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!

Sacramento Beer Week - update

All I can say is, "What an AWESOME Beer Week!"

After being dry for over a month, this was a nice way to introduce high quality craft brew into the system. Now it's time to get on my bike and ride to work off a few of those calories.

The wife and I enjoyed ourselves so much that are already wanting this event to be longer. I mean, we all know it's "Beer Year", however maybe a 2 week indulgence would be better? I say this for multiple reasons; I'll share one: I couldn't partake in all the events that were happening around town! This is good for Sactown, not so much for me. Let's spread the beautiful brew wealth a little. Packing it all in to one week is just silly talk.
Moving on....I love appetizers as much as the main plate (and could easily say I like them more). So, I went out to my secret bottle shop that carries the cush brew. The photo below was the three stooges I chose to be the appetizers to Beer Week. All 3 being Cali born and raised.

All three were fantastic and in total different catergories understandably, with Rubicon taking "Best" overall. It's a cross between a Porter and a Stout with great drinkability (6.5%). I think they call it an I.B.A. - India Black Ale. Scott Cramlet makes some damn good beer over there. Stone Brewing Co Double Bastard Ale is not for the weak at heart (11.2%). One of the best Strong Ales I've had. Not too Hoppy, strong Malt & the taste of alcohol lets you know you're drinking a big boy beer. The copper pouring of Hop Stoopid from Petaluma's Lagunitas surprised my taste buds as well. I'm not a huge hoppy drinker, but this one finishes well with subtle fruitness that hides the  8.0%.

I'll update the other brews & foods I attended during last weeks festivities shortly. Good times!