We knew it was likely that we wouldn’t be joyously rubbing shoulders under a packed tent anytime soon as part of the annual Winter Warmer beer festival, but organizers Rhizome Productions are working hard to make the best of a bad situation. Slated for Saturday, Feb. 13, from 2-4 p.m., this year’s online Winter Warmer will be a lot like the other virtual beer-tasting events that Rhizome has put on throughout the pandemic, but super-sized.
And when I say “super-sized,” I don’t just mean only the size of the festival. Winter Warmer is known for a couple of things — the convivial attitude of the assembled crowds, the special beers that brewers save up during the year for the event or craft especially for Winter Warmer, and the fact that some of those beers have some massive alcohol contents. All three of those factors will be present at this year’s event, and considering that some of the beers being offered featuresABVs above a whopping 10 percent, it’s probably a blessing that you’ll be able to participate from the comfort and safety of your own home!
Because of the size and potency of these beers, organizers suggest that two to four people share the allotment, so $99 is one heckuva bargain. This is especially true when you consider the fact that your price of admission also includes two curated cheese offerings courtesy of The Bloomy Rind and a load of swag from the participating breweries. There will also be a livestreamed musical performance during the mid-event intermission (read: pee break), plus expert commentary from the event organizers and special guest representatives from the breweries.
I’m sure you’re interested in what beers will be sampled, so here’s the impressive list:
- Oskar Blues Barrel-Aged Ten Fidy 12.5% 12oz
- Monday Night Tiramisu Bourbon Barrel-Aged Drafty Kilt 8.5% 16oz
- Blackberry Farm Brewery Barrel Series Brett Saison (2017 Vintage) 375ml
- Hi-Wire Brewing Barrel-Aged American Strong Ale 10.5% 500ml
- Blackstone Brewing Company Coconut Black Belle BA Imperial Stout 13% 12oz
- Southern Grist Brewing Co. Dancing on Staves Scottish Wee Heavy aged on Oak Staves and Maple Syrup 9.3% 16oz
- Bearded Iris Brewing High Octane Imperial Stout with Salted Caramel and Coffee 10% 16oz
- Tailgate Brewing Company Barrel-Aged Imperial Peanut Butter Milk Stout 10% 12oz
- New Heights Brewing Co. Gobsmacked Barrel-aged English Barleywine 11.7% 12oz
- Guest Brewery: Burial Beer Co. Skillet Donut Stout 8% 16oz
That’s 10 big beers and a whole lotta fun for two to four participants for less than a hundy, so you might want to get on the stick and grab your spot at
the event registration siteASAP. Once you’ve registered, make plans to pick up your box of beer and booty at the newest
Woodland Wine Merchant-Sylvan Parkon Thursday, Feb. 11, or Friday, Feb. 12, between 1 and 7 p.m., or on Saturday, Feb. 13, during regular hours (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.). The new store is located at 4101 Charlotte Ave., Building E, Suite 140, and you can reach them at 615-712-8670 when you arrive at the store so that they can bring out your beers.
Cheers to winter beers!
