Sac Craft Brews on KVIE 6, NPR

on tap promoTomorrow, KVIE’s Viewfinder will feature a look at the Sacramento Craft Brew scene in On Tap. A visit to SacBrew will be featured and area beer journalists will be tasting and talking about Rubicon IPA, Sudwerk Pilsner and SacBrew’s Imperial Stout.

Thanks to Bill, who pointed out that On Tap was discussed on today’s broadcast of Capital Public Radio’s Insight. Click here to access the show archives.

Brew Fest Season is upon us!

Mark your calendars for two awesome brew fests in May.

The West Coast Brew Fest is May 17 in Miller Park from 1-5pm. 60 brewers, cidermakers, and mead craftsmen will fill your cup. No tokens, unlimited tastes. Discounted tickets are available at both Sacramento Brewing Company locations, The Shack, Manderes, River City Brewing, Hoppy Brewing, and Brew-It-Up or at the Web site.

The Raley Field Brewfest is May 24 from 1-4:30pm. You can also purchase a VIP ticket that lets you in at Noon to enjoy the works of 30 brewers from across Northern California. Tickets available online.

Rubicon Loves Women!

Today, Rubicon Brewing shows their love for the ladies by featuring 11 beers brewed by women to raise funds for WEAVE. If you did not know, women brewers in the industry are rare, but are increasing in both numbers and prominence (just take a look at the trophy case for Denise Jones, head brewer at Moylan’s in Novato). Come show your support by lifting a glass (or 11 small samples), purchasing raffle tickets for great prizes or picking up a limited edition Women in Brewing T-shirt which is available in any color as long as it is black.

Safety first! or Stickie finds a friend

From KCRA.com:

A man who lost control of his vehicle and was later treated for injuries may have buckled in a pack of beer, but not himself, according to a police report…Officers said Gritsyuk appeared to be unrestrained by a seat belt, but that a 12-pack of beer in his car was secure.

Odds that this guy owns a “Everyone has to believe in something….” bumper sticker?

Sacramento Brewers Bring Home the Gold

I spent the last week in Denver at the Great American Beer Festival sampling waaaaaaaaay too much beer, but have returned with my liver swollen and my palate enlightened.

Hats off to Rubicon Brewing and Sacramento Brewing for collecting more awards for their already bulging trophy cases. Rubicon Brewing pulled a major upset by winning gold in the Belgian-Style Sour Ale category, beating out an incredible field from some of the highest regarded brewers in the US. Unfortunately for local beer enthusiasts, their High Mountain Cherry Ale is not one of their regular creations, and I’m not sure if it will be available locally for tasting. But, believe me, it is goooooooooooooood.

Sacramento Brewing took a bronze medal in the Foreign (Export) Style Stout category for their Russian Imperial Stout. In total, California won 43 medals and two brewery of the year awards.

Edit: Rubicon’s plan is to bottle the High Mountain in champagne bottles for public sale at some point in the future. You can bet that I will be first in line to bring home one of these fantastic beers.

Oktoberfest!

This weekend, we’ve got two local Oktoberfest celebrations for your pleasure.

Turn Verein’s Oktoberfest is a long standing Sacramento tradition, with the dancing, the oom-pah-pah, food, beer and wine. If you have never attended, you are definitely missing out.

Brew It Up is also hosting a strong Oktoberfest for a second year, with fifteen hand crafted German-style beers, food, dancing under a Munich-style tent and more of the oom-pah-pah. Reservations are recommended for dining. If you want to try the beers, they are on tap right now. O’zapft is!

Prost!