Beer Me!

When it comes to getting your hands on the most obscure, adventurous, and interesting craft beer, BX Beer Depot is the place to go. No, the tiny beer shop does not have the breadth of choices of, say, a Total Wine. But what they lack in volume they make up for in passion — the folks there seek out those rare beers like a bloodhound tracks escaped convicts, landing cases of brew that are nearly impossible to get in these parts. Where else other than BX can you partake in cool events like beer and wine pairings, register for classes to become an officially sanctioned beer judge (the best job in the world), or just pick up all the homebrew supplies you need to make your own suds? That’s right, nowhere, bub.

Well, BX is coming to the rescue yet again. Friday night marks the grand opening of their latest venture, the BX Backyard, an events venue complete with a brand new tiki hut, enough space to host killer live music, and seven taps pumping out the tastiest draft beer you’re likely to find in South Florida. While the Backyard will not operate like a bar, BX’s owner Sally Parsons says the new digs will be used to host biweekly events, intimate concerts, and private parties. The crown jewel of the Backyard is the chickee “tiki” hut, crafted specially for BX in the typical style of Muscogee Indians.

For Friday’s gathering, BX will feature seven beers on tap: the stunningly hoppy Avery Maharaja, Avery’s regular IPA, Dogfish Head Immort Ale, German-style Weihenstephaner, Lagunitas Undercover Shutdown, North Coast Old Rasputin, and Widmer Drifter Pale Ale. Five bucks will get you a nine oz. pour, or you can get a sampler of five for $8. As far as jams, local bluegrass/rock outfit Smiley Tunehead will christen the joint while you christen the taps.

The celebration starts at 6 p.m. at 2964 Second Ave. N. in Lake Worth. There is a $10 cover. Call 561-965-9494, or visit bxbeerdepot.com.
Fri., May 29, 6 p.m., 2009