Booze News: Democrats Abroad Trivia at Jing-A, Big Slow Boat CNY Discounts, Nibbles and Sips at Mesh

Feeling thirsty? Whet your whistle with Booze News, our weekly wrap-up of the week's best bar deals, parties, drink concoctions, industry gossip, and more.
 

Craft Beer Happenings

Jing-A is going to be quite busy in the coming days. For starters, the Xingfucun taproom is launching two new beers: the full-bodied, roasted, and toasted malt laden 8.2 percent Big Brother Baltic Porter, and the light and bright 3.5 percent lemon and ginger flavored Yellow Mountain Radler lager.

They're also hosting a fun and unique politically-themed event. At 11.30am on Saturday (Jan 19) patrons can compete in the Women's Caucus Trivia Brunch. Hosted by Democrats Abroad, the game will be comprised of six-person teams (so bring your friends, and the managers will help match you up if you're short of people) whow ill be tested on their knowledge of "notable current and past women, historic events advancing gender equality, and more."

Then there's Jing A's oh-so-seasonable holiday Chinese New Year hongbao promotion. Until Feb 10, all guests that spend RMB 150 or more will receive red envelopes with discount cards for free beers, appetizers, and other prizes (redeemable during the Chinese New Year holiday).

Speaking of CNY, Slow Boat is selling cute new Year of the Pig labeled 500ml cans (available for any beer on draft at the same price of a 440ml pint; available for takeout or delivery). They're also offering blowout discounts on many of its popular bottled brews ahead of the big holiday. Deals include 20 percent of 24 bottle cases of Monkey's Fist IPA (RMB 529 discounted to RMB 423) and Zombie Pirate Ale (RMB 499 discounted to RMB 399). See the full range of deals here.

The Slow Boat deals also extend to Pebbles Courtyard on Wudaoying: every Wednesday at popular Wudaoying restaurant Pebbles you can get an al pastor (shawarma spit-grilled meat) taco and a pint of Zombie Pirate Pale Ale for RMB 60. RMB 70, meanwhile, will get you two al pastors and a pint of Captain’s Pale Ale or Helmsman’s Honey Ale.

After its sudden opening at the end of last year, Great Leap Brewing's Nuo Center taproom location has been warmly received by beer lovers, as well as us, in that newly burgeoning F&B hub. Their soft opening has since finished and their full menu, which includes burgers, pizza, salads, and some new additions like Reuben sandwiches, is now available. Check it out in full here.
 

The Lounge Lowdown

In terms of cocktail lounge news, things are fairly quiet (you mixed-drink diehards will have to wait until after CNY for new seasonal menus and guest bartender shifts at your favorite cocktail bar).

However, until then, Mesh at Opposite House will help you power through with their new nibbles and sips weeknight promotion. Head in Monday through Thursday for a cocktail, glass of wine, or beer alongside a small plate of snacks to share that includes chicken satay, a ham and cheese panini, and (our favorite) a prosciutto bruschetta drizzled in reduced balsamic and a sprinkle of cheese all for RMB 78.

Want to up your cocktail game at home? This newly available line of premium Crawley's Bartender syrups from the Simple Syrup Company should give you a one-up. Bottles come in agave, grenadine, spiced honey apple, and vanilla bean varieties for RMB 150 per 750ml bottle. Order a few by contacting seller Victor Zhang on WeChat at zhangyuaixixi.

Heard It Through the Grapevine

Finally, Sanlitun Soho wine bar, restaurant, and shop Alan's has a range of new imports available at their store. Among the highlights: four-year-old Chateau Liberte, Austria Tigras Pinot Noir, Idylle Du Terroir, and more. For more information, follow their WeChat: gh_17213e53110d.

And with that, we'd like to raise our glasses and wish you, dear readers, a blissfully boozy weekend!  

READ: Miles - Jian Means Business in the CBD Without the Inflated Cocktail Prices

Photos: Unsplash, courtesy of the venues