2012 Sacramento Beer Week is coming up!

The Third Annual Sacramento

                Beer Week

              February 24, 2012 - March 4, 2012

                          http://sacramentobeerweek.com/

Here are just a few events happening around our fine town that I will not pass up:

• Beer Judging 101: Tasting and Describing Beer

  Date: Sunday, March 4, 2012,
  Venue: Pyramid Alehouse,
  Location: Downtown,
  
  Beer Judging 101 is a class for beer appreciators who want to expand their experience and descriptive ability. The only prerequisite is an interest in craft beer and world beer styles, paired with your innate curiosity and a bit of casual tasting experience. This class will help you hone your natural ability to recognize and intelligently discuss various components in beer, including basic beer flavors and aromas. In the process, you’ll learn some of the terms that judges use to describe beer’s many attributes.
  Naturally, the best way to learn is by doing. We’ll sample and compare a number of world class examples, discussing ingredients and learning a bit about the brewing process. We will touch upon some of the major world beer styles, how they developed, and why certain beers fit into style profiles better than others. We will also examine the effects of aging on beer.
  For those interested in taking it a step further, we will also briefly discuss the BJCP: the Beer Judge Certification Program.
  Instructor David Teckam is a Grand Master II level beer judge in the BJCP, and a prominent beer educator.  Assisting with the event is Master level beer judge Brian Cooper.
  Buy tickets here:  http://sacbwclass12.eventbrite.com/
  1:00 PM to 2:30 PM (Section 1)
  3:30 PM to 5:00 PM (Section 2)
  The cost of $30 (+ eventbrite fee) per person, for either section — this includes all beers and materials. You must be 21 or older.  The equivalent class for SF Beer Week has consistently sold out, so we recommend that you purchase your tickets as soon as possible to ensure a spot.
  http://www.pyramidbrew.com/alehouses/sacramento

• Dad’s Tentfest and Pig Roast

  Date: Monday, February 27, 2012,
  Venue: Dads Kitchen,
  Location: SoBro,
  

  • Join Dad’s Kitchen for a mini beerfest with 14 breweries, Two Rivers Cider and a 60 pound patio-roasted pig.
  • 5-9pm   $30 advance/$40 door
  • Breweries include Berryessa, Knee Deep, Ruhstaller, Track 7, American River, Loomis Basin, Boulder, Ale Industries, 21st Amendment, Drake’s, Sutter Buttes, Lost Coast, Linden Street, Auburn Alehouse and Two Rivers Cider.  Several brewers will be in attendance with some of their favorite beers!

  http://ilovedadskitchen.com/

• Step back into the 1800′s with Magpie

  Date: Monday, February 27, 2012,
  Venue: Magpie Cafe,
  Location: Downtown,
  
  • Magpie Cafe is stepping into the past with of the Anchor Brewing and Marin French Cheese Company, who can both be traced all the way back to the 1800′s.
  • To honor their spot in California history, Magpie offers pairings from these two industry stalwarts at a nice price all evening.
  • 4-9pm
  magpiecaterers.com

See you out and about!

Track 7 Tap Room opens tonight from 5-9!

Sacramento's newest brewing company.

They will have six beers total on draft for the opening, including Alkali Wit, Daylight Amber, Soulman Stout and Big 4 Strong Ale, all of which will be regular releases.  Additionally, they will have two special releases, a Blonde Ale and a Belgian IPA.

http://track7brewing.com/

I'll edit this post once I get my hands on some of these tasty sounding brews!!!

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale Brew Review

Sierra Nevada Celebration Fresh Hop Ale 2011

from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Chico, CA

ABV 6.80%

This year, I first had this on tap at the Hilltop Tavern in Sacramento, CA. 

I enjoyed this on tap much more than the six pack I bought on my bike ride home the same night. This review is for the bottle.

Appearance - poured a medium blonde/amber color with high carbonation. A great 3/4 inch creamy colored head that dissipated rather quick due to the carbonation and leaving good lacing.

Smell - generous pine aroma with spicy hops.

Taste - I'm growing into the IPA trend here in Ca it seems. I never really liked the hoppy brews until recently. I like the carbonation of this ale and the clean finish. Much lighter on the Winter spices than expected (a good thing in my book), but there's some darker fruity spices involved in this.

Mouthfeel - you get the hop flavors up front and then rolls to the spicy flavors. I was expecting the hop hit at the end like most, but not this one.

Overall - Ok, my secret is I never cared for the OG Sierra Nevada brew. I know....it seems like a crime, however it was too hoppy for me. My roommate at the time drank enough of it for the both of us and local support reasons. With that said, I like this because it's not too complex on the taste for a Winter brew. I'm a big foodie and want my beer to complement my eats, not overwhelm it.

Ovila Dubbel Brew Review

Ovila Abbey Dubbel

from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

(in collaboration with The Abbey of New Clairvaux)

ABV 7.50%

I first picked this bottle up while on a wine tasting weekend in Sonoma, Ca. I'm so happy I did.

Appearance - poured a wonderful copper color with a soft cream colored head that dissipated a little quick and slight lacing.

Smell - great spiced fruit & clove hinted aroma, but not overwhelming.

Taste - Great. Cinnamon & mild malty fruit. I was expecting more hops, but was pleasantly surprised how clean this Dubbel finishes.

Mouthfeel - you get the complex flavors up front and rolls to a little dry. I love the high carbonation in this bottle that leaves your palette refreshed and wanting more.

Overall - this is one of my favorite brews right now and I get excited when I know that I will be popping the cork on this bad boy. I've bought more to share with friends and family. Not sure if this is on tap anywhere, but would love to compare the taste (the Saison/Farmhouse sister brew to this one reviewed is on-tap at Pangaea).