Pacific
Event Preview | Firestone Walker Invitational
June 2, 2017 | David Thompson
Part of being an adult is understanding what your priorities are in life. That is exactly why my wife and I are heading down to Paso Robles, California for the Firestone Walker Invitational one day after closing on our house. Yes we could spend the weekend moving out from the in-laws and settling into our first house, but we can do that anytime. And this is the Firestone Walker Invitational, a beer festival described as “An epic yet intimate gathering of 50+ leading brewers from around the nation & world celebrating craft beer in our hometown of Paso Robles.”
AleSmith and Around the Bend Collaboration, Chicago Craft Beer Week
May 18, 2017 | Mathew Powers
The annual Beer Under Glass (B.U.G.) at Garfield Park Conservatory serves as the formal opening to Chicago Craft Beer Week (#CCBW), and brewers are more than happy to provide special offerings for the unique event. One such brew exemplifies the true meaning of craft beer — industry first, beer first, a collaboration between two “competing” breweries, Alesmith Brewing Company and Chicago’s Around the Bend Beer Co. This special brew will enjoy its first pouring at B.U.G, and then during select events (and sold in stores) thereafter.
Beer & Book Club | #GIRLBOSS
May 2, 2017 | Constance Del Rio
Welcome to the third installment of the Beer & Book Club series! I love the idea that each month a new individual can highlight a great read and a delicious brew to go along with it. When one pictures the craft beer world a few common themes repeat: beards, barrel-aged and hops (lots of hops). That is why for my first Beer & Book report I wanted to highlight some serious girl power. Read More
PorchDrinking Playlist | Mraz Brewing Company
April 11, 2017 | Chris & Sylvia Hollands
Featured photo courtesy of Mraz Brewing Company.
For this PorchDrinking Playlist we reached out to one of our favorite California natives, Mike Mraz, owner and head brewer for Mraz Brewing Company in El Dorado Hills, CA. We had the pleasure to meet Mike a few years back during the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, CO. It was a wonderful experience to walk the great halls of the Colorado Convention Center with such a knowledgeable master of beer. An expert craftsman showing us the way was both thrilling and a tad bit intimidating. Mike welcomed us into his crew for the weekend, resulting in an adventurous time. The following year we hung out again, inspiring a portion of our Are You GABF Experienced? playlist. Read More
Almanac Beer Co. | White Label
March 28, 2017 | Cecelia Kathleen
Featured photo credit: Almanac Beer Co.
ABV: 7.5%
A Tale of Two Blancs
San Francisco-based Almanac Beer Company emphasizes sustainable farming practices through using locally-grown grains, fruits and herbs from some of the agricultural hubs of Northern California. The brewery’s Farm to Barrel series speaks to Almanac’s specialization in beers brewed with local terroir from neighboring California farms. What is surely a tribute to this practice, Almanac’s fruit-forward beers consistently burst with depth and flavor. This showcase profiles one of Almanac’s most recent award-winning beers. Read More
21st Amendment Brewery | Brew Free! Or Die Blood Orange IPA
March 16, 2017 | Mathew Powers
Photo courtesy of 21st Amendment Brewery
The new, ultra-refreshing spin on the original Brew Free! or Die IPA has arrived this March like a full-flavored lion pouncing on its beer-drinking prey. The brewery that made watermelon beer famous has gone the citrusy IPA route with its new year-round offering — real blood oranges and plenty of hops.
The Best of San Francisco Beer Week 2017
March 14, 2017 | Simon
Sadly, San Francisco beer week is over. It was another incredible week, full of amazing events and new and innovative beers. Pounds were gained, work was neglected, but it was all worth it. From the Opening Gala to the last day, Beer Week was loaded more than any prior year. Each day had more events for any one person to handle, but that is the beauty of Beer Week.
Fremont Brewing to Begin Southern California Distribution
March 3, 2017 | Hannah Carlson
Photo courtesy of Fremont Brewing
Californians, we have good news. No — great news. Hold onto your hats, because Fremont Brewing has announced that their brews are now being distributed throughout Southern California.
The Bruery to Release Chocolate Rain to the Public
March 1, 2017 | Chea Franz
Featured photo contributed by The Bruery
The Bruery’s forecast calls for a 100% chance of rain… Chocolate Rain that is, and we couldn’t be more excited. What began as a single cask of beer that was released in 2009 for a Black Tuesday release event has since become a, wait for it, legendary brew that members of The Bruery’s exclusive beer societies have enjoyed. But for the first time on March 24, Chocolate Rain will be pouring for all. Read More
San Francisco Beer Week | Can’t-Miss Events February 17-19
February 16, 2017 | Victoria Pratt
*Cover Photo courtesy of San Francisco Brewers Guild (Gama Nine Photography)
The final days of San Francisco Beer Week take us to the weekend. It’s hard to believe 895 events were packed into 10 days. The final three days presently have 108, 98, and 53 events happening, respectively, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Still plenty of beer to be imbibed these last few days. Here are the events that we are looking forward to.
Alpine Beer Co. Debuts New Beers, Limited Releases and Canned Offerings in 2017
February 16, 2017 | Chea Franz
Feature Photo Credit: alpinebeerco.com
2017 is starting to look extra hoppy! Nestled in the Cuyamaca Mountain foothills, Green Flash Brewing Co. subsidiary, Alpine Beer Company in San Diego County will be introducing a few changes that include some new year round beers, limited releases and, for the first time, the release of two beers in cans. Read More
Mikkeller | Chipotle Porter
February 16, 2017 | John Amantea
ABV: 6.6% | IBU: N/A
It’s cold. Goddammit, it’s cold. For those of you not so blessed to be living below the Mason-Dixon Line, you’re likely in the midst of what’s been a long, cold winter. As the mounds of snow continue to grow and you begin to forget that the sun exists; winter tightens its icy grip this time of year. So, how can you fight back and stay warm? Should you bundle up with extra layers or rely on hand and toe warmers in gloves and socks? While those options are smart and practical, I tend to go another route. I avoid the cold by staying inside with beer, such as Mikkeller Chipotle Porter, the fuzzy slippers of the soul.
San Francisco Beer Week | Can’t-Miss Events February 14-16
February 14, 2017 | Simon
Photo courtesy of San Francisco Brewers Guild
OK, you’ve made it through the weekend… and survived. You went to all the events we recommended and then some. It isn’t even mid-week and you’re thinking you can rest up for a few days to finish SFBW off with a bang on weekend two, right? WRONG! February 14-16 are loaded with some can’t-miss events, so stop whining and get out there!
The Ultimate Roundup | 50 Chocolate Beers for Valentine’s Day
February 13, 2017 | Danele Bova
Beer is a love language all on its own. This Valentine’s Day, show your love language by indulging in one of these chocolate-infused craft beers oozing with rich, sweet chocolate goodness. This Ultimate Round Up will help you find the ultimate chocolate beers. You can forgo the chocolates and roses this year. We won’t judge.
San Francisco Beer Week | Can’t-Miss Events February 11-13
February 11, 2017 | Victoria Pratt
Cover photo courtesy of San Francisco Brewers Guild (Gama Nine Photography)
Friday, February 10 is the only day where it is an easy decision on which San Francisco Beer Week (SFBW) event to go to, as there is only one event. The Opening Gala is an event not to be missed with over 135 breweries pouring incredible first time beers like G & T Gose and rare beers including Pliny the Younger. Day Two, Three, and Four of San Francisco Beer Week aren’t as easy with 129, 90, 75 events happening respectively. Here are the events that we are looking forward to for Saturday, Sunday and Monday of SFBW.
Firestone Walker to Offer Bravo & Future Vintage Reserves in 12 oz Bottles
January 26, 2017 | Mathew Powers
Cover Photo Courtesy Firestone Walker
Bravo is the first beer release from Firestone Walker as part of its shift from offering Vintage Reserve barrel-aged beers in 22-ounce bomber format to 12-ounce bottles in 2017. This transition includes longtime stalwarts such as Parabola and the annual Anniversary Ale.
San Francisco Beer Week | Opening Gala
January 24, 2017 | Victoria Pratt
San Francisco Beer Week kicks off their 9th year starting Friday, February 10 and running through Sunday, February 19. The festivities are packed with over 800 events and span the entire Bay Area from Half Moon Bay in the south to Santa Rosa in the north. We will highlight our top picks for each day. The first event is the Opening Gala at Pier 48 in San Francisco from 5 – 10 PM for VIP ticket holders and 6 – 10 PM for General Admission. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by clicking here. Be sure to check back for our list of featured events!
Almanac Taproom and Big Rec Taproom Open in San Francisco’s East Mission District
January 10, 2017 | Simon
I am pretty lucky to live in San Francisco and be completely surrounded by an un-ending host of great breweries and beer bars. However, a few weeks ago in late-December SF … Read More
Pliny the Younger is back February 3-16
January 6, 2017 | Danele Bova
Featured Image Photo Credit: Russian River Brewing Co. Facebook Page
Pliny the Younger is making its 14th annual debut at Russian River Brewing Co. in Santa Rosa, CA.
The Bruery & Bruery Terreux Announce Changes to their 2017 Beer Lineup
January 4, 2017 | Hannah Carlson
It seems that 2017 is already looking up. Case-in-point: The Bruery and Bruery’s Terreux’s new changes to this year’s line-up.
That’s right, The Bruery and Bruery Terreux have announced their overhaul for 2017 beer releases – which will be distributed across 29 states. Just try not to get excited for brand new year-round beers, seasonals from Bruery Terreux, (multiple!) barrel-aged beers that have never hit shelves, and a new beer series.
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