Avery politics, the Vine Street block party and No-Li beer in this week's beer calendar

Left Hand Facebook page

The Great American Beer Festival is also a great American motivator. In previous years, it has driven local breweries to finish construction projects, open their doors, brew new beers, and generally get their acts in shape. And this year is no exception -- see the Bull & Bush, which is rebuilding its kitchen from the ground up.

The latest to be motivated? Left Hand Brewing, which is blowing out its Longmont taproom by adding a 650-square-foot outdoor addition. "Our goal is to build a small bar inside in the back corner with about eight taps with a walk-up order window," says Left Hand spokesman Chris Lennert. "And to complete it the week prior to GABF."

Mountain Sun Facebook page

Watch the drinking games at Vine Street Pub.

Wednesday, September 12

Avery Brewing enters the political debate today at 5 p.m. by releasing its 2012 version of Ale to the Chief on tap. First brewed four years ago during the last presidential race, the beer weighs in at 8.5 percent ABV and is dry-hopped with Cascade hops. Oh, and if you aren't registered to vote, you can do so from 4 to 7 p.m. and get a free pint.

River North Brewery will pour a version of its wit beer today for Wayward Wednesday that has been fermented with an alternative yeast strain that "exhibits lesser wit characteristics while taking on an malty quality with a hint of banana." Pints are $5.

Friday, September 14

Falling Rock Taphouse will welcome Tacoma, Washington's No-Li Brewhouse, which will start selling beer in Colorado for the first time. No-Li (formerly called Northern Lights) will be serving its bomber bottles beginning at 4 p.m. There will be a toast at 5:30 p.m.

Twisted Pine Brewing has only waited fourteen months for tonight. At 4 p.m., it will tap Reilly's Oak Whiskey Red, a Scottish-style ale that has been aging that long in Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels; the beer won gold at GABF in 2007 in the wood- and barrel-aged category. "One sip washes the palate with restrained malt sweetness tinged with toasted toffee and punctuated by a welcoming whiskey warmth," he brewery says. "Earthy, bourbon-soaked oak and caramel barley build to a beautiful balance as sip by sensuous smooth sip leave the glass." Reilly's will also be sold in 12-ounce pour packs.

Hops & Pie will tap Upslope Brewing's GABF gold-medal award-winning Pumpkin Ale tonight at 6 p.m. The beer is also available in cans at liquor stores for the first time.

Saturday, September 15

The Vine Street Pub will host its third annual Uptown Block Party today beginning at 1 p.m. Artwork is already in and hanging in the pubs for this year's Vine Street Uptown Block Party and Brewer's Olympics. Keith Moseley from SCI, twelve breweries competing for gold, thirty styles of world-class brews in the beer garden... and all to support New Era Colorado. Saturday, September 15! Mark your calendars!

The Copper Kettle will tap two firkins of Peach Saison made with fresh peaches today in the taproom, from noon until it runs out. There will be live music from Indigent Row and the Epicurean Catering food truck on hand beginning at 5 p.m.

Parry's Pizzeria & Bar, which offers fifty taps in Highlands Ranch, is hosting a crazy tap takeover by Oskar Blues today from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Why is it crazy? Because in addition to its regular lineup, Oskar Blues will be pouring a group of rarities that have almost never been seen in one place together. They include: Chaka, a collaboration with Sun King Brewing; Home Skillet Black IPA; Legends India Brown; Dave's Pale Ale (not Dale's); barrel-aged Old Chub, Ten FIDY and Gubna; nitro versions of G'Knight, Old Chub and Dale's Pale Ale; Red Wine Barrel Aged G'Knight; and Chardonnay Wine Barrel Aged Mama's Lil Yella Pils. Wow.

Tuesday, September 18

The Colorado Environmental Coalition and the Colorado Conservation Voters Education Fund will use hops -- something near and dear to the hearts of most Coloradans -- to highlight global warming tonight at Save the Ales, a fundraiser that includes beers from fifteen of the state's best brewers. "Hops, one of beer's most important ingredients, is extremely sensitive to the adverse effects of climate change," the organizations say. Tickets to the event, which begins at 6 p.m. at Casselman's Bar and Venue, are $35 and include food and beer. There will also be raffles.

Find beer events for later in the month after on the next page.