Preparation is essential for Milwaukee Beer Week, so start planning now. Plus: trips to Ray’s Growler Gallery, The Vanguard, and more.

Coming Attraction: Milwaukee Beer Week

It’s never to early to start planning your Milwaukee Beer Week itinerary for April 18 through April 25. Preparation is essential to ensure you don’t miss the tappings and tastings you’ve been waiting for. Check out the events calendar early or maybe even download the app to make sure you’re ready for the big week. Milwaukee Beer Week can be overwhelming, but if you plan ahead, you’ll be fine.

My Ray’s TV Debut

I made a trip to Ray’s Growler Gallery (8930 W. North Ave.) on Saturday morning to film a short clip Ray’s TV with host extraordinaire, Orey Laev. (Despite having a face for radio, the Ray’s gang asked me to stop by and contribute to their fine YouTube series.) The ample taps make the Growler Gallery an excellent green room. Orey and I discussed the state of craft beer in Wisconsin, bottle hoarders, and plenty of more fun stuff. I’ll let you know when the episode is posted (unless I embarrassed myself).

Quick Taps

I made a trip to The Vanguard (2659 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) on Saturday afternoon for the Surly Darkness tapping. A nice crowd, the amazing sausages on the menu and an outstanding Russian Imperial Stout made for a pretty good afternoon. I recommend the place whether it’s for a tap takeover or not.

This is pretty cool. The Brewers Association launched an online Beer Styles Guide that is decidedly interactive and well thought out. Give it a shot and find your styles.

I really like the idea of the pub shed, courtesy of Draft Magazine.

Barley Pop of the Week

The first barrel-aged Lagunitas brew to make it into bottles (previous versions were available only on draft) is a winner. High West-ified Imperial Coffee Stout benefits from being aged in High West rye barrels. The initial flavor is big on dark chocolate with a hint of coffee. A potent spicy rye finish is the big payoff. Lagunitas gets a big thumbs up for this tasty treat.

Events Brewing

Monday, March 30: Draft & Vessel (4417 N. Oakland Ave.) celebrates Spring Break Around the World by bringing in 16 barrels from 16 different countries.

Wednesday, April 1: A vertical tasting of all of the Bud-A-Rita varieties takes place at a kiosk in Cathedral Square Park from 5 to 5:15 p.m. Be sure to get there early if you want a glass of the 2014 Straw-Ber-Rita.

Wednesday, April 1: No foolin’, Cafe Benelux (346 N. Broadway) hosts a Bierklasse for Hoppy Biers starting at 7 p.m. Cost is $30. Email Bierklasse@LowlandsGroup.com for a reservation.

Thursday, April 2: The Milwaukee Beer Society highlights samples from New Holland Brewing from 6 to 9 p.m. at Best Place (901 W. Juneau Ave.). Cost is $10.

Thursday, April 2: Try the latest My Turn Series beer from Lakefront. My Turn Kyle Belgian Tripel celebrates its release at Nessun Dorma (2778 N. Weil St.) at 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 2: Door County Brewing takes over the taps at Ray’s Growler Gallery (8930 W. North Ave.).

Friday, April 3: From 4 to 7 p.m., Discount Liquor Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave.) will be handing out samples of both Milwaukee Brewing brews and Goose Island Matilda and Sofie.

Friday, April 3: Discount Liquor Waukesha (919 N. Barstow Ave.) has samples of Goose Island Matilda and Sofie from 4 to 7 p.m.

Saturday, April 4: Milwaukee Brewing comes to Discount Liquor Waukesha from noon to 3 p.m.

Saturday, April 4: Three Cellars (7133 S. 76th St.) has samples of some of the staff’s favorite beers from 1 to 4 p.m.

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