Friends and Allies Brewing's First Beer, New Vodka, and Happy Hour

BEER WIRE — New Austin brewery Friends and Allies Brewing launches Noisy Cricket, a hoppy, low-alcohol IPA, with a party at Waller Creek Pub tonight at 5 p.m. [EaterWire]

SOUTH CONGRESS — South Congress Hotel launches happy hour in the lobby bar tonight, January 13. Enjoy discounted cocktails and bar snacks Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., and there’s free valet parking for up to three hours. [EaterWire]

CHARITYWIRE — In honor of the opening of Pizzeria Vetri in Austin, the Vetri Community Partnership is offering a grant program for schools in the area. The four schools selected will receive $2,500 to improve their school food and provide education on how to live healthy lives through food. More information is available on the Vetri Community Partnership website. [EaterWire]

VODKA WIRE — Deep Eddy Vodka rolls out its latest iteration of fruity spirits with Deep Eddy Peach. While it will be available nationwide in February, interested parties can sample it at the Deep Eddy Distillery and Tasting Room starting Thursday, January 14.