dry, hoppy, and Brettanomyces-driven complexity. Its elegant bottle design is iconic.

Rochefort: This Trappist brewery, dating back to 1595, crafts three revered beers—Rochefort 6, 8, and 10—with rich, dark fruit, and chocolate notes. Its small-scale production ensures exceptional quality.

Rodenbach: Famous for its Flemish red-brown ales, Rodenbach blends young and oak-aged beers for a tart, fruity profile, with Rodenbach Grand Cru as a standout. Brewing since 1821, it’s a sour beer pioneer.

St. Bernardus: Located in Watou, St. Bernardus brews abbey-style ales, with its Abt 12 quad known for its velvety, dark fruit richness. Often compared to Trappist beers, it’s a craft favorite.

St. Feuillien: Founded in 1873, St. Feuillien produces elegant abbey beers like its Blonde and Tripel, balancing malt sweetness with spicy yeast notes. Its seasonal Saison is a refreshing highlight.

Val-Dieu: Brewed at a Cistercian abbey, Val-Dieu offers authentic abbey beers like its Triple, with fruity esters and a smooth finish. Its recipes draw on centuries of monastic tradition.

Van Steenberge: Known for its Gulden Draak, a dark, boozy tripel, Van Steenberge has brewed since 1784, blending heritage with bold flavors. Its Piraat Ale is a hoppy, adventurous classic.

Verhaeghe: A leader in Flemish red ales, Verhaeghe’s Duchesse de Bourgogne combines sweet, sour, and oak-aged depth since 1825. Its Barbe Ruby is a fruity, dessert-like treat.

Westmalle: A Trappist pioneer since 1836, Westmalle is the birthplace of the Tripel style, with its Westmalle Tripel offering golden, spicy complexity. Its Dubbel is a darker, malt-driven classic.

ABOUT BRUZ BEERS
Bruz Beers, a beloved Denver craft brewery, was founded in 2016 by lifelong friends and Belgian beer enthusiasts Ryan Evans and Charlie Gottenkieny with a bold mission: to bring authentic, world-class Belgian-style beers to Colorado. What started as a shared frustration over rare Belgian imports and homebrew experiments evolved into one of America’s few breweries dedicated exclusively to the diverse and historic beer styles of Belgium. Located originally in Denver’s Midtown neighborhood at 1675 W. 67th Avenue, Bruz quickly earned a loyal following for its meticulously crafted tripels, dubbels, saisons, and barrel-aged sours, all brewed with traditional methods, premium ingredients, and remarkable patience—some beers age for up to three years. In the years since, Bruz has expanded with a second vibrant taproom, Bruz Off Colfax, and become a cornerstone of Denver’s craft beer scene while proudly staying true to its Belgian roots.

The brewery remains independently owned and operated by its co-founders. Ryan Evans, a Colorado native with an MBA from the University of Denver and a background in executive leadership, serves as CEO and handles business strategy and operations. His passion for Belgian beer was ignited during a life-changing travels through Europe. Charlie Gottenkieny, an award-winning homebrewer of nearly three decades and nationally recognized beer judge, is the head brewmaster responsible for Bruz’s acclaimed recipes and brewing precision. Together, the duo has built Bruz Beers into a celebrated destination that combines old-world Belgian brewing tradition with Colorado’s adventurous spirit, all while keeping full ownership and creative control in the hands of the two friends who started it all.

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Cheers to the First National Homebrew Day: May 7th, 1988

Every year on the first Saturday of May, beer enthusiasts across the United States raise a glass to celebrate National Homebrew Day! This frothy holiday, established by the American Homebrewers Association (AHA), is a tribute to the art, science, and community of homebrewing. Whether you’re a seasoned brewer or a curious newbie, National Homebrew Day is the perfect excuse to dive into the world of craft beer, experiment with flavors, and share the joy of a cold, homemade pint.  National Homebrew Day was created to honor the passion and creativity of homebrewers who craft their own beer from scratch. It’s a day to celebrate the DIY spirit, connect with fellow beer lovers, and showcase the endless possibilities of brewing at home. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, homebrewing lets you customize every sip to your taste. On the first Saturday in May, homebrewers nationwide will fire up their kettles, mix their malts, and participate in the AHA’s Big Brew event, a global toast where brewers make the same recipes or share their own. It’s not just about brewing—it’s about community, learning, and, of course, enjoying the fruits of your labor!

Why Homebrewing is So Awesome

Homebrewing is more than just a hobby; it’s a creative outlet that blends science, artistry, and a love for beer. Here’s why it’s worth celebrating:

• Endless Creativity: Want a chocolate stout or a mango-infused sour? With homebrewing, you’re the master of your flavors.

• Community Vibes: Homebrew clubs and events like Big Brew bring people together to swap recipes, tips, and tastings.

• Sustainability: Brewing at home can be eco-friendly, using local ingredients and reusable equipment.

• Learning Curve: From fermentation to carbonation, you’ll geek out on the science behind that perfect pour.

How to Celebrate National Homebrew Day

Ready to join the fun? Here are some ways to make the most of National Homebrew Day:

1. Start Brewing: Pick a beginner-friendly recipe like a pale ale or join the AHA’s Big Brew recipes. Kits are available online or at local brew shops.

2. Join a Local Event: Check with your local homebrew club or brewery for tastings, workshops, or group brews. Many host Big Brew watch parties!

3. Share Your Brew: Bottle up your latest batch and share it with friends (responsibly, of course). Nothing beats the pride of a homemade beer.

4. Learn Something New: Watch online tutorials, read up on hop varieties, or experiment with a new ingredient like fruit or spices.

5. Toast Virtually: Can’t make it to an event? Join the global toast at 1:00 PM ET, share your brew on social media with #NationalHomebrewDay, and connect with brewers worldwide.

Fun Facts About Homebrewing

• It’s Legal (Mostly): Thanks to a 1978 law signed by President Jimmy Carter, homebrewing is legal in the U.S. for personal use, though some states have specific rules.

• Ancient Roots: Beer brewing dates back over 7,000 years, with ancient Sumerians and Egyptians perfecting early recipes.

• Craft Beer Boom: Many craft breweries, like Sierra Nevada and Samuel Adams, started as homebrew experiments.

• Big Brew Impact: In 2024, thousands of brewers participated in Big Brew, producing gallons of beer for charity and community events.

Tips for Homebrewing Newbies

Dipping your toes into homebrewing? Here’s how to get started:

• Invest in a Kit: Starter kits (around $50-$100) include essentials like fermenters, airlocks, and sanitizers.

• Keep It Clean: Sanitation is key—any bacteria can ruin your batch.

• Start Simple: Try a pre-made recipe kit before tweaking your own.

• Be Patient: Fermentation takes 1-2 weeks, and some beers need months to mature.

• Join a Club: Local or online homebrew communities offer advice, feedback, and camaraderie.

 Raise a Glass to Homebrewing!

National Homebrew Day is the first Saturday in May, is your chance to celebrate the craft, community, and creativity of homebrewing. Whether you’re brewing your first batch, joining a Big Brew event, or simply sipping a friend’s homemade IPA, this day is all about the love of beer. So grab your hops, sanitize your fermenter, and let’s toast to the joy of making something delicious from scratch.

Cheers to National Homebrew Day—here’s to great brews and good times!

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St. Patrick’s Day by the Numbers

On St. Patrick’s Day, an estimated 13 million pints of Guinness are consumed worldwide, fueling celebrations from Dublin to Dubai. In the United States, about 60% of Americans plan to join the festivities, contributing to a staggering $5.9 billion in total spending. The average reveler shells out around $40 on green attire, drinks, and food.

Iconic traditions shine in Chicago, where 45 pounds of eco-friendly vegetable dye have turned the river a brilliant emerald since the practice began in 1962. Meanwhile, a leprechaun’s mythical pot of gold—holding 1,000 one-ounce coins—would be worth roughly $1.3 million at current gold prices. St. Patrick’s Day ranks as the fourth-most popular drinking holiday in the U.S., trailing only New Year’s Eve, Christmas, and the Fourth of July. Sixteen American cities bear the name Dublin, and the nation’s first St. Patrick’s Day parade marched through Boston in 1737—decades before Ireland held its own.

American St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day in the United States is a boisterous, emerald-hued spectacle that transforms cities into Irish wonderlands every March 17. Rooted in the veneration of Ireland’s patron saint, the holiday arrived with waves of Irish immigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries and quickly evolved from solemn religious observances into a full-throated celebration of Irish heritage and general revelry. In cities with large Irish-American populations—Boston, Chicago, New York, and Savannah—parades draw hundreds of thousands of spectators. Chicago famously dyes its river a vivid green using an environmentally safe vegetable-based dye, a tradition started in 1962 by plumbers who noticed the color lingering after testing for pollution. Bagpipers in kilts, step dancers with lightning-fast feet, and floats sponsored by local unions and businesses wind through downtown streets while spectators, many sporting shamrock antennae or “Kiss Me, I’m Irish” pins (regardless of actual ancestry), cheer and toss beads.

The day is as much about communal indulgence as cultural pride. Bars open early, serving green beer, Irish car bombs, and corned beef with cabbage to crowds decked out in every shade of green imaginable. House parties spill onto porches, and even non-Irish Americans join in, turning the holiday into a universal excuse for daytime drinking and good-natured mischief. In New York, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade—dating back to 1762 and billed as the world’s oldest and largest—marches up Fifth Avenue past St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where the Archbishop offers a blessing. Though the festivities can get rowdy, with police managing overflowing sidewalks and occasional overindulgers, the overwhelming mood is one of inclusive joy, a mid-March reminder that, for one day, everyone claims a drop of Irish blood.

Top 10 Beer Festivals in America plus a few more: Click Here!

Ursula Brewery(2015-2024)
Ursula Brewery quietly opened its doors in Aurora, Colorado, in December 2015, but its roots run straight back to one of the state’s most legendary (and long-gone) cult breweries: Phantom Canyon Brewing in Colorado Springs.

Co-founders Ben Davis and Mike Van Ness both cut their teeth at Phantom Canyon in the late ’90s and early 2000s, where they brewed under the late Steve Gonzalez—Colorado’s original “godfather of barrel-aged beers.” When Phantom Canyon closed its original brewhouse in 2012, Ben and Mike carried that old-school, no-shortcuts philosophy with them. After years of homebrewing together and plotting over pints, they launched Ursula in a low-key industrial strip on the edge of Aurora, just minutes from Denver International Airport.

Named after Ben’s grandmother Ursula (a tough-as-nails German immigrant who loved her lager), the brewery’s identity has always been “refined classics with a Colorado twist.” From day one, Ursula specialized in crisp, clean lagers (a rarity in IPA-crazed Colorado at the time) alongside English-style bitters, German altbiers, and the occasional big barrel-aged stouts. Their flagship Frauline Ursula German Pilsner became an instant local favorite for its snappy noble-hop bite and bone-dry finish, while Phantasmagoria (a rotating series of barrel-aged imperial stouts and barleywines) paid direct homage to their Phantom Canyon’s iconic old program.

By 2018, Ursula had outgrown its original 7-bbl system and expanded into the space next door, adding a 15-bbl brewhouse and a cozy 70-seat taproom with garage doors and a dog-friendly patio. That same year they took home gold at the Great American Beer Festival for their Dunkelweizen, cementing their rep as one of Colorado’s most underrated lager houses.

Through the 2020s, Ursula stayed fiercely independent while the rest of the state exploded with hazy IPAs and pastry stouts. They kept quietly cranking out perfect Kölsch, Helles, Märzen, and the occasional dry-hopped lager, earning a cult following among Denver-area beer nerds who wanted something crushable that still tasted like beer. In 2023, they launched limited can distribution of Fraulein Ursula and their Black Forest Schwarzbier, finally giving shelf space to Colorado lagers that could hang with the big boys.

Closing of Ursula Brewery
The Denver Post reported  that Ursula Brewery in Aurora, near Anschutz Medical and Children’s Hospital, had its last day on December 22, 2023. It sounds like the saddest Christmas party, to me.