We’ve got a big, wild weekend coming up in San Diego beer. Below you’ll find plenty of anniversary celebrations, plus an array of other beer-y events all around the county.
Anniversary Events
El Cajon Brewing Company (1)
Two special releases, Quatro Cajones Quad IPA and French oak bourbon barrel-aged BreakOut 11 Stout, will be released at the East County brewery’s anniversary party that goes from 6 – 11 p.m. The cover charge is $18 for food, including a whole smoked pig, plus two house beers (but not the special releases).
Neighborhood (5)
Pre-sale tickets are sold out, and that shouldn’t surprise you. This event boasts some amazing beers, including several from the “five godfathers” of SD brewing: Stone Brewing Co. (Belong to Where You’re From – a blend of 2011 Stone Old Guardian Belgo Barley Wine, Stone 16th Anniversary IPA, Stone Levitation Ale, Dogfish Head / Victory / Stone Saison du BUFF, Stone Cali-Belgique IPA, Stone Pale Ale, fresh ginger and orange peel), Ballast Point (Black Scorpion – a blend of Black Marlin Porter and Sculpin IPA), Port/Lost Abbey (pouring a cocktail-inspired barrel-aged beer), Green Flash (5-year old barrel-aged barley wine, plus their Oktoberfest beer and Silva Stout) and AleSmith (Little Devil with Lavender, plus a special batch of Speedway Stout with Mocha Java coffee). $10 for four half-pint tasters on 8th Ave between Market & G Streets from 1 – 6 p.m. on Saturday.
Hamilton’s Tavern (6)
Hamilton’s higher-ups have dedicated their tap list to staff requests, and in addition there will be six cask beers tapped over the course of this weekend. On Friday it’s Alpine Pure Hoppiness and Sweet Georgia Brown root beer style; Saturday features Hamilton’s 6th Anniversary IPA (brewed by Green Flash) and AleSmith Evil Dead Red starting at 5 p.m. along with a delicious feast of food Second Saturday-style. On Sunday beginning at 10 a.m. taste oak-aged Ballast Point Dorado IIPA and Marin White Knuckle IIPA casks.
Live Wire (20)
A classic San Diego beer bar celebrates two decades this weekend. On Friday wear a Live Wire shirt for $3 throw-back-pricing beers with an “alumni” staff of bartenders. Saturday the crew celebrates with a sold-out show at the Lafayette Hotel, and on Sunday there’s a bicycle bar tour that starts at noon. In case you’re too hungover, Live Wire owners have rented a bus for those who’d rather sit than pedal.
Oktoberfest-Inspired Events
From 1 – 6 p.m. on Saturday Hess Brewing Company is throwing a party. Taste the return of the German Dusseldorf Altbier Festivus, plus Claritas Kolsch and many others. Traditional German folk music will be going all afternoon, and Ranchwood BBQ is bringing brats and sauerkraut. For those who want to stick to Southern California fare, Casanova Fish Tacos will be serving too.
Two beer releases are the highlight of the day at Aztec. Barrel-aged Noche and barrel-aged Sacrifice will be on tap, and you’re invited to dress up in traditional German attire for a costume contest. Local caterer Oscar Meat Pie will be in attendance serving brats. The party goes from 12 – 7 p.m. in Vista.
Rare Release
The Lost Abbey’s “Ultimate Box Set” series is close to completion, with Track 10 of 12 debuting at 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning. Having started as Serpent Stout, Track 10 was infused with coffee and cacao in four specially-selected bourbon barrels before bottling. Don’t expect to take one home with you, though; each 375mL bottle must be consumed on site, same day.
Wet Hop Beer Festival
Now in its tenth year running, the O’Brien’s Wet Hop Fest is always a huge hit. This year, owner Tom Nickel has rounded up 31 different beers with many never seen at the event before. It’s also his biggest haul of out-of-state beers, ever. All the local and California beers go on tap Saturday, while of the non-CA brews go on this Sunday. Check out our “Wet Hop Beer Watch” page for the full list of beers.
Beginner Homebrew Class
If you’ve ever wanted to homebrew, but don’t know how to get started, visit All About Brewing this Saturday at 9 a.m. Store owner James Nunnally is hosting a malt extract brewing demonstration in front of the store, and he’s one of the most personable guys in the business. The class will be over by 11:30 a.m. so you can check out the weekend’s other events.
Beer and Fundraising
The High Dive in Bay Park is stepping up to support the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Saturday. A portion of beer sales, plus the money raised from the silent auction that includes Chargers and Aztec tickets, will go to the cause. The event goes from 5 – 9 p.m. at 1801 Morena Boulevard.
Beer and Music
Held in downtown Vista, this new festival features tons of local breweries, including Mother Earth, Belching Beaver (set to soft open next week), Latitude 33, Backstreet, Indian Joe, Pizza Port, Stone, Oggi’s, San Marcos, Fezziwig’s, AleSmith, Breakwater, Offbeat and Oceanside Ale Works. Regional breweries Left Coast, Ironfire, Maui, Hangar 24 and Golden Road complete the list. Tasters are five for $20 or ten for $30 at vistabluesandbrews.com.