California Craft Beer Summit

2023 California Craft Beer Summit Expo

These photos were taken Tuesday, March 21, at the Safe Credit Union Convention Center where the expo portion of the 2023 California Craft Beer Summit was held. The day featured speeches, educational panels, vendors, lunch, a Press Reception, and the Brewers VIP Reception.

My day started off by attending the Opening Session which began with the introduction of the CCBA Board of Directors with a rundown of what the CCBA has accomplished and what was planned for the future. This was followed up by the keynote address from Firestone Walker’s own David Walker, who gave a brief history of Firestone Walker along with his perspective of what the craft beer industry should expect in coming years. Continue reading

2023 CA Craft Beer Summit Welcome Reception

These photos were taken Monday, March 20 at Drake’s The Barn, where they hosted the 2023 California Craft Beer Summit Welcome Reception, sponsored by Strategic Tax Planning. The event featured beer, food, games, a DJ, and the opportunity to network and meet up with old friends. The first few photos were taken when we checked into the Safe Credit Union Convention Center prior to the reception.

I drove up to Sacramento Monday morning/afternoon with me friend Tomm Carroll, world-renowned BJCP judge, beer writer, and beer hoarder. Before checking into the hotel we checked into the summit to get our badges, and Tomm wanted to drop off a pile of Beer Paper LA for summit attendees before heading over to The Barn. Continue reading

Summit Beer Festival 2019 Photos

These photos were taken Saturday afternoon at Marina Green Park in Long Beach, where the California Craft Brewers Association (CCBA) culminated their three day celebration of California craft beer and the CCBA’s 30 years of protecting and supporting the more than 1000 breweries in the state of California with California’s largest craft beer festival which featured 170 craft breweries from around the state.

To be honest, I almost did not make it due to the fact that I seemed to have picked up some type of convention crud on Thursday. I didn’t feel too bad on Friday, so I toughed it out and substituted handshakes with fist bumps; unfortunately, while that may have prevented me from spreading the bug to others, it did nothing to make me feel better Saturday. I felt worse than I have in years and it was very hot which did not make it any easier on me. But, as I am having another craft beer festival in a few months there was research to be done; so I struggled through it. Continue reading

CA Craft Beer Summit Day Two Photos

These photos were taken Friday afternoon at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, where the California Craft Brewers Association (CCBA) presented the second of a three day celebration of California craft beer and the CCBA’s 30 years of protecting and supporting more than 1000 breweries in the state of California.

While Thursday at the CA Craft Beer Summit Expo was packed, Friday had a significantly smaller crowd. It was suggested that many went home after the Brewers Cup Awards, but since the Summit Beer Festival was happening on Saturday, I have my doubts that was the reason. I suspect many of those from out of town took advantage of a day off and did touristy stuff; like visiting some of our local breweries. Continue reading

CA Craft Beer Summit Day One Photos

These photos were taken Thursday afternoon at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, where the California Craft Brewers Association (CCBA) kicked off the beginning of a three day celebration of California craft beer and the CCBA’s 30 years of protecting and supporting 1000 breweries in the state of California.

Thursday was a day of education, networking and an expo for brewers, retailers, distributors, craft beer lovers, and homebrewers. Whether you were seeking hops or hardware, cans or labels, a canning line or a new brewhouse, there was a vendor there for you. And there was beer; lots of California craft beer with each brewers guild in the state having their own booth scattered among the vendors.

The guilds included the Los Angeles County Brewers Guild, the Orange County Brewers Guild, the Central Coast Brewers Guild, the San Diego Brewers Build, the Sacramento Area Brewers Guild, the Bay Area Brewers Guild, and the Inland Empire Brewers Guild. Each booth broke up their beer offerings into two sessions to provide maximum exposure to their member breweries. Continue reading

Photos from the 2nd Annual Summit Beer Festival

These photos were taken Saturday at Matsuyama Japanese Fusion in Roseville, and the 2nd Annual Summit Beer Festival which was held at the Capitol Mall in Sacramento.

While I knew I would be attending the Craft Beer Summit, I was undecided as to whether or not I would be attending the Summit Beer Festival because I have friends that are a lot closer to Sacramento than I am and I really wanted to visit them. On Friday I discovered that the Summit Beer Festival was just a few blocks from my motel; when I realized that the festival did not start until 3:00 PM I figured I could drive 20 minutes to Roseville and visit my friend Song Kim, the owner of Matsuyama Japanese Fusion. I have mentioned Matsuyama once before here; suffice it to say, if you enjoy sushi and are anywhere in the Roseville area, you owe it to yourself to visit Matsuyama Japanese Fusion. You will not regret it; be sure to tell Song I sent you. Continue reading

Friday at the California Craft Beer Summit 2016

These photos were taken Friday at the 2nd Annual California Craft Beer Summit which was held at the Sacramento Convention Center. The day started off with seminars and panels covering various topics, such as understanding yeast, a preview of the taste panel training for cicerone hopefuls, how to build a beer list and how to discuss beer styles with uneducated customers.

After a few hours of education, the exhibit hall reopened with numerous vendors offering everything from hops and malts, to brew houses to canning machines and labels. Also, there were more panels and even some beer and food pairings for attendees to sample. A few of the local homebrew clubs were representing with a couple doing brews at the Craft Beer Summit. Of course, all the brewers guilds in the state were represented and providing samples to attendees. Continue reading

Thursday at the CA Craft Beer Summit 2016

These photos were taken Thursday at the California Craft Beer Summit which is being held this weekend at the Sacramento Convention Center.

Thursday was primarily checking into the conference, with a Welcome Reception being held in the exhibit hall. There were lots of vendors there displaying everything from brewing equipment, to different grains and a hop harvester. Of course, there were lots of beer samples available, courtesy of the many brewers guilds in attendance.

After the Welcome Reception, many headed over to the LowBrau beer hall for The Craft-er Party, sponsored by Drake’s Brewing. The party was used as a fundraiser for the CCBA, with $1.00 from each beer purchased being donated to the CCBA. Judging by the turnout on Thursday, this is going to be a great weekend. Continue reading

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