These photos were taken Thursday evening at Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens at Liberty Station, where the San Diego Brewers Guild presented a VIP preview of the 11th Annual San Diego Beer Week which will be held November 1-10.

The event began with a free Happy Hour consisting of appetizers from the Stone Brewing World Bistro kitchen, and beers from Stone Brewing, Amplified Ale Works, Burgeon Beer Company, North Park Beer Company, Second Chance Beer Company, and Thorn Brewing. There was also wine and sodas for those that didn’t want beer.

After an hour and a half of networking, eating and drinking on one of Liberty Station’s multiple patios, we were guided inside for a short presentation explaining why we were all there … other than the opportunity to network, eat, and drink some of San Diego’s craft beers.

The event actually coincided with the recent report released by the California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) Office of Business Research & Analysis, in collaboration with the San Diego Brewers Guild that found that craft beer produced an economic impact of approximately $1.2 billion in 2018, driving total industry revenue of $848 million. The 150+ craft breweries in San Diego County provided almost 6,500 jobs in the area, and donated close to $5 million in support of local and state-run nonprofit organizations.

In addition to sharing the results of CSUSM’s report, we were informed of a few of the events planned for San Diego Beer Week, like Guild Fest 2019, they promoted the SD Beer App, the official mobile app for San Diego Beer; and encouraged all San Diego breweries, bottle shops, and anyone else having special events during San Diego Beer Week, to be sure to add their events to the mobile app.

Thanks to the San Diego Brewers Guild for the invitation, and to my friend, Dan Thomas aka Junior Assistant Craft Beer Guy for accompanying me so I could use the carpool lane. You saved me at least an hour of driving time. Cheers!

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