Saturday 7th of March 2009 02:27:08 PM

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Buckbean is now approaching their 1st anniversary, coming up in April. The location is in a new industrial/warehouse complex. Actually the address is a bit misleading since it is really back from Rock Blvd (behind a FedEx warehouse) so you drive down a side street to reach it. There is another driveway right off southbound McCarran Blvd that provides better access.

I stop in often to check out the current taps and was there for the grand opening celebration last year. Work on the tasting area is complete so drop ins are welcome to taste and buy pints or fill growlers. They have recently added a nice display of bottles collected by owner Doug Booth and now have frequent dart competitions. There were three styles initially; A Black Noddy and an Orange Blossom Ale are the standards plus a Tule Duck Red Ale seasonal. The Red Ale was replaced by a Vienna Lager, dubbed Artown to support Reno's annual summer art festival and then Railway Pale and an Octoberfest Lager. Current taps include a Scotch, Scot Holidale, and their most recent seasonal Adaven IPA. Tule Duck will be returning in April, just in time for their anniversary party.

The canning line is now in full operation and pint can four packs of the standards are available for purchase in addition to kegs. I am particularly impressed by the Orange Blossom because it is not overly fruity and very drinkable. Black Noddy compares well with other US produced Schwartzbiers and has become one of my favorites and a standard in my fridge. The tall cans chill quickly and are easy to transport or ship if you like to share or trade. I hope they will add some of their seasonals to the can lineup this year.