Guide to New York Beer Week 2017

Whether you’re a fanatical homebrewer or just a sometime imbiber, who wouldn’t want to lose themselves in the bottom of a pint glass for nine straight days?  Thanks to New York Beer Week — an annual, out-out celebration of suds — there’s an opportunity to do just that, through tap takeovers, festivals, pairing dinners and more!

SMASH Simultap (2/24): The term “SMASH” usually stands for single malt and single hop in the beer world; although during Beer Week, it refers to State malt and state hops.  Which means, the beers tapped in unison at 15 area breweries are as local as you can get; look for barrel-fermented saison from Transmitter, Echo Location pale ale at Gun Hill, and Partygyle Imperial IPA at Big Alice.

NYC Fermentation Festival (2/25): Celebrating not just beer, but the chemical process behind it, this festival features a 30-strong vendor expo (participants include Kombrewcha, Barry’s Tempeh, and Mama O’s Kimchi) as well as seminars and demonstrations, adult beverages and child-friendly fermentation workshops, and live acoustic music by the Homebrewsicians.

Homebrew Jamboree (2/26): This annual event always sells out the quickest; so nab tickets now this no-holds-barred face-off between 16 local homebrewers, who’ll pair their DIY beers with snacks from Jimmy’s No. 43, including cheeseburger sliders, kielbasa, Sigmund’s soft pretzels, grilled cheese and veggie tacos.

NYC Brewer’s Choice (3/1): Beer Week’s biggest event in scope, more than three dozen breweries will gather together, serving up suds crafted especially for the celebration.  Expect New York favorites like Barrier, Other Half, Grimm Artisanal Ales and Captain Lawrence, as well as out-of-town guests including Carton, Oxbow, Two Roads and Green Flash.  And did we mention the food?  15+ chefs will serve everything from barbecue sandwiches to raw oysters to chocolate.

Bacon & Beer (3/3): How to make a great thing (beer) even better?  Pair it with bacon, of course!  Sixpoint is taking over Hudson Station for this scrumptious collaboration, teaming their Sweet Action, Bengali, Resin and The Crisp with all manner of pig skin-focused dishes.

The 2nd Annual Ruppert’s Cup Awards (3/4): This boozy ceremony serves as Beer Week’s culminating event, featuring special collaboration beers, food trucks and a collection of breweries from around the region, angling to be crowned the very best!