Annual Belgian Beer Tasting at The Ginger Man

In honor of Belgian Independence Day (July 21), The Ginger Man is hosting their annual Belgian Beer Tasting on Saturday, July 20th at 3:00pm. Tickets are $40 per person (including tip), but seating is limited, so call 713-526-2770 to make your reservations. 

I've attended a couple of these in the past and always had a great time, but keep in mind that most Belgian beers are quite strong, so pace yourself.

Brew Fest at Watson's House of Ales

Watson's House of Ales is hosting their first annual Brew Fest on Saturday, July 20th from noon to 6:00pm.

Although a post on their Facebook page firmly declares "Houston ONLY brews!", they apparently mean the very greater Houston area as the list of attending breweries not only includes Saint Arnold, Karbach, Buffalo Bayou and 8th Wonder, but also Lone Pint (Magnolia), Southern Star (Conroe), Fort Bend (Missouri City) and No Label (Katy).

It looks like a great opportunity to taste and compare beers from all the local breweries in one spot and the Watson's Facebook page hints at special casks from No Label and Karbach. Festival attendees will also get to vote for their favorite brewery and the winner will get a tap at Watson’s and be featured for a happy hour. Tickets are $25 for 16 samples and are available for purchase at the pub.

Victory Brewing Beer Dinner at BRC

On Wednesday, July 17, BRC Gastropub is hosting a beer dinner featuring Victory Brewing.  The four-course menu and pairings includes:

Prima Pils - Melon salad with candied bacon, mint syrup, watercress
Summer Love - Pink peppercorn crusted tuna with strawberry salsa
Hop Devil - Jerk pulled pork with plantain chips, cotija, cilantro, red onion purée, chorizo sauce
Ranch IPA - Peaches & cream semi-freddo

There are two seating times for dinner (6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.) and the cost is $45 per person (plus tax and tip).  Call BRC at (713) 861-2233 to make your reservation,.

Battle of Texas Beers at Hubbell & Hudson

Hubbell & Hudson in The Woodlands will be hosting a Battle of Texas Beers this Friday, July 5th and Saturday, July 6th. Everyone who votes in the "Texas Beer Drinker's Choice Awards" will be entered for a chance to win prizes, including a special Hubbell & Hudson Viking Cooking School hands-on cooking class featuring local brews.

A special preview event takes place at the Hubbell & Hudson Kitchen (located at 4526 Research Forest Drive) on Friday from 6:00pm to 9:00pm with live music and a chance to sample some of the breweries before the Battle of Texas Beers which takes place on Saturday from noon to 3:00pm at the Hubbell & Hudson Market (located at 24 Waterway Avenue).

I've been to a few past events at Hubbell & Hudson and they have a great beer selection in their walk-through cooler and I always find some great cheeses and other delectable food items to pair with them.  Definitely a worth a visit.