Spring is in the air, and it smells like malt and hops, as NYC beer buffs gear up for this season’s craft-brew blowout. During two sessions (12:30–4pm, 6–9:30pm), ticket holders can slug unlimited two-ounce samples of nearly 150 spring suds, from American craft breweries like Allagash and Founders. Beercentric restaurants (Cooper's Craft & Kitchen, Tavern 29 and Rosamunde Sausage Grill) will have grub for purchase, offering stout-braised pulled-pork sandwiches and chips with jalapeño guacamole to complement a cold one. Brush up on beer basics at expert-led 50-person seminars on blind tasting and home-brewing.

Posted: Monday March 18 2013