2 Events That Might Have Flown Under Your Radar

Even as we wind down from the height of summer, weekends are still packed with beer events too numerous to attend them all, meaning you'll have to make decisions about which ones to green light and which ones will have to be missed. In this crowded arena it's easy to focus on the most well publicized ones and I stand by my conviction that if you want me to visit you have to remind me to do so. With that said, I offer up a couple of options for the upcoming weekend that may have flown under your radar so far.

Kells 2nd Anniversary Party - Friday, August 15th
Kells flies a little under the craft beer radar in general but that doesn't mean the guiding hand of Dave Flemming isn't turning out good product. The newest location of Kells in NW is the place where that magic happens and as it turns out, they're celebrating their 2nd anniversary this Friday. Two special tappings will take place at 6:00 pm, followed by live music starting at 9:00 pm.

Kells Barrel Aged Red: The brewers took their Kells Irish Red Ale and barrel aged it for many months in Bull Run Distillery whiskey barrels. Honey and vanilla notes of whiskey dance in your mouth with the light toffee and red fruits of the ale. 5% ABV

Billy Ray Citrus CDSL: This beer was specifically brewed for OBF and one keg was held back for the anniversary. Billy Ray Citrus merges the dark roasty richness of a stout with the smooth, easy taste of a session lager. Two-row, caramel, carafa II (dehusked black malt) and Vienna malts are balanced by Northern Brewer, Hallertauer, Mt. Hood and Saaz hops, a great blend of the traditional European noble hops with the freshness of the Northwest. Fermented with lager yeast at room temperature gives this beer its fruity esters and a mild green-apple aroma.

Mighty Mites Festival - Sunday, August 17th 11 am - 7 pm
The first Mighty Mites Festival I attended was back in 2011, held behind Coalition Brewing, in the space that is now home to several food carts. It took a hiatus in 2012, returning last year as part of the Hawthorne Street Fair and will be a part of the Fair again this year, situated outside Bazi Bierbrassiere.

For $10 you'll get a sampling glass plus 4 tickets, each good for a 7 oz sample. The 10 beers range from tart to hoppy, all with an ABV of 5% or less, meaning you could probably have all 10 even if the rooster crows early for you on Monday morning.

Taplist:
10 Barrel German Sparkle Party
Burnside Brewing Lowercase IPA
Breakside A Saison in Hell
Oakshire Amerikuh
Fort George Divinity
Gigantic Rooie Dop
Lompoc Blueberry Tea beer
Double Mountain Una Mas
Laurelwood Berliner-Weisse
pFriem Session IPA

Whatever your weekend plans are, have a good one and enjoy many a good craft beer!