Ah, March. In like a lion, out like a lamb, as the saying goes. Let’s hope this March is more like a Detroit Lion, toothless and tame, because I’m not sure I can take another damn snowstorm.

But why am I talking about weather and sports in a beer column? Shame on me. Let’s instead take a look together, dear reader, at the brews and news going down in our beloved County of Washtenaw. Yes, it’s the Week in Beer, and it’s waiting for your curious, parched taste buds.

Thursday, March 4
Original Gravity Brewing Co., 440 County in Milan is releasing Sean of the Red Irish Red Ale at 6 p.m. Brew Crew members get to enjoy this malty yet well balanced beer for $3 a pint all night long. Everyone else can still enjoy this malty yet well balanced beer, but it'll cost a little more.

Also at 6 p.m., Ashley's, 338 S. State, is tapping a firkin (cask) of Bell's Hopslam, a hopped-up rocket fuel of a beer weighing in at 10.8% ABV and, for you beer nerds, something like a gazillion IBUs. Cask conditioned ale is served directly from the firkin via a spigot with no extraneous gas for a richer, more gently carbonated pour.

Friday, March 5
The Belgian-style beers of Ron Jeffries, proprietor and head brewer of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, seem to be making a bigger and bigger splash these days. Come see what all the fuss is about as Whole Foods Cranbrook throws the spotlight on Jolly Pumpkin for its biweekly Michigan Beer Tasting night. From 5-7p.m., enjoy two- or four-oz. pours from bottles (there will be no drafts) of Bam Bière, Bam Noire, La Roja and Oro de Calabaza, the latter of which was recently selected as the No. 1 Belgian-style ale by a New York Times panel of judges during a blind taste test of 20 different beers. Assistant brewers Sean Brennan and Drew Karl will be on hand to answer questions about Jolly Pumpkin’s unique brews and, who knows, maybe they'll even sign some memorabilia for you.

Thursday, March 11
It’s that time again: beer tasting night at Arbor Brewing Co., 114 E. Washington. Come out from 7to 9 p.m. to try two dozen stouts of all kinds — Irish stouts, Russian imperial stouts, chocolate stouts, coffee stouts — from around the country and the world. Your ticket includes a generous snack buffet and a chance to win glassware, attire, posters and assorted other beer paraphernalia. $25 if you order in advance, or $30 the day of; call 734-213-1393 to reserve your spot.

Notes on the Napkin

• Now on tap at Grizzly Peak, 120 W. Washington: Little Giant Lager, a flavorful session (that’s lingo for low-alcohol) beer brewed with crystal and Munich malts and Perle, Liberty, and Slovenian hops. Brewer Duncan Williams describes it as having "a clean 'lagery' maltiness and a crisp, spicy hop finish." Not your session? Also on tap: Amarillo Shamrock Old School Irish American Ale at 4.7% ABV. Says Duncan: "It's resonant with intense ruby highlights and rich caramel, toasty and piney/citrus flavors." Get over to Grizzly and choose your session.
• Growlers are available at Whole Foods Cranbrook! Now you can pick up a half-gallon of fresh Michigan draft beer while you shop for needful things. Cost: $15 for "regular" beer and $20 for high-gravity brews (an empty growler itself costs $4).

That's the brews fit to pint for your early-March leonine pleasure. Until next time, go Lions!

David Bardallis is a freelance writer and editor, blogger, bon vivant and man about town. Visit his Web site, DavidBardallis.com, to engage his services or read his latest. E-mail your beer-related thoughts to annarborbeer@gmail.com, follow @dbardallis on Twitter or join the "All the Brews Fit to Pint" Facebook page.