Fantasy Week for Cask Ale Heads

Last Thursday towards the end of my evening I ran into Kevin Rowe, aka Mr. Philadelphia Area's Cask Ales/Cask Ale Kevin and had a chance to talk a little before heading home. Of course the subject of cask ale came up and he let me know about the Rattle 'N' Hum Cask Ale Festival. Some quick research revealed that the Rattle and Hum event is part of the Gotham Cask Ale Festival which also involves two other NYC bars (Jimmy's No. 43 and Swift Hibernian Lounge). The three bars will serve over 60 different cask ales between September 11-13. Turns out that this cask fantasy is the huge kick off to NYC Craft Beer Week Sept 11-20.

SIXTY unique cask ales will be available simultaneously with twenty firkins at each of the three bars. With a collection ranging from rare, limited release specialty brews to some of the best and most sessionable beers available, there will be delights for any and all fans of real ale.

Please join us as a cask of NY3, the official beer of NY Craft Beer Week 2009, is tapped at 6pm at all three bars to officially open the Week. Servings of this beer will be limited to Passport holders only, who will each be presented with a complimentary 8 oz pour. Servings are first come, first serve and available as long as the firkin lasts. Prices will be reasonable at all locations with NO ENTRY FEE. Both 10oz and 16oz pours will be served, but once each firkin is kicked, that's it. When they're gone, they're gone, so come early and stay late. A full list of casks available will be posted here soon specifying where each cask will be served and updated frequently as delivery is confirmed at each bar.

To add to the cask ale fun of that week DuClaw Brewing Company in Baltimore is doing a Real Ale Festival on Sept 12, 12-4pm. It will feature real ale from 13 breweries, plus free buffet, music and other surprises. So whether you head north or south your real ale fantasies are sure to come true.