It may be hot out, but Santa is coming to Brooklyn — and he is bringing beer.
A group of local beer enthusiasts is throwing a “Christmas in July” party on July 20 at Prospect Heights beer hall Covenhoven, in an effort to collect toys for a children’s charity. The organizers will bring a Christmas tree and 12 rare winter brews — and in return, guests should come with an unwrapped toy and their finest Yuletide duds.
“It wasn’t part of our original idea, but people should absolutely bring their ugly sweaters and Santa hats,” said Meredith Heil, a member of the Beerded Ladies blog and one of the organizers of the event.
Heil said Covenhoven’s beer buyer has been hard at work collecting difficult-to-find seasonal winter beers for the occasion. There is no one definition for what constitutes a “winter beer,” but expect brews that are heavy in hops, body, and alcohol. Beers at the party will include an imperial stout from Gowanus brewers Grimm Artisinal Ales, a bright red ale made with cherries and honey from Troegs Brewing Company in Pennsylvania, and a dry-hopped barleywine from Colorado’s Avery Brewing.
The toys collected at the event will go to Room to Grow, a charity that provides support to parents living in poverty with children three years and younger.
“We thought we would further the giving spirit by giving to charity,” said Heil. “Toys are fun because of the whole Christmas thing, but people can bring books or anything else Room To Grow accepts.”
Anyone who brings a donation will receive a drink ticket, and any subsequent brews can be purchased with cash. Items for donations must be new, unwrapped, and suitable for children ages 0–3.
Christmas in July at Covenhoven [730 Classon Ave. between Prospect and Park places, (917) 449–6783, www.covenhovennyc.com], July 20 at 5 pm.
