Heavy Seas Alehouse luncheon

This afternoon I was lucky enough to attend a media luncheon at the new Heavy Seas Alehouse, which had its soft opening last week and will celebrate its grand opening tonight. We got a chance to hear from Heavy Seas founder Hugh Sisson and Alehouse chef Matt Seeber about what to expect behind the bar, on the menu, and in this new space.

The space itself is expansive yet cozy. There's a huge bar area with long tables, exposed brick, open ceilings, and huge wooden columns. On the wall are prints of various Heavy Seas pirate-inspired beer labels. And, behind the bar, are eight drafts with Heavy Seas skulls on top as well as two cask-conditioned ales. The restaurant is made up of multiple areas, including a private party room with a separate bar that will be able to hold 40. Sisson even gave us a glance of the outdoor patio that will soon house the Alehouse's beer garden (can't wait for spring!)

Joining me for the luncheon was Baltimore Beer Guy aka Brian Grummell, Alexander D. Mitchell IV, Patti Newman of Citipeek, Downtown Diane, and Style magazine's Brian Lawrence. We were able to sample some beer flights (including Loose Cannon and Peg Leg) as well as a multi-course lunch that included beer nuts, a warm frisée salad, and fall-off-the-bone short ribs (all of which will be on the Alehouse's regular menu). 

I was also intrigued by the menu's beer cocktails—a trend that's gained popularity in the last couple of years. I tried a Sea Shandy, a Heavy Seas Classic Lager and housemade pomegranate-rosemary lemonade, which was a refreshing take on the classic drink. The Alehouse also make a liqueuer out of Heavy Seas Imperial Stout that blends quite nicely into its spicy (and powerful!) H.S. Manhattan.

The Alehouse seems like a promising venture in location that hasn't always done well. The Heavy Seas branding will be sure to attract people, as will the delicious food and great use of space. Check out the Alehouse's opening tonight (rumor has it, pirates will make a visit from 5-8 p.m.)

[Image by me]