Nightlife

New brewery Bad Beat is anything but

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A sampler of beers is shown at Bad Beat Brewing, 7380 Eastgate Rd., a brewery in Henderson’s “Booze District,” Thursday, August 7, 2014.
Photo: Steve Marcus

The newest brewery in Henderson is also one of its most fun. Not only do its partners—owner Nathan Hall, head brewer Weston Barkley (who brings years of experience with Joseph James) and Mike Dominiak, general manager and “director of imbibing operations”—offer free video games, shuffleboard and Cards Against Humanity, their inaugural beer menu is wide-ranging and bound to quickly earn a legion of fans.

We’d recommend starting with a tasting flight, a steal at $10. Then, pick your favorite and go for a glass—or a bomber—of one of Bad Beat’s six original brews:

Bluffing Isn’t Weisse (Hefeweizen, 5.1 percent ABV) Even if you’re not a fan of Hefeweizens, you need to give this one a try. With an extremely light body, slight sweetness and a crisp, pleasant finish, it’s an excellent introduction to Bad Beat’s brewing skills.

Bad Beat Brewing

Ante Up Amber (amber ale, 5.7 percent ABV) Veteran beer drinkers will raise an eyebrow after the first sip, which reveals an unexpected hoppiness—it’s dry and slightly bitter, but smooths out at the end. Very distinctive.

Daily Grind (pale ale, 5.7 percent ABV) As pale ales go, there’s not much to distinguish this from others of its ilk. It’s straightforward, and while that’s not a bad thing, there are far more adventurous beers on this menu ...

Ace in the Hole (basil pale ale, 5.6 percent ABV) Easily the most polarizing beer of the bunch, this brew’s spicy, basil-heavy flavor makes it one of the more unique brews in town. Too bad the brewery doesn’t serve food, as it would pair wonderfully with a plate of pasta.

Hoppy Times (IPA, 7.3 percent ABV) A solid, full-bodied example of the ultra-popular style, this IPA achieves a nice balance—not too bitter, not overpowering.

Gutshot (dry Irish stout, 4.5 percent ABV) My favorite of the current crop. For a stout, this is incredibly light, crisp and rich. Owner Nathan Hall proudly explains that it’s actually roasted barley that gives the beer a heavy coffee flavor.

Bad Beat Brewing 7380 Eastgate Road #110, 702-463-4199. Thursday, 4:30-11 p.m.; Friday, 4:30 p.m.-midnight; Saturday, 3 p.m.-midnight; Sunday, 3-11 p.m.

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Ken Miller

Ken Miller is the editor of Las Vegas Magazine, having previously served as associate editor at Las Vegas Weekly, assistant ...

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