By Bob Barnes
Rock Star Keri Kelli Opening Brewery at The Bend Big Dog’s Dogtoberfest
Keri Kelli has played guitar all his life and is a bonafide rock star who has headlined with bands and artists including Ratt, Slash, Alice Cooper and Night Ranger. Being a rocker is his day job.
He’s a huge craft beer fan and in 2009 with co-owner Ryan Johnson opened Aces & Ales in Southeast Las Vegas at Nellis and Twain after not being able to find the beers he liked when visiting Las Vegas. At the time, it was one of a few craft beer bars in Southern Nevada and would pave the way.
Aces & Ales flourished enough to open a second location in Northwest Las Vegas on Tenaya in 2013, and now its success warrants a third venue, a brewery in Southwest Las Vegas in The Bend at Sunset and Durango.
Set to open in early November, the 9,000-square-foot brewery co-branded Aces & Ales and Evolve Brewing will have an open layout with large windows, bringing natural light and two lounge areas equipped with couches, chairs, pool table, large kid- and pet-friendly patios and stages for live music.
Twenty-four taps will pour 12-14 beers brewed on a 10-barrel system. Initially, as the brewery ramps up its brews, there will be collaboration beers made with local breweries Able Baker, Beer Zombies, Big Dog’s, CraftHaus, HUDL and Juxta Nomad and SoCal California breweries ISM, Societe, Rad Beer Co, Smog City and Mason Ale Works.
Kelli worked with all the brew teams in recipe design, beer style and beer names. Like the other two Aces & Ales, there will be a gastropub with a scratch kitchen serving appetizers, sandwiches and pizzas, but with the addition of steak, chicken and fish entrees with side options.
Big Dog’s Dogtoberfest
Big Dog’s Brewing is a Wisconsin- and dog-themed brewpub and has several beers with canine names like Tail Wagger Wheat and Black Lab Stout, but its annual Dogtoberfest takes it a step further.
Held on Oct. 26 at The Draft House outdoor area from 4-9 p.m., the free admission pay-as-you-go beer fest will offer more than 45 independent craft beers, including 25 from Nevada breweries, live music, specialty food, raffles and giveaways.
Big Dog’s Marketing & Accounting Director Ceci Moggia says, “Our first Dogtoberfest was held in 2010 and was inspired by Mr. and Mrs. Wiesner’s (founders of Big Dog’s) annual beer and brat party held at their house every fall. Our version combines the great traditions of Oktoberfest celebrations with the charm of an old Wisconsin brat cookout with a dog-friendly twist.”
The twist is an opportunity to enjoy brews with your pup and a human and dog Halloween costume contest. Big Dog’s has hosted more beer fests than any other venue in Southern Nevada with Dogtoberfest marking the brewpub’s 51st beer and music festival.
For more info and to purchase festival packages, go to BigDogsBrews.com/Festivals/Dogtoberfest.
Local Brewery Champion of the Month
In this recurring feature, we spotlight establishments that appreciate our local breweries enough to serve only beer made in Nevada. Las Vegas Distillery in the Henderson Booze District, which recently reopened after a two-year, top-to-bottom renovation, is pouring CraftHaus Silver State Blonde/Golden Ale, CraftHaus Hop Vegas American IPA and Las Vegas Brewing Co. 1677 Irish Dry Stout.
Be sure to check out the new cocktail lounge with an Old Vegas décor and a food menu of artisanal pizzas, charcuterie and cheese boards and spirits distilled onsite including vodka, white rum, coffee liqueur, American single malt and bourbon.
7330 Eastgate Road, #100, Henderson. (702)-629-7534; LasVegasDistillery.com
