5 Can't Miss STL Craft Beer Week Events

It's almost upon us again, St. Louis Craft Beer Week. The week each year where my wallet and my liver take enormous hits. Justin and I have done our best to highlight some of the events of STLCBW, but just remember there are dozens more we weren't able to include. These are just a small sample of what's happening, and there is something going on for just about every type of craft beer drinker out there.

While we've done our best to update our events page with all of these events, we encourage you to go to the source for all of your STLCBW needs:www.stlbeerweek.com. Those guys have done a great job organizing these events and have a great website with the event details as well.

Now onto my picks:

Event: Midwest Belgian Beer Fest

Brewery: Perennial Artisan Ales and 54 Other Brewers

Location: Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 36

Date: Saturday, July 30

Time: 1pm

Event Link: http://saintbrewis.com/event/midwest-belgian-beer-fest/

Why You Should Go: $65 might seem like a lot for a beer festival, but don't let the steep price fool you, this festival is worth every penny. MWBBF brings in some of the best brewers around the country, and serves up offerings that you aren't likely to find in St. Louis without trading away some of your own beer. If you are tired of the same old beer you see at every festival, this is the one for you. There's a lot of great beer to be tried at this one, so make sure you have rides arranged to and from the venue, because you'll be in no shape to drive at the end of this one.

Event: PURRfect Day To WOOF Down Some Beer For Stray Rescue

Brewery: Side Project & Off Color

Location: Side Project Cellar

Date: Sunday, July 31

Time: Noon - 4pm

Event Link: http://saintbrewis.com/event/purrfect-day-to-woof-down-some-beer-for-stray-rescue/

Why You Should Go: I love animals and I love beer, so this event seems tailored to my interests. 100% of sales go to local animal shelter Stray Rescue. It's drinking for a good cause, and on top of that they'll likely have some really great stuff on tap. It may not have the variety of some of the other events, but it has the pedigree with Off Color and Side Project. Just knowing that the money you are spending is going towards helping save innocent animals is just another reason to set aside some of your day to visit. I went last year, and it got decently crowded at times, so plan on being at the Cellar when it opens if you want to try everything they are tapping that day.

Event: Between the Barrels

Brewery: Perennial Artisan Ales

Location: Perennial Artisan Ales

Date: Monday, August 1st

Time: 5pm- 10pm

Event Link: http://saintbrewis.com/event/between-the-barrels/

Why You Should Go: Perennial makes some really great barrel aged beers, but they aren't always easy to get your hands on. Between the Barrels gives you the chance to get pours of some of these beers. 6 beers will be tapped in all. Last year featured things like BA Abraxas, BA Vermillion, and more. The pours are reasonably priced, and last year they had a lot to go around. Make sure not to miss this one!

Event: Llywelyn's Barrel-aged Blowout

Brewery: Multiple Breweries

Location: Llywelyn's Webster Groves

Date: Wednesday, August 3

Time: 3pm- midnight

Event Link: http://saintbrewis.com/event/barrel-aged-blowout/

Why You Should Go: Do you see the picture attached to this listing? That was last year's list, and it was amazing. Tons of great barrel-aged beers to try, and likely not enough time to consume them all. This is one of the events of the week that will have your liver crying for mercy. We suggest doing flights or half pours if available, and even then sharing with friends if you want to try most of everything on the list. This event goes on all night, but some of the more popular beers will blow earlier in the evening. Maybe it's a good day to take a half day?

Event: iTap's 6th Annual Firkin Fest

Brewery: 2nd Shift, Civil Life, Ballast Point, Logboat, Tallgrass, Charleville, Old Bakery, Crane, Oskar Blues, & Stone Brewing

Location: International Tap House Soulard

Date: Saturday, August 6

Time: 2pm- 10pm

Event Link: http://saintbrewis.com/event/6th-annual-firkin-fest/

Why You Should Go: Fans of cask (firkin) ales should go crazy for this event. Most of the beers at this event are going to be awesome variations of beers you know and love. Plus after you are done trying the firkins iTap has hundreds of other beers to choose from as well. All in all it sounds like a great event to wind down an amazing St. Louis Craft Beer Week.