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
Hermosa Brewing Company 5th Anniversary Photos
These photos were taken Sunday afternoon at Hermosa Brewing Company’s new brewery and tasting room in Torrance’s Beermuda Triangle, where they celebrated their five year anniversary. The family and dog friendly event featured 14 beers on tap, including their anniversary brew, Suburban Foam, a collaboration done with The Descendents, a punk rock band from the late 70s and 80s that was based out of Manhattan Beach.
The celebration also included food from Beach City Tacos, and the mellow tunes of guitarist Chris Shaw, followed by the rocking surf music of the Royal Rats. While I didn’t get food since that was already taken care of, the nachos looked amazing; and the Royal Rats caused me to hang out 30 minutes longer than planned. Continue reading
Project Barley Square Grand Opening Photos
These photos were taken Saturday afternoon at Project Barley Square in Torrance, where they officially celebrated their grand opening in Torrance. The event featured eight draft brews, five hand pulled ales, a couple beer cocktails, and their typical offerings of wines and ciders. The day also included live music and the introduction of their new food menu.
In case you were not aware, the end of 2022 saw the “closure” of Yorkshire Square Brewery, which was immediately taken over by Project Barley, so the transition was fairly seamless. Continue reading
2nd Annual Craft Beer LB Homebrew Invitational Photos
These photos were taken Saturday afternoon at Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site in Long Beach, where Craft Beer LB held their Second Annual Craft Beer LB Homebrew Invitational. The event featured brews from more than 40 homebrewers, a Pro Brewers lounge featuring local Long Beach breweries, food trucks, live music, games, a Kid Zone where parents could drop off the kids for a bit, and a bicycle valet for those that rode their bikes there. Proceeds went to benefit Rancho Los Cerritos.
The Pro Brewers lounge featured brews from Ten Mile Brewing, Syncopated Brewing, Ambitious Ales, Beachwood Brewing, Trademark Brewing, Ficklewood Ciderworks, Long Beach Beer Lab, and Altar Society Brewing. Continue reading
LA Ale Works Celebrates 6ish Years
These photos were taken Saturday at Los Angeles Ale Works, in Hawthorne, where they celebrated their 6ish anniversary. The family and dog friendly event featured DJs, food, live music, a balloon artist, and an anniversary beer.
While I was there, music was provided by DJ Hash Mills and two tribute bands; The Walrus, a Beatles tribute band, and The Burning Doors, a Doors tribute band. Food was available from The Shrimp and Taco Stop, Proudly Serving LA, Cali Crizp, and La Chica Cupcakes. The Ballusionist provided balloon art for the youngsters and the young at heart. Continue reading
Strand Brewers Club Meeting at Scholb Premium Ales
These photos were taken Wednesday evening at Scholb Premium Ales in Torrance, where they hosted the March meeting of the Strand Brewers Club, a local home brewing club. The meeting was the first I have attended in quite a while, so among other things, it gave me the opportunity to see some old friends as well as meeting the new officers of the club.
After everyone had a chance to grab a Scholb brew, Michael, the new club president had everyone introduce themselves then they sat down to business, which included discussion about their upcoming monster brew that will be held at Scholb, the upcoming Southern California Homebrewers Festival, as well as the venue for their next few monthly meetings and their monthly Final Friday gathering. Continue reading
Pink Boots Brew at Eureka Brewing
These photos were taken Wednesday afternoon at Eureka Brewing Company in Gardena, where they participated in the Pink Boots Collaboration Brew Day; the Pink Boots Society’s largest fundraiser. The Pink Boots Collaboration Brew Day typically is held on International Women’s Day, but really can be done any day of the year. The “Pink Boots Blend” is made up of hops from Yakima Chief Hops and a grain bill from Country Malt Group. Breweries around the globe purchase the proprietary blend, with the proceeds going to the Pink Boots Society.
Each brewery usually tweaks the recipe to brew the beer best suited for their client base. Eureka is brewing an IPA, Together We Hop, which will be ready for drinking in about three weeks. Continue reading
Dust Bowl Brewing Releases Red Pony Lager
Red Pony Lager from Dust Bowl Brewing
“We wanted another beer that had great drinkability that would set itself apart from our other lighter beers,” shares Don Oliver, Brewmaster. “With Red Pony, we get that easy-drinking quality with a light red color, and depth of malt character that is subtle and improves with each sip.”
This crisp, refreshing Red Lager offers an enjoyable 4.5% ABV and low bitterness with only 12 IBU. Red Pony showcases a light amber color with a hint of red. The specialty release joins Dust Bowl Brewing Company’s robust portfolio, which currently offers 13 year-round beers, seven specialty releases, rotating seltzers along with an extensive line-up of draft-only beers that cater to on-premise accounts and the brewery’s own taprooms. Continue reading
Brouwerij West 7th Anniversary Photos
These photos were taken Saturday afternoon at Brouwerij West, in San Pedro, where they celebrated their seventh anniversary. The event featured a morning brunch, food trucks, live music, a DJ, a beer release and games. I probably missed something, but I was only there for a couple of hours, and while the event started at 10:00 AM, it lasted late into the night.
I got there around 2:00 which means I arrived well after the brunch was completed, but I was able to chat with a couple attendees that were still hanging out. Pancakes and stouts made up the primary part of the menu, which sounds like a pretty good way to start the day. Continue reading
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