Cannoli Joe’s presents “Handcrafted Beer Tasting Tours”

Cannoli Joe’s—best described as a gourmet Italian feast with more than 100 classic Italian food specialties—is now hosting its “Handcrafted Beer Tasting Tour” every Thursday night from 6 to 9 p.m., running through the end of year. Handcrafted beers are produced at an on-site brewery using “the highest quality ingredients.”

Each week an area microbrewery will provide free unlimited beer tastings of two or more featured beers, with a representative from the brewery to answer any questions. The beer tastings are free with the purchase of dinner (for $13.99/adult) from Cannoli Joe’s gourmet Italian Feast including Lasagna Bolognese, Chicken Cacciatore, Homemade Meatballs, Pork Loin, Sausage and Peppers, Chicken Marsala Pasta, Caesar Salad, Greek Salad, Bruschetta, Spinach Alfredo pizza, Lasagne Bolognese, Grilled Steak Marsala, Greek Salad, Sausage Cavatappi, Chicken Picatta, Mussels Fra Diavolo, Caponatina, Cannolis, Chocolate Macaroons, hand-dipped ice cream, and, of course, Cannolis!

On Thursday, October 1, Saint Arnold Brewing Company out of Houston, TX will feature their premium handcrafted ales: Saint Arnold Amber Ale and Oktoberfest, as well as their non-alcoholic Root Beer for kids.

Brewery representatives will pour:
Saint Arnold Amber Ale: “A well-balanced, full flavored, amber ale. It has a rich, malty body with a pleasant caramel character derived from a specialty Caravienne malt. A complex hop aroma, with a hint of floral and citrus comes from a combination of Cascades and Liberty hops. It has a rich, creamy head with a fine lace. The light fruitiness, characteristic of ales, is derived from a proprietary yeast strain.”
Oktoberfest: “A full-bodied, malty, slightly sweet beer celebrating the Autumn harvest. This rich beer has a round malt flavor and an above average alcohol content perfect for a cool fall evening.”
Non-alcoholic Root Beer: “Big, sweet, flavorful and old-fashioned! Saint Arnold Root Beer is made with Imperial Cane Sugar (absolutely no high fructose corn syrup), vanilla extract and lots of yummy (but secret) flavorings. The cane sugar gives it a sweetness that cannot be achieved through corn syrup. The flavors explode in your mouth. The only way to improve on their Root Beer is to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream!”

The night of the beer dinner tours and for the week following, Cannoli Joe’s will offer full bottles of the featured beers at $3 and Root Beer at $1.75. Cannoli Joe’s also serves Peroni and Birra Moretti Italian beers at all times.

On Thursday, October 8, Real Ale Brewery Company from Blanco, TX will feature:
Rio Blanco Pale Ale: “Deep golden and malty, with a spicy hop flavor and well balanced hop bitterness, Rio Blanco is a uniquely Texan interpretation of an English-style pale ale. Czech Saaz hops provide a crisp finish and delicate aroma.”
Full Moon Pale Ale: “Tawny red and full of malt and hops, Full Moon's unique flavor truly satisfies. The smooth sweetness of malted rye and barley is complemented by generous helpings of Willamette and Cascade hops, resulting in an assertive American amber ale.”
Brewhouse Brown Ale: “Caramel brown with a hint of chocolate, Brewhouse Brown melds four kinds of malt and American hops into a delicious dark ale. Rich and roasty, yet with a dry finish, it is the perfect companion for a hearty meal.”
Firemans #4 Blonde Ale: “This refreshing blonde ale strikes a perfect balance between the smoothness of the malt, the subtle fruitiness of our house ale yeast, and zesty citrus notes from Crystal hops. Firemans #4 is a great way to beat the heat.”

On Thursday, October 15, Independence Brewery Co. out of Austin will feature the following premium handcrafted ales:
Austin Amber: “A special blend of malted barley—lightly to darkly roasted—creates layers of toasty sweetness, balanced by the citrusy notes of Vanguard hops. Burnt orange with a laid back finish, this is the beer of Austin.”
Independence Pale Ale: “Bright, bold, and hoppy...Independence Pale Ale is a true Texas Pale Ale. Brewed with the finest two-row barley and Pacific Northwest hops, and then dry-hopped with generous quantities of Cascade and Saaz hops, Independence Pale Ale has a distinctive citrus aroma and clean, hoppy finish.”
Freestyle: “Crisp, light-bodied, and refreshing, Freestyle is brewed with the finest two-row pale malt and American white wheat, Freestyle has a crisp, dry flavor followed by a slightly sweet malt finish. It’s light and refreshing, like a pilsner brewed as an ale.”
Bootlegger Brown Ale: “Smooth, chocolatey and easy-drinking....brewed with the finest two-row barley and Belgian chocolate malt, Bootlegger has a distinctive, chocolatey flavor. Bootlegger is medium-bodied and filtered for a clean, laid-back finish.”

On Thursday, October 22, Independence Brewery Co. will be back with their premium handcrafted ales: Austin Amber, Independence Pale Ale, Freestyle and Bootlegger, and Saint Arnold Brewing Company will also return with Saint Arnold Amber Ale, Oktoberfest, and their non-alcoholic Root Beer.

On Thursday, October 29, Independence Brewery Co. will return with Austin Amber, Independence Pale Ale, Freestyle and Bootlegger.

"When we first decided to add these beer tours featuring craft brews from local brewers, I knew we had a hit on our hands, and the crowds have shown us we were absolutely right," says Bob Hauser, chef /owner of Cannoli Joe’s and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. "Our customers are keeping the brewery reps busy pouring samples all night to pair up with Cannoli Joe's fabulous Italian cuisine. Great full-flavored beers to go with great full-flavored Italian dishes."

Cannoli Joe’s is located at 4715 Hwy. 290 West in south Austin near the Berger Center on the eastbound frontage road, one third mile east of Brodie Lane.

Cannoli Joe’s is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Weekday lunch is $9.99. Monday through Thursday dinner is $13.99. Friday dinner is $15.99. Saturday brunch is $13.99 and Saturday dinner is $15.99. (Extra items are added to the list of offerings on nights and then more on weekend nights.) Sunday brunch is $13.99 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and then regular offerings from 3 to 9 p.m. for $15.99. Children three and under are free; those 12 years and under are half price.

For more information, contact (512) 892-4444 or bobh@cannolijoes.com, or visit the website at http://www.cannolijoes.com/.

Please note: Scheduled breweries are subject to change without notice.