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Liquid Tuesday: Don't Let the Olympics Stop You!

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As if your day job and the endless Southern California traffic didn't give you enough reasons to wind down with a glass of your favorite adult beverage this week, the world around you has devised several clever ploys to keep you drinking. Not to mention the Olympics, where all of your semi-obscure sports dreams can be dashed in a single moment, on the international stage. If there's a better reason to grab a glass, I haven't heard of it. So, from the mountainous stretches of the Sierra Nevadas to the upscale trenches of Culver City, here's what's good in the world of Southern California drinking events.

To do this week right, you're going to want to kick off your weekend on Thursday. If your boss questions why you're so sluggish on Friday, just tell them you were up all night watching Latvian fencing. There's no possible way anyone would check up on that story. Only you will know the truth: It's National IPA Day. The California classic India Pale Ale, that sharp and hoppy beer of the moment, has officially received its own day. To celebrate, head out to Pasadena's Whole Foods, where their tucked-away Wine Lounge will be unveiling Golden Road's newest creation. Dubbed Wolf Among Weeds, the sneaky double IPA is the strong, silent type. A perfect way to take the edge off your work week.

If you're still feeling up to it after a pint or two, Mohawk Bend is offering a whiskey pairing with some small batch liquor from Bowen's Whiskey out of Bakersfield. The local distillers themselves will be on hand to talk about California whiskey and grab a bite or two of the lamb belly and assorted treats that will be on hand. Stick around long enough, and you might find yourself in some pretty great conversations. Or, you could sneak away from your desk early to spend the weekend in Mammoth at their Blues and Beer festival. The weekend-long event takes place in the summery Sierra Nevada mountains, and features draughts from more than 30 different breweries.

Assuming the Olympics haven't glued you completely to your couch, you could at least make it out to Lucky Rice, the popular New York City night market series that's making its debut in Los Angeles. Taking over the Helms Bakery district, the evening event features bites from some of the best chefs in LA, including Bryant Ng, Susan Feniger and Sang Yoon. But, since it's alcohol that pulled you away from the skeet shooting semi-finals, be prepared for impeccable cocktails by professional bartenders from San Francisco to New York, with a good amount of local talent thrown in for good measure. Whatever your pleasure this week, there's sure to be an event for you.

Photo by Caroline on Crack via Flickr.

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