Mark Twain Brewing Co. launch party in Central West End

We have it good in this city, especially when it comes to the local beer scene. Well-established breweries are now expanding in size or adding new locations, and new breweries are opening their doors to the public at increasing speed. Even our out-of-town offerings are top-notch, and starting this week, another brewery makes its entrance into our great city by way of Hannibal, Missouri.

Bill Martin and Lance Smith opened Mark Twain Brewing Co. on July 4, 2014. Its taproom and 10-barrel brewhouse is on the Mississippi River in Mark Twain’s historic hometown. Husband-wife brewing team Dave Alley and Cat Golden (who formerly brewed for O’Fallon Brewery) have taken this river town by storm, and now they’re bringing their delicious beer to The Lou.

The Mark Twain team will unleash their offerings tonight, Jan. 21, at International Tap House in the Central West End during its official launch party, starting at 6 p.m. Keep an eye out for brews like:

• Huck’s Habanero Apricot Wheat, pleasantly spicy and juicy with ripe apricot
• Jumping Frog IPA with assertive citrus and pine on the nose and palate
• Chocolate Coffee Stout, featuring a roasted malt backed by loads of chocolate and coffee notes
• Brown Ale, where robust toasted pecan nuttiness meets maple syrup sweetness

Can’t make it to the party? Golden will teach Cicero’s weekly Beer School on Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 5:30 and 7 p.m. Keep your eyes peeled for these approachable beers on draft at St. Louis-area beer bars, with bottles soon to follow.

Katie Herrera is the tasting room manager at The Side Project Cellar and co-founder of Femme Ferment.