Sipping

Saturday, Aug. 12, noon-7pm in Wilmington

Taking over the 800 block of Wilmington is the 4th Annual Downtown Brew Fest. This block party includes more than 50 breweries pouring their favorite creations, as well as food trucks, an impressive roster of live music, a homebrew competition, axe-throwing, and cornhole games. Restore the King will again be the event benefactor. Tickets available July 1 at BrewFestWilm.com.

Fridays, 5-8pm in North Wilmington

Swigg wine shop owner Dave Govatos and his friendly and savvy team host weekly complimentary tastings of five select wines, often with special themes. Details at Facebook.com/SwiggRealWine.

The creative brewers at California-based 21st Amendment are introducing El Sully, a Mexicanstyle lager with a can as colorful as the beer. It’s a refreshing summer lager and is available in six packs and on draft. El Sully checks in at 4.8% ABV.

Fruit-forward beers continue to be a popular trend, and California-based Lagunitas hopes its brewed another winner with Island Beats. This tropical IPA offer robust fruit flavors without the bitterness of traditional IPAs. The ABV is a modest 5%.

The creators of the Voodoo Ranger craft beer series now present Atomic Citrus, a blood orange ale brewed with citra and phato hops that packs a serious yet refreshing citrus punch. Hazy orange in appearance with an aroma of tropical fruit, grapefruit and orange citrus. ABV is 7%.