Little River Beer Club @ Miss Lily’s Cafe in Townsend, TN.

Last night I was privileged enough to be invited by some fellow snobs to venture out to Townsend, TN. for a beer tasting. Now, I had heard rumors about a cafe in Townsend that keeps Highland Black Mocha Stout on tap as if it was a magical oasis in a land of bland beer. Turns out this cafe and the destination of our beer tasting were one in the same. An oasis it is my friends. I feel as though I have been let into a very well kept secret and would be remiss if I didn’t share this with you all.

First things first, Miss Lily’s is in Townsend behind the Subway – if you know where that is. Here’s a map if you’re not quite sure what I’m talking about. Now, the second thing you need to know is that this event occurs on the third Thursday of every month – go ahead and mark your calendars – I can wait…….done? The two exceptions to this schedule occur in June and October where instead of meeting at the cafe, the meeting occurs at the Lily Barn and the event includes a potluck and homebrews – so bring your homebrew to share/critique/tell lies about, etc. Now, back to the cafe soiree – those that gather call themselves the Little River Beer Club. Don’t worry, their motto is “no dues just brews” and they are very welcoming. There isn’t a secret handshake and a sergeant at arms won’t greet you at the door. The evening is also led by proprietor/beer expert Steve Fillmore (guy in the hat in the pic) – great guy with a huge passion for beer.

So, here’s the “what” of the event: $20 gets you 2 drafts of your choice from the bar, 3 beer tasting/pairings and food, food, and a little more food ($12 for designated drivers). I’d be lying if I didn’t say I left there “full as a tick” last night. Now, that’s not all, you’ve got Steve as the MC for the tasting AND at the very beginning you toss your name into a basket for raffle prizes drawn throughout the evening. This beer snob added a pretty slick t-shirt and key chain bottle opener to his collection last night.

You’ll need to call and make reservations at 865-448-1924 and while it is a big space they meet in, it was pretty full. The menu and beer on deck is posted to the Miss Lily’s Cafe Facebook page ahead of time as well as on the brand new Little River Beer Club Facebook page as well – be sure to check ’em both out and hit that “like” button. They also have a mailing list you can be added to, just shoot a note to misslilys[at]aol.com and request to be added.

Last night we had 3 Rogue Ales – (from the FB page):

– Juniper Pale Ale paired with sharp cheddar and fruit and a goat cheese and olive tapenade cracker.
– St. Rogue Red pairs great with our fillo spinach chicken rolls.
– The finale, burger sliders on home made buns topped with sweet vidalia onions and roasted red potatoes paired with Rogues’s Mocha Porter. And of course, there is always room for dessert!

And dessert we had! Not only were there homemade chocolate chip cookies but apple pie to boot – a great way to finish the night. This is definitely an event to keep on your radar – this snob will certainly be going again!

Cheers!