On a recent trip to Ray’s for a Milwaukee Beer Co. tasting I had the pleasure of meeting two fine Ray’s employees, Roy and John. I talked to them about BeerFM and what I do briefly while they listened without giving the cold shoulder. We continued to talk and they started talking about a new thing Ray’s is going to promote; monthly beer tastings and education in a remodeled room upstairs. John asked if I wanted to take a look at it. Uh, YES!
We went up through the back way to the room which was still under construction. Let me tell you, this room, probably about half way done, already looked fantastic! Warm cream color walls allowed the premium Alder wood to be accented. It had a great natural beauty and elegance that works very well with the layout and design as well as the function.
At one end of the horizontal room stood a small but well-equipped bar with room for a flat screen and speakers to be mounted on the wall behind it. The bulk of the area will be filled with seating for roughly 50 to 60 from what I remember. All of it rests nicely on a beautiful hardwood floor.
Right now the focus of the room will be on wine but the beer education looks promising! Once a month beer education events will be held to teach people about particular styles of beer and will include a tasting. The events will be at a small price-point to weed out individuals only interested in free beer, a good move I think.
Details have not been released yet; however, two beer events have been booked so far. I’m excited to see what the final outcome of the room is and how it will be utilized. To find out more, visit Ray’s on 8930 W. North Avenue in Wauwatosa, WI or on the web at http://www.rayswine.com/. Also “Like” them on facebook to receive constant news and updates from them here: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Rays-Wine-and-Spirits/106623892700157?ref=ts.
-Andy
Ray’s Wine & Spirits is kicking off their first-ever beer tasting in the new tap room this Thursday, July 1st, at 6:30 PM with Lakefront president and all-around nice guy Russ Klisch (how can you say no to a face like that?)! Come on out to Ray’s Tasting Room and Education Center to sample some of Lakefront’s newer beers, Fixed Gear and Bridge Burner as well as classics like their Klisch Pilsner and White! Not only will you have a chance to sample beer with Russ himself but he’ll be providing a segment on current craft beer trends as well as sharing insight on the way the beer industry is changing!