Nightlife News: Bachelor Farmer, Bad Weather Brewing Co., Blue Nile and 612Brew

North Loop dinner destination the Bachelor Farmer has quietly beefed up its beverage program.

Pip Hanson, the imbibing innovator usually found in its downstairs Marvel Bar, designed a new drinks menu featuring many wine-based elixirs. The new-look list includes cocktail pairings (a Bachelor Farmer first) crafted with the food menu in mind, low-alcohol aperitifs and an assortment of aquavit, a Scandinavian spirit.

50 N. 2nd Av., Mpls., 612-206-3920,

www.thebachelorfarmer.com

It's been a few weeks since a new Twin Cities brewery has opened, so local suds freaks are relatively overdue for a fresh beer brand. Thankfully, Bad Weather Brewing Company broke the lull (we've got it rough) Thursday with a launch party at the Uptown Republic.

The Minnetonka brewery, which shares space and equipment with Lucid and Badger Hill in an alternating proprietorship arrangement, hit local bars with its year-round red ale Windvane and a darker seasonal Ominous. Owners hope to add growler sales this summer.

These days, big beers are all the rage. So, in honor of the bolder, boozier brews, the Blue Nile is hosting its fifth Imperial March tap-takeover event starting at 4 p.m. Saturday. All of the beer bar/Ethiopian restaurant's draft handles will pour double IPAs, imperial stouts, barley wines and other offerings from American breweries clocking in with upwards of 8 percent ABV. Remember: moderation, people.

There's still snow on the ground, but northeast Minneapolis newbie 612Brew is ready to crack its spring/summer seasonal Mary Ann. The Minneapolis brewery unveils this low-alcohol lager Tuesday with a party at Edina Grill (6 p.m.). Brewed with 70 pounds of hand-grated ginger, Mary Ann will be available on draft and in growlers at 612Brew's taproom the following day.