Cody Thompson | Suds in the City
Across the country, craft beer fans might say that every week in San Diego is beer week. Some may even argue that we are spoiled by the many world-class crafts at our fingertips, many of which are made right here in San Diego.
Mike Sardina of Societe Brewing said it best on my podcast this week: We have the ability to “pass over Sculpin and Pliny to drink an Alpine Beer.” Needless to say, we are pretty lucky in San Diego.
So how does America’s craft beer capital celebrate a full week devoted to #AllTheBeers? By taking our devoted beer fandom and blasting it out of this world with craft beer and food events hosted by some of the finest restaurants, bars and breweries in the city. From beer dinners to tap takeovers, San Diego is gearing up to become an even greater craft beer wonderland. Looking to get in on the action in the area? We put together this list of some of the great events coming your way.
Bikes, Brews and Brats hosted by Green Flash Brewing Co.
Saturday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cal Coast Cycles to the Regal Beagle (begins at 3020 Adams Ave., Normal Heights)
Biking and craft beer are a classic pairing in San Diego, so join Green Flash, Regal Beagle and Cal Coast Cycles for a scenic trip through Balboa Park and Mission Hills. The trip will begin at Cal Coast and conclude at Regal Beagle, where riders will be greeted with craft beer from Green Flash and delicious brats. $50 gets you into the party and includes everything mentioned plus a t-shirt. Proceeds will benefit the San Diego Mountain Bike Association. For more information and tickets, visit GreenFlashBrew.com
World’s Largest Bottle Share
Sunday, Nov. 9, 12 p.m. sharp
30th Street (South Park, North Park and Normal Heights)
Do not miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to take part in what is projected to become the World’s Largest Bottle Share. How does this work, you ask? Grab a couple of your craft beer fanatic friends and line up along 30th Street with a bottle worthy of such an occasion in hopes of making history, as Guinness Book of World Records will be on hand to document the event. After a massive photo opportunity, guests will make their way into designated locations to share bottles brought by participants. Tickets are $20, which come with an event exclusive t-shirt, glass and a wristband giving you unlimited rides up and down 30th Street to share craft beer. This part festival, part bar crawl will stretch from Adams Avenue to Beech Street. For more information on how you can be a part of San Diego craft beer history, visit SDBottleShare.com.
Sour Monday!
Monday, Nov. 10, 5 – 10 p.m.
Local Habit (3827 5th Ave., Hillcrest)
Even Mondays are great during Beer Week. Thanks to Local Habit, you can break out of your Monday rut by filling your gut with fantastic sour beers. You will have the opportunity to sample a flight of six California sours. The flight includes Reserve Wheat Ale from Telegraph (which won Gold at this year’s Great American Beer Fest); Red Poppy, Spontaneous Cheer and Biere De Gourde with Brett from our very own Lost Abbey; Hottenroth from The Bruery; and Second Chance Sour from Coronado Brewing. Can’t make it on Monday night? They will repeat this lineup the following Sunday for — wait for it — Sour Sunday.
Brewmaster Dinner with Societe Brewing
Wednesday, Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m.
Waypoint Public (3794 30th St., North Park)
Waypoint Public is at it again, putting together a craft beer and dining experience that is sure to shake Beer Week to its very core, thanks to the help of the ever-debonair Societe Brewing Company. $55 gets you a five-course meal, with each course paired with a world-class craft from our friends at Societe. Look forward to pairings that include Fanny Bay Oysters with the 2014 World Beer Cup Silver Medal Winner, the Pugilist Dry Stout, or the smoked veal tongue and sweetbreads paired with the 2013 Gold Medal-winning The Butcher Imperial Stout, just to name a couple. Whatever flavors you may crave, this dinner is sure to satisfy. Email [email protected] for reservations.
Meeting of the Guilds
Friday, Nov. 14, 6 – 10 p.m.
Toronado (4026 30th St., North Park)
Take your palate and your mind on a flavor trip when three California Brewers Guilds join forces for a massive tap takeover at Toronado. Taste your way through San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco with 15 of the best craft beer representatives from these three regions. Of course, a little friendly competition never hurt, right? After sampling craft beers from each region, vote for which region should take home the prized Golden Keg. The list of breweries from each region is massive, and includes San Diego’s Societe, Monkey Paw, Pizza Port, Bagby Beer and more. Los Angeles will bring El Segundo, Smog City, Eagle Rock and Monkish to name a few. San Francisco’s list will include beers from Almanac, 21st Amendment, Cellarmaker and, of course, Anchor Brewing. For more information, visit SDBW.org
Man the Victory at Sea Fleet
Sunday, Nov. 16
Hamilton’s Tavern (1521 30th St., South Park)
A San Diego favorite every year, Hamilton’s Tavern will again host Man the Victory at Sea Fleet. Serving up some of the most exclusive and specialty versions of Victory at Sea by Ballast Point Brewing, easily one of the most loved and fantastic dark ales in San Diego. For $7, you will be able to dive into one of two separate “fleet” flights containing six different 2-ounce tasters. Fleet 1 will include Nitro, Horchata, Barrel Aged Rye, Reese’s PB Cup, Maple Bourbon Oaked and Peppermint variations. Fleet 2 includes 2014 Original Victory at Sea, Bread Pudding, Cask Conditioned with Rum-Soaked Oak and Tart Cherries, Fennel & Orange, Barrel Aged Four Roses and Mole variations. No, there’s no reason you can’t try them all. Secondly, 5-ounce pours of each will be offered that day only. Get there early, this event is always a huge hit and people will line up beforehand. Hamilton’s opens at 1 p.m. For more information, visit HamiltonsTavern.com.
For more San Diego Beer Week events throughout the county, visit SDBW.org
