California Beer Fest
Mendocino Brewing just returned from two excellent fests, the California Beer Festival in Santa Cruz, and the Brews, Jazz and Funk fest at Squaw Valley, and what a great time! The Squaw Valley festival always brings out a fun crowd, and this year’s proceeded benefitted the Truckee Humane Shelter and High Sierra Lacrosse. Lots of folks brought their dogs and families, and the atmosphere was very family friendly. Mendo poured two classics, Red Tail Ale and Eye of the Hawk, and had a fantastic time enjoying the weather and the awesome music.
Sharing the craft at the Brews, Jazz and Funk fest
From the mountains to the shore, Mendocino Brewing also shared brewed at the California Beer Festival in Santa Cruz. This was the fifth year for the fest, with the proceeds going to benefit the Gen Giammanco Foundation for student athletes, and more than 600 people attended the event. Aptos Village Park is a beautiful venue with an intimate atmosphere, and the weather couldn’t have been better. The fest also attracts a wide range of beer lovers, from the craft-curious looking to discover a new brew, to the seasoned beer-lover seeking out old favorites.
All smiles at the VIP session!
Mendo poured out of Eye of the Hawk and Carmel Hefewiezen, floating four kegs and turning some new people on to the Carmel Hefe beer. The Carmel Hefewiezen was a pleasant surprise hit, and many people said they appreciated the alternative to IPAs. This hefe is only available in limited markets right now, so it was a rare treat. Eye of the Hawk, of course, brought back fond memories for many folks. Some remembered drinking Eye of the Hawk since college, and others considered the brew their go-to “comfort food” beer.
Happy beer-lovers
Tapping into the Specialties
Beer festivals are a great way to try beers that don’t usually travel far from the brewery, and Mendocino Brewing has many more festivals planned for the year. As fall begins to unfurl, Mendo’s specialty festival beers will include the Anniversary Ale Saison, White, Pumpkin, and Black Eye Ale. I’m particularly excited for the Black Eye Ale, which you can rarely get on tap. Some of the best upcoming fests to find Mendo’s hard-to-get beers include-
San Dimas California Beer Festival- Anniversary Ale Saison, Talon Double IPA, Peregrine Pilsner
Tiburon Taps Beer Festival – Pumpkin Ale, Talon Double IPA, Anniversary Ale Saison
California Festival of Beers, Ventura – Black Eye Ale
Check back for more information on upcoming fests, as well as a few of Mendo’s personal picks. And if you have any recommended beer events, share them with us on Facebook or in the comments below!
