Sarah BennettMeet Woody. He's a giant towable beer barrel-keg that doubles as an operable bar and comes complete with disco ball, sound system and his own Twitter account. Though the party-on-wheels might be a cutesy promo gimmick for Bend, Oregon's Deschutes Brewery (or the grown-up version of the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile), we'll cut the Northwest craft-beer stalwarts some slack — the company's stellar pales, porters and stouts speak for themselves.
Still, for most of the year this mobile marketing tool travels to major cities in the 18 states where Deschutes is distributed, doles out some of the brewery's best beers and plays centerpiece for week-long calendars of events as part of its “Base Camp” promotional campaign.
Woody landed in town over the weekend (appearing ar the Paramount lot for L.A. Beerfest) in anticipation of Los Angeles' second-ever Base Camp Week, which officially begins today. This means that through Saturday, April 14, Woody — along with brewer Robin Johnson and other brand ambassadors — will be popping up at various L.A. venues for Deschutes-related events like a beer-and-cheese pairing at A.O.C. and a beer-themed burlesque show at Skinny's Lounge.
Kegs of of rare Deschutes brews such as Chainbreaker White IPA, 2011's The Abyss and the never-before-poured-in-L.A. Black Butte XXII are also on hand (as well as homebrew supplies and the requisite branded pint glasses), so check out the many public Base Camp events going on this week and support the latest offerings from one of America's largest craft breweries.
Turn the page for L.A.'s Base Camp schedule.
Mohawk Bend is hosting Deschutes' L.A. Base Camp Week Kick-off party.; Credit: Elina Shatkin
Monday, 4/9:
— Deschutes Brewery scavenger hunt at Far Bar with prizes for top placing teams. Up for grabs: the coveted Golden Growler. Contact Joey Pleich (jpleich@deschutesbrewery.com) to sign up a team. 347 E. 1st St., 5:30 p.m. check in/6 p.m. start time, free, www.farbarla.com
— Base Camp Kick-Off Party at Mohawk Bend with Woody appearance and special appetizers. Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Chainbreaker White IPA, Hop Henge Experimental IPA and The Abyss on draft. 2141 W. Sunset Blvd., 8 to 10 p.m., www.mohawk.la
Tuesday, 4/10:
— “Hats Off to Homebrewers” night at Steingarten L.A. where brewer Robin Johnson will be leading a deconstruction of Black Butte XXII and handing out clone booklets and homebrew materials. If you can only catch one Base Camp event this week, make sure it's this one. 10543 W. Pico Blvd., 6 to 9 p.m., free, www.steingartenla.com
Wednesday, 4/11:
— A.O.C. Wine Bar highlights its craft beer selections with a pairing of three Deschutes brews and three top cheeses. 6 to 9 p.m., 8022 W. 3rd St., $15, www.aocwinebar.com
Thursday, 4/12:
— “Two-Bit Tastings” at Silverlake Liquor. Super cheap samples (think: couch change) on year-round Deschutes beers straight from Woody's built-in taps. 3 to 5 p.m., 1620 W. Sunset Blvd., www.silverlakeliquorshop.com
— Tasting session at Whole Foods, Fairfax with free samples, The Stoic cheese pairing and specials on Deschutes beers to take home. 6 to 8 p.m., 6350 W. 3rd St, www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/fairfax
— A full night of racy Deschutes-themed entertainment with stand-up comedy, live music and a so-called “beer-lesque” show at Skinny's Lounge in North Hollywood. 6 p.m. to close, 4923 Lankershim Blvd, free, www.skinnyslounge.com
Friday, 4/13:
— TGIF happy hour with Woody and the Deschutes team at The Village Idiot. Hop Henge Experinemental IPA and Chainbreaker White IPA will be on tap. 4 to 6 p.m., 7383 Melrose Ave., www.villageidiotla.com
— “Grab Beer by the Horns” night at The Surly Goat with live music and Woody parked outside. Reserve series beers such as The Stoic, The Abyss and Black Butte XXII on tap. 7 p.m. to close, 7929 Santa Monica Blvd., www.surlygoat.com
Sat, 4/14:
— Finish off the week with the Los Angeles Base Camp Finale at House of Blues. Tickets grant access to Foundation Room where Obsidian Stout will be on nitro (as well as other year-round beers on tap) and special appetizer pairings will be served. Reggaeton artist Prince Royce plays downstairs. Contact Lisa Aranda at lisaaranda@livenation.com or (323) 848-5146 to buy tickets. 7 p.m. to close, 8430 Sunset Blvd., $15 advance/$20 at door, www.houseofblues.com
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