In the olden days (a.k.a. my childhood), ugly holiday sweaters were something worn once to placate the family, then hung in the back of a closet or tossed. Fortunately, irony is not a wasteful phenomenon, and allows us to laugh at the hideous things we would have otherwise forgotten or thrown away. Last night, Pint Defiance Specialty Beers & Taproom celebrated the ugly sweater with beer and well, more beer, at its annual Winter Beer-nanza. Many raided the closets of '80s survivors; one gentleman stole decorations from his wife's front door holiday display and pinned them on a red sweater.

The staff, all dressed in holiday ugliness, poured the specialty beers on tap for the night: the coveted Goose Island Bourbon County Stout (2014), plus Black Raven Festivus Holiday Ale, Lost Abbey Merry Taj IPA, Bale Breaker High Camp Winter Warmer, pFriem Belgian Christmas Ale, Heathen Reindeer Tears Barrel-Aged Barleywine and Atlas Spiced Pear Cider. Even though Pint Defiance owners Barry and Renee Watson waited well into the party to tap the expensive Goose Island keg, it was the first to blow. Its demise drew loud cheers from the packed-in crowd.

In addition to the big beers, Pint Defiance hosted a Christmas cookie potluck and a giant raffle of beer schwag collected over the course of the year.

It was a fun night of knocking down delicious beers, munching on cookies and laughing all the way.

SEE ALSO

The story behind Pint Defiance

There are five gazillion beer events around the South Sound this coming week. And as much as I enjoy checking out your Untappd beer count, I want you to take care of yourself enough to reach next Wednesday. It's hard enough work juggling lagers and stouts and ales without all those ciders and meads, so I thought I'd suggest just a few beer events for this coming week. But, first, consider a clone: Yeah, yeah, I know it's unethical. But I'm talking about beer here. Since you can't have Drinks for Lynx at the ParkWay at the same time as tossing a few Odin beers back at the Puyallup River Alehouse, you are going to have to let your morals slide just a little bit. I like to dress my close up in a smart bobbed wig. It's best not to be too conspicuous.

BEER HERE

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10

The ParkWay Tavern will host Drinking for Conservation's "Drinks for Lynx" night. Fifty cents of every beer, cider and wine sold between 6 and 10 p.m. will go to help Conservation Northwest protect the lynx. DFC donates to organizations with missions the committee believes in - helping animals and the environment.

Odin Brewing of Seattle has released a small batch of Equinox Porter with the non-spore forming genus of yeast Brettanomycesafter months of aging the brett tartness and earthiness blend with bourbon flavors in barrels. Will it be at the Odin Brewer's Night at Puyallup River Alehouse? Show up between 6-9 p.m. and find out, or at least be in the running for raffle prizes.

The holiday season brings rich, heavy beers, and those with delicate spices really shine. "Winter warmer" traditionally refers to malty, dark beers that sometimes have a cola-like flavor profile, but contemporary craft brewers are happy to slap the label onto almost any kind of beer released for the December market. Through Jan. 31, Pints & Quarts and O'Blarney's Irish Pub host WinterFest '14, a "passport" affair where drinkers can score a 16-ounce Pilsner glass by drinking five winter beers at each joint, receiving stamps for proof.

Speaking of a bunch of beers ... Are you participating in Engine House No. 9's 25 Days of Christmas beer-a-day countdown? Head brewer Shane Johns has tapped a special beer to drink every day until Christmas. So far, E9 Nameless IPA #33, Samichlaus, 2013 Delerium Noel, 2012 Port Old Viscosity, Boneyard Bone A Fide, The Bruery Bois, 10 Barrel's German Sparkle Party, Lost Abbey's Merry Taj and Firestone Walker's Agrestic have been tapped. Day 10? Stop by 611 N. Pine St. and discover today's present.

Speaking of gifts ... Pacific Brewing & Malting Co. debuts its Belgian Abbey Ale today. Brewed in the tradition of Belgian Trappist beers, the Belgian Style Dubbel is complex, malty and fruity. It's open from 4-10 p.m.

THURSDAY, DEC. 11

Here we are, clamped firmly in winter's dismal, rime-curdled armpit. Fortunately, my projected schedule for the next two months includes plenty of winter beers, including Pint Defiance's annual Winter Beer-nanza party, beginning at 5 p.m. The specialty beer store and taproom will convert seven of its taps into winter cheer dispensers: Goose Island Bourbon County Stout (2014), Black Raven Festivus Holiday Ale, Lost Abbey Merry Taj IPA, Bale Breaker High Camp Winter Warmer, pFriem Belgian Christmas Ale, Heathen Reindeer Tears Barrel-Aged Barleywine and Atlas Spiced Pear Cider. In addition to big beers, Pint Defiance will host a "Christmas Cookie Potluck," asking patrons to don a holiday sweater and deliver cookies for all to enjoy. Emergency Food Network donations will be collected at the door.

SATURDAY, DEC. 13

Dec. 13-24, the Harmon Tap Room will host 12 Beers of Christmas, tapping a different small batch holiday brew, every day, for 12 days in a row. If you enjoy a brew for each of the 12 days, you'll receive a complimentary engraved mug. Day one begins with a party, tapping the Candy Cane Porter at 11 a.m. Drink it, stamp your passport and take a tour of the brewery until 3 p.m. Ivan Russian Imperial Stout will be tapped Sunday.

A few decades back, ugly holiday sweaters were a gift as reviled as fruitcake. These days, however, the yuletide look is going through a bit of a renaissance. No longer a style exclusively for crazy old ladies, tacky, sequined sweaters are now sold at Target. They can be found on hipsters, bar crawlers, teens at malls and other folks who like a little irony in their wardrobe (while also benefiting from their cozy warmth). This Saturday, Dick's Brewing Company hosts its Ugly Sweater Christmas Party from 3-7:30 p.m. in its tasting room. Don't forget to bring unwrapped toys and non-perishable food.

Top Rung Brewing Company will unleash its hoppy Heavy Irons Double IPA Saturday. This truly delicious, 8.2 percent ABV was brewed with Simcoe, Amarillo, Cascade and Nugget hops. When you need a double, grab the Heavy Irons.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17

Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma, California, releases anticipated seasonals every year with high levels of alcohol and names as charismatic and irreverent as any beer might hope for - Lagunitas' own Imperial IPA, brewed since 1996, is called Maximus. Brown Shugga, a seasonal brew from Lagunitas, was created in 1997 as the result of an attempt to rescue a failed batch of Olde GnarlyWine Ale by adding "boatloads of brown sugar" - or so the story goes, anyway. Fingers crossed, The Swiss will be pouring it at its Lagunitas Brewer's Night from 6-9 p.m. Yeah, yeah, yeah, woo!

Over at the ParkWay Tavern, Paso Robles' Firestone Walker Brewing Company is one of the country's finest brewers of traditional ales and lagers. There's a reason that the California brewery has won the Great American Beer Festival's Mid-Size Brewery of the Year honor so many times. When Firestone releases a new beer, you can rest assured that it's been well executed. The ParkWay will tap the full gamut of Firestone, beginning at 5 p.m.

SEE ALSO

Cheers to Winter Beers at Puyallup River Alehouse Dec. 17

Beer's here! Beer's near! Let's give a beer cheer!

Yeah, the cheer is totally lame. But the sentiment; well, it's beer right?

Ah, but all bad cheering aside, there's a dreamy upcoming beer event to really cheer about. What do you want to bet Eric Akeson, owner of Puyallup River Brewing and the Puyallup River Alehouse, would be happy to lead the cheering squad? Indeed he would. Here's why.

The 2nd Annual Cheers to Winter Beers event takes place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17 at the Puyallup River Alehouse. Admission is free.

Here's the deliciousness Akeson has planned for patrons.

"One of our local distributors is sponsoring the event, so we'll have all of their winter offerings; 10 Barrel Pray For Snow, Alaskan Winter, Elysian Bifrost, Widmer Brrr, and Redhook Winterhook," says Akeson. "We'll also have some other great winter seasonals on tap too; Anderson Valley Winter Solstice, Naked City Potlatch Smoked Maple Brown Ale, The Lost Abbey Merry Taj Christmas IPA, Puyallup River Old Pioneer Winter Ale and others."

Akeson and his team are also introducing a new recipe at the event.

"Our 2014 Old Pioneer Winter Ale is a new recipe for this year. Last year we brewed a malt-forward Amber Ale with vanilla beans and lavender. This year, we're brewing an Imperial Red IPA-style beer, with a big dry hop that all the hop heads are going to love."

And that's not all there is to cheer about, either.

There's going to be glassware giveaways, lots of raffle prizes and a very special guest. You think Santa would miss out? Oh, goodness no. A 1,000 cheers for Santa! He will be arriving at 7 p.m. that night, so break out your holiday wish lists and have cameras at the ready.

Oh, you may want to arrive early. Last year, the joint filled up fast and everyone had a grand ol' time. It's anticipated that every seat in the house is going to be filled this year, so be prepared to grab a mug and give a toast to new friends and tablemates, too.

And Akeson and crew have more on tap to celebrate the end of a great year and to launch into 2015. Ring in the New Year with a special brewer's night on New Year's Eve at the alehouse. Two Beers and Seattle Cider Co. will be in the house with lots of beer, cider, giveaways and raffles. And enjoy a free champagne toast at midnight.

As for 2015?

A mug club is being planned, there's a second anniversary to celebrate Feb. 5, the joint will be playing host to two teams for the local billiards league and, of course, there will be more killer events.

"Thanks to all of our customers for their support in our first couple of years in business in downtown Puyallup," says Akeson. "We look forward to what 2015 brings. See you at the Alehouse."

Aww ... let's cheer to that!

2ND ANNUAL CHEERS TO WINTER BEERS, 6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 17, Puyallup River Alehouse, 120 S Meridian, Puyallup, no cover, 253.268.0955

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Kristina Vanous.

Server Banner Girl, Dec. 8-14, 2014

Kristina Vanous

Long long ago, Kristina Vanous was a Starbucks barista in high school, and then a server for a dinky restaurant out in Enumclaw called CJ Coasters. In college, she worked at a Seattle-based computer firm. She joined Odd Otter Brewing Company as a graphic designer to help them with a redesign of the logo. The scope of the project turned into so much more - a complete rebranding and, eventually, an investor in Odd Otter. Following her return from overseas travels to the lands of Hobbits and Aussies in March, she began working on the actual space. Many of the interior elements were designed and handmade by Vanous. Next on her to-do list is the much-requested flight trays. Yes, she hears you Tacoma. When she's not designing, she's pouring beers.

Why do you serve?
"Odd Otter Brewing Company was founded out of a desire to provide the community with a cozy place that is both inviting and fun. Additionally, the founders have a desire to give back to the community in other, non-alcohol based ways. I serve in large part because the spirit and purpose of the company resonates with my own life philosophy. Also, it's a great opportunity to break away from the week's work to socialize. I really enjoy being able to interact with the folks who have been watching and supporting our progress over the past year. A LOT of heart and soul have gone into this place, and it warms my heart to see people finally enjoying it. I serve because I care about Tacoma. This city has been my home for over a decade, and I love the people in it!"

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?
"How on earth could I ever choose? Can I list crews? The teams at Hilltop Kitchen and The Forum are always on top of their game whenever any of us Otters visit them. They are approachable, helpful and they tailor their communication styles to their clientele's preferences. I love how attentive they are."

What are you most proud to serve?
"I am proud to serve ALL of our brewer's well-crafted creations, Owen McGrane, Odd Otter's head brewer, is an absolute genius. He has a knack for creating "otterly" unique experiences for your mouth. We don't expect everyone to like everything that we serve: some people like their beer sweet; others like it subtle; some like it hoppy; others like it malty. I could go on with juxtapositions, but my point is that, we've something to delight almost any palate. We think that that's definitely something to be proud of.

As much as I love serving our beer, I am MOST PROUD to serve by utilizing my skills in design and art here at Odd Otter for the community to enjoy. I am proud and honored that the otter graphics on our merchandise; the bar face at which our customers sit; and the tables that I lovingly varnished, carved with otters and checkerboards, and stained reflect my hand and my mind in the brewery. I even made sure that under table and under bar coat and purse hooks were installed for our ladies and gents. The other curiosities I have created, such as the bathroom mural and rock wall, were my way of turning a predictable experience turn into something unique and enjoyable. Witnessing the smiles and laughter over the things I've created in service to our customers are what makes me the most proud. It means I did my job right!

Oh, and my favorite beer to serve is the Ottermelon Hefeweizen. It is soft, subtle and it's delightfully summer-y. Particularly here in Washington where three of our seasons are rain - a little summer sprinkled here and there can brighten up anyone's day."

What's your current drink of choice?
"Although I have tended toward water drinking historically, my current - it's always changing - most fancied beer is Momma Otter's Pancake Porter. "The Pancake" as we call it is a real treat, especially when it comes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream brought in from Ice Cream Social. It's better than a root beer float."

Favorite movie?
"Oh boy, I'm a huge comedy buff. Some favorites include Anchorman, Grandma's Boy, Monty Python and Zoolander."

What don't you serve?
"As a local brewery and tasting room, we are presently licensed to serve only beer. We don't have wine or hard alcohol, but we have beers that wine drinkers and spirits sippers will love. We keep things simple on the food side too: anyone can bring in any food from anywhere and eat it here. Everyone who will deliver food is welcome to deliver it here as well, so even though we won't serve you food, you can eat anything you like. We do have some bags of odd chips for sale, and we'll have bar snacks coming soon."

What's on your radar at Odd Otter Brewing?
"We have some amazing new beers coming up in rotation soon. Two new beers currently fermenting are The Son of Otter, which is a Belgian with hints of spices, apple and pear. It's a nod to Rene Magritte's famed painting "The Son of Man," which depicts a bowler-hatted man whose face is obscured by a green apple. We will also have delightful holiday ale called WinterFace with unique herbal flavors of lavender, orange peel and juniper. I can't wait.

Once our larger seven barrel brewing system is up and running (soon!), we will expand our opening days from Fridays and Saturdays. We also anticipate bringing Tacoma a delightful handcrafted root beer in the next year as well.

And don't forget the gift cards we just received in the mail - hot off the presses and ready to stuff the stockings of Otter fans everywhere. If you pay attention, you also might read about our New Year's Eve party that we're planning, too."

SEE ALSO

New Brew Space Oddity

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers

LINK: South Sound Happy Hour App

First, let's dispel the likely initial reaction upon hearing "beer dinner." No, this is not some bacchanalian kegger where the winner is he who drinks the most. Instead, each course includes 10-ounce pours of beer, which is supposed to be sipped and savored, not chugged. Though, full-disclosure, Brix 25's annual 7 Seas Beer Dinner pre-dinner reception offered a chance to sip cocktails, which many participants did, and the dessert course arrived with two beers riding shotgun. So, that's all good news.

For the last four years, the Gig Harbor fine-dining restaurant has offered a fabulous way to wind down after Thanksgiving and celebrate small business, sailing through Black Friday with a beer pairing dinner with neighbors 7 Seas Brewing. Chef/owner Thad Lyman welcome the crowd of 7 Seas beer dinner regulars and new faces, announcing new flavors will be enjoyed, concentrating on "Southern Low County" flavors, Southern culture on the skids with Northwest twists.

>>> Brix 25 Chef/owner Thad Lyman

"Keg Commander" Colin Harvin, who concentrates on sales and marketing for 7 Seas, represented the brewery, substituting for co-owner Mike Runion who had his hands full with a newborn girl. Commander Harvin ran through the history of the night's first beer, the 253 Pilsner, how it was the brainchild of Runion and 253 Heart Foundation owner/Shake Shake Shake co-owner Steve Naccarato, the fact that proceeds benefit local charities and how the Northwest pilsner is crisp and clean. He explained co-owner and head brewer Travis Guterson incorporated Sterling and Cascade hops from the Yakima Valley, barley from Washington state and the golden cans are produced in Olympia. For more background on the creation of the beer and its charities, click here.

The 253 Pilsner was paired with breakfast, bacon and eggs on flat bread.

"Beer isn't just for breakfast; breakfast can be for dinner just as well," said Lyman.

Lyman used malts from the beer to create the béchamel, bacon lardons underneath the sunny side egg with a little Blanc Rose. Lyman suggested picking up the rich starter like a taco and let it drip away, which most did. The bacon and egg looked to dominate, but the refreshing, crisp pilsner found a perfect balance. Off to a good start!

The second course: fried oysters and grits turned out to be incredibly delicious, especially when paired with 7 Seas' Reign Man ESB - the toasty malt character with a slight caramel sweetness brought out the rich, creamy polenta. The Reign Man ESB rarely makes an appearance outside of the 7 Seas' taproom. The Northwest-style Extra Special Bitter features citrusy Yakima Valley Centennial hops and malt heavy, and was brewed in honor of the Seattle Space Needle's 50th anniversary. The Fat Bastard oysters from Taylor Shellfish Farms, which were in the water the previous morning, were prepared with a little okra, fried quick with cornmeal and placed on creamy polenta with a little bit of clams.

Up next, the main course - I think the best part of the night - was a short stack of Johnny Cakes with pulled pork paired with the Chili Pepper Imperial Stout. The beer basically made its South Sound premier at the dinner. Harvin introduced the nine percent stout treated with three different kinds of chili peppers - including ghost peppers - which were added during the second fermentation, letting the oils seep out. The beer starts off with a nice, silky chocolate, espresso roast flavor with the peppers hitting the back of the throat, cutting through the bitterness at the end, bringing back the chocolate notes. I could be my favorite 7 Seas beer.

Lyman slow-roasted the pork for hours, then removed the meat from the smoker and braised it with the Chili Pepper Imperial Stout, picking up the chilies and malted barleys. The pork was placed on high cornmeal cakes, with green Tabasco sauce, goat cheese drizzle and Jack Daniels maple syrup.

The crowd erupted in chatter after Lyman described the dish. "I mention Jack Daniels and the crowd stops listening," Lyman said with a laugh.

Runion made an appearance during the main course, to thank everyone and show baby pictures.

Finally, a delicious, rich dessert was brought out to finish the evening. Mississippi Mud Pie with caramel pecans, paired with 7 Seas' Port Royal Stout AND a return appearance by the 253 Pilsner for a "deconstructed" black and tan, as Harvin put it. The traditional English-style stout offered more flavors of dark chocolate, espresso and malt sweetness. Nugget and Mt. Hood hops gave it a nice, clean finish.

"As a little boy, I made mud pies, but as most of the men in this room would agree, it tasted like crap," said Lyman. "This mud pie has a dark chocolate ganache bottom with chocolate pudding on top and a malted meringue on the finish, toasted it off, decorated with rolled oats that went into the stout, toasted pecans and a caramel made with really heavy black sea salt to give it a little pop."

>>> Colin Harvin, left, and Mike Runion from 7 Seas Brewing

>>> The talent in Brix 25's kitchen

>>> I wish I could remember what Chef Lyman was discussing at this moment.

The dinner proved to be an enjoyable way to sip two 7 Seas Beers I haven't tried, and gain an appreciation for the ways in which various flavors combine and work together in nontraditional Southern dishes. Bravo!

BRIX 25, 4:30-9:30 p.m. daily, 7707 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor, 253.858.6626

7 SEAS BREWING, taproom 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday-Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 3006 Juson St., Gig Harbor, 253.514.8129

The warm and fuzzy feeling you get when in good company, complimented by a delicious and unique local beer, is what makes the Harmon Brewing Co.'s Twelve Beers of Christmas a worthy holiday merriment. The Tacoma brewing company will, once again, pour a beer a day at its Harmon Tap Room, beginning Dec. 13. Below is a Harmon news release naming the 12 beers, as well as an announcement that they have updated their Pt. Defiance IPA recipe. ...

TACOMA - Harmon Brewing Company announced today that their Pt. Defiance IPA recipe has undergone an exciting change. The new Point Defiance IPA is an updated version of their iconic classic, without straying from the roots.

"Bright, clean, crisp and hoppy, the iconic PT. Defiance IPA is re-born," said Head Brewer Jeff Carlson.

Originally brewed in 1997 to commemorate the opening of the Harmon Brewery, the Point Defiance IPA was crafted to encompass what Tacoma stood for, a no fuss, palate quenching brew.

The improved version uses five different malted barleys to accommodate the boat load of Pacific Northwest hops.

"The combination creates the classic West Coast hop aroma and flavor that we all crave, while maintaining drinkability," added Carlson. "In keeping with tradition we left the hoppy backbone unchanged, but added some Citra to give it that edge.  Hop in your Kayak, pour yourself a glass and enjoy."

For the first beer of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Yes, it's time again for Harmon's annual Twelve Beers of Christmas. The daily festivities, held at the Tap Room, begin on December 13th and end on Christmas Eve. To get people in the spirit of the holidays, the first beer, a delectable Candy Cane Porter, will be served Firkin style, just as beer was quaffed back in the mid-15^th century.

The Twelve Beers of Christmas lineup, including everything from barrel aged imperial stouts to blondes and sours, is subject to change. Here is the lineup in no particular order:

• Ivan Russian Imperial Stout - 2013
• Apricot Tart - 2012
• Casper's Revenge Ghost Pepper Peach - 2012
• 11th ST. +1 IPA
• 5-Mile Drive IPA
• Old John Barrel Blend
• One Hop Wonder
• Columbus Candy Cane Porter Firkin
• Honey Blonde
• Dry Fly Barrel Aged New West CDA
• Farmhouse Blonde
• Whiskey Soaked Oak Aged Steep & Deep

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Some people are just not "people" people. Some people are dog people, some are cat people and some are just plain animal people. If you are an animal person, or would like to at least keep animals on the planet, you need to go be around party animals Wednesday, Dec. 10.

You need to know a few things first. You don't have to say "fuzzy duck" to the person on your left, drink like a T-Rex or chase Ping-Pong balls. And you won't be freezing your ass off at the zoo; although it's no coincidence that one of the only words you can form from the letters in booze is zoo. No, really, it's totally deliberate; people love to get liquored up around caged animals (see: Zoobilee). No, the game you need to be concerned with Dec. 10 is wild game.

If this sounds like altogether too much mumbo-jumbo for you, I apologize, it's my writing style.

Actually, the event I'm babbling about isn't a party animal situation, but rather a party about animals. The ParkWay Tavern will host animal AND people person Suzanne Akerman and her Drinking for Conservation organization's "Drinks for Lynx" night Wednesday, Dec. 10. Like most people, Akerman has spent many sleepless nights pondering the plight of lynx in the Pacific Northwest, which first gained federal protection as a threatened species in 2002. Then again, maybe you haven't. She has. And, it's time you atoned for your environmentally apathetic ways. Fifty cents of every beer, cider and wine sold between 6 and 10 p.m. at the ParkWay will go to help Conservation Northwest protect the lynx.

"Drinking for Conservation is part of a larger organization called the Point Defiance Chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers," says Akerman. "That's not super important though, what IS important is that we are dedicated to raising funds for and awareness of endangered species around the world. The first Drinking for Conservation event was Pints for Pandas at the ParkWay Aug. 9, 2011. Whitney Weibel and I are co-chairs of the DFC committee. She heard about a very similar fundraiser done by a chapter of the zookeepers' association in the Bay Area in Cali. She wanted to try the same thing here, and at first we did an event about quarterly, but we've been ramping things up. Now we try to do one per month."

DFC donates to organizations with missions the committee believes in - helping animals and the environment. Then, Akerman and her fellow animal people find cool organizations with big hearts, such as the ParkWay Tavern and Doyle's Public House, to donate to the cause, let them roam through the establishment to chat up conservation, and in Akerman's case, dress like the spotlight animal and, if need be, arm wrestle Hop Valley Brewing salespeople for extra donations. Since Pints for Pandas, DFC has promoted Libations for Lions, Sloshed for Seahorses, Buzzed for Bees and most recently at the ParkWay, Brews for Bats, where Akerman wore bat wings.

"The most recent organization was a suggestion we received through our Facebook page, where we promote the events," says Akerman. "The events range widely in the amounts they raise, depending on the day of the week, how busy the bar is, how ‘sexy' the animal we choose is. The largest amount ever raised at an event was close to $700; more typically we raise $300 or so, but our average is on the rise. Sometimes we choose charismatic mega-fauna, such as elephants or lions, but other times we choose animals whose importance might be overlooked, such as frogs or bats. When we talk to people in the bars, we try to tell them a little about the animal and it's significance. Hopefully some of them will be inspired to learn more about what they can do to help animals and be environmentally friendly."

One of DFC's lofty goals is to eventually find a brewery or winery that will partner with them to donate a portion of the proceeds from a beer or wine to Drinking for Conservation.

"Don't you think Animal Ale or Species Specialty would FLY off the shelves?" asks Akerman.

That's how animal people think.

They drink to help animals.

They drink to help the lynx.

I'll drink to that.

DRINKS FOR LYNX, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 6-10 p.m., ParkWay Tavern, 313 N. I St., Tacoma, no cover, facebook.com/Drinking.for.Conservation

Ground Control to Major Odd
Ground Control to Major Odd
Tap your barrels
and put your brewing apron on

Ground Control to Major Odd
Commencing countdown,
today the lights are finally on
Check your pH levels
and may Tarka's love be with you

Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven, Six, Five, Four, Three, Two, One, Pour!

This is Ground Control
to Major Odd
You've really made the grade
And the Weekly Volcano want to know what shirts you made
Now it's time to leave the den
if you dare

This is Major Odd to Ground Control
I'm opening up the door
And I'm pouring
the most peculiar beer
And the crowd begins to cheer

For here
Am I sitting on a tin kettle
Far from Point Defiance Zoo
The new brewery is overdue
And there's nothing I could do

Though our 1888 building remodel is past
one hundred thousand dollars
I'm feeling very still
And I think my ownership knows which way to go
Tell the other otters I love them very much
they know

Ground Control to Major Odd
Your beers are unusual,
but there's nothing wrong
Can you bring me a Strawberry Blonde Otter, Major Odd?
Can you bring me a Momma Otter's Pancake Porter, Major Odd?
Can you hear me a Comrade Otter's Russian Imperial Chocolate Stout, Major Odd?
Can you....

Here am I drinking
round my tin kettles
Far from the home sea
Odd Otter Brewing Co is new
tell the others at the zoo.

ODD OTTER BREWING CO., 11-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday, 716 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.209.7064

SEE ALSO
Backstory on Odd Otter Brewing Co.

Every single one-day-at-a-time day is a struggle, particularly around the holidays - specifically during Black Friday. I know there are seven habits to becoming a highly effective person, 50 ways to leave your lover and 12 steps to sobriety. But after years and years as a recovering believer in Santa Claus, I have to ask, "When will it end?"

I'm happy to report Christmas has come early ... and on Black Friday, no less. Mike Besser, the "Ambassador of Beer" at Top Rung Brewing, tells me the Lacey brewery will release Pyrolysis, their Imperial Stout, on Black Friday. It's Top Rung's first winter release since opening this past April.

You might want to cut your shopping early, as the beer is a limited release, available in 10-ounce pours without a growler-fill option.

Top Rung will open several hours early on Black Friday, swinging open the door at noon.

Let's look at the specs. ...

SEE ALSO

The back(draft) story on Top Rung Brewing Co.

At the Olympia's new brewpub Three Magnets Brewing Co., the "soft launch has turned rock-hard very quickly," as a recent post on the pub's Facebook page put it.

The pub opened Nov. 7, with the all-ages restaurant section opening Nov. 17, but it's already getting plenty of attention from fans of local beer, local food and soccer - which is on the bar's TV whenever there's a game on.

The simple menu is still evolving, but it will continue to evolve - and it will continue to be simple.

"It's always going to be a pretty small menu," says Sara Reilly, who owns the brewery and pub - and popular breakfast spot Darby's - with husband, Nate Reilly.

"That's what we've been able to learn from Darby's," she says. "It's famous because it has this huge menu, and it pleases everyone, but it's not a very good way to run a business.

"The idea is to try to do a couple of things and do them well. It's almost like a food-truck mentality."

>>> Three Magnets Brewing's salt-cod Reuben / photo courtesy of Facebook

The focus is on a casual version of surf and turf - including hand-ground burgers on housemade spent-grain buns, fish and chips and a salt-cod Reuben. All of the sauces are made in house.

On a visit last week, we had the Lamburger ($14), jazzed up with lemon-mint marmalade, and the Jamburger ($13), with savory jam that was a bit like a more exciting and chunkier version of ketchup. The bacon was gone when we arrived at 9 p.m., as were the buns, but toasted bread worked just fine.

The burgers come with a cup of the soup of the day (also sold out) or a mug of fries that were light, crisp, hot and just salty enough. And - be still my heart - the fries are gluten free, although the staff points out that in a brewery there is a risk of contamination that may be a problem for those with celiac disease.

My companion didn't want fries, and the kitchen was willing to substitute a simple side salad with malt vinaigrette.

There are a couple of vegetarian options, including Beercheese Mac ($7), with more on the way, and a small kids menu.

But don't go in on the hunt for any specific dish.

"We're keeping very few items from day to day," Reilly says. "We're trying to come up with new menus daily.

"We don't want to make a commitment on anything that people can expect."

Actually, that's not quite true. Three Magnets doesn't want to marry any specific menu item, but patrons can expect food that's fresh, local and of high quality, Reilly promises.

Some of the produce is coming from Wobbly Cart Farm, and fish will change based on what's available, she says, with a focus on fresh, never-frozen varieties.

Housemade gravlax is on the way, as are seasonal game burgers. "We'll have a venison burger, an elk burger and things like that, but we're always going to grind it in house," she says.

Also coming soon will be lunch, weekend brunch and more beverage options beyond beer. Again, the focus will be close to local.

Currently, the pub has the simplest of wine options - a house white and a house red ($5 for a snifter) - but more Eastern Washington wines are on the way, including some from Salida Winery in Rainier.

There'll be cocktails, too, probably in the next month or two. Just don't expect a full bar.

"We're not going to have Bacardi and Coke, because we don't have Bacardi or Coke," Reilly says, "but we might have a nice artisanal rum from the San Juan Islands and our housemade malt cola."

THREE MAGNETS BREWING CO., 4ish-10ish p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 4ish-11ish p.m. Friday and Saturday, 600 Franklin St. SE, Suite 102, Olympia, 360.972.2481

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Science with Three Magnets Brewing Co.'s head brewer Pat Jansen