South Bay Festivities During SF Beer Week
It is simply a great time to be a beer fan in the still growing South Bay beer scene, with more establishments providing better beer throughout the Valley.
For SF Beer Week 2013, many places are hosting multiple or week-long events, among them Harry’s Hofbrau, Wine Affairs, Original Gravity Public House, Jack’s Bar & Lounge, Liquid Bread Gastropub, and Rose and Crown. Local brewing companies Hermitage and Strike, among others, will also participate in multiple events for the week.
Scheduled on the SF Beer Week website are a variety of choices within the South Bay region, ranging from special tastings and food-and-beer-pairing events to a beer walk, a beer run, and a beer fest. The following is a quick look at 10 worthwhile examples.
Sat., Feb. 9, 2-6 p.m.
Beerwalk in Japantown San Jose
Beerwalk.com
Charlie and Jordan from Jack’s Bar & Lounge in San Jose are back with another South Bay Beerwalk. Explore Japantown and visit local businesses while tasting beers, including the South Bay’s Hermitage, Campbell, Strike, and Gordon Biersch brewing companies. $30 if purchased in advance and $38 the day of.
Sun., Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
4th Annual SF Beer Week Beer Run
http://www.beer-runner.blogspot.com
What’s a great reward for exercising and burning calories? You already know the answer. After your run, enjoy some Strike Brewing beers (meet the brewer) and food at special prices at C.B. Hannegan’s in Los Gatos. There will also be a post-run raffle to benefit Autism Speaks and 2nd Harvest Food Bank.
Sun., Feb. 10, 7 p.m. start
Beer Dinner
Liquid Bread Gastropub
Enjoy a four-course tasting menu at Liquid Bread Gastropub with beer pairings from Firestone Walker Brewing Co. One look at the menu put together by illustrious executive chef John Burke can help explain why the $90 dinner (includes gratuity) is nearly sold out.
Mon., Feb. 11, 4:30-10 p.m.
Craft Beerds Night
thewineaffairs.com
Join the fine folks at Wine Affairs in San Jose for what is sure to be a fun evening. Meet the author of the Craft Beerds book while drinking a number of Lagunitas beers, including a secret specialty keg.
Tues., Feb. 12, 6-8 p.m.
Scott’s Seafood Mountain View Brewmaster Dinner
scottsseafoodmv.com
Enjoy a four-course, pre-fixed meal at Scott’s Seafood in Mountain featuring beers from Hermitage Brewing. $45 excluding tax and tip; reservations are required as space is limited.
Wed., Feb. 13, 11:30-1 a.m.
Pliny the Younger at Rose & Crown
roseandcrownpa.com
The venerable Rose & Crown Pub in Palo Alto will pour the hard-to-get Pliny the Younger along with other worthy beers. Following them on Twitter is a good bet to receive additional details.
Thurs., Feb. 14, 12-11:30 p.m.
Pucker Up! Valentine’s Day Sour Tap Takeover
originalgravitypub.com
Romance and sour beers go together for some. Not for others. If you are attracted to sour beers or are curious about them, there will be up to 15 of this particular beer style at Original Gravity Public House in downtown San Jose.
Fri., Feb. 15, 6 p.m. start
Firestone Walker Presents the Roots of XVI
Harry’s Hofbrau in San Jose hosts Firestone Walker brewmaster Matt Brynildson and original brewmaster Jeffers Richardson. Featured will be the anniversary beer XVI and several of the previously unreleased barrel-aged components. For details, stay connected with Harry’s through their Facebook page.
Sat., Feb. 16, 12-5 p.m.
Meet the Brewers Beer Festival
hermitagebrewing.com
Annually the biggest SF Beer Week event in the South Bay, the fourth edition of the Meet the Brewers festival takes place at Hermitage Brewing in San Jose. The combination of gourmet food trucks and good, local beer is a proven winner. Meet many of the brewers as well. $35 if purchased in advance; $40 at the door.
Sun., Feb. 17
IPA Event with Pliny the Younger and Hopocalypse Black Label
All 28 taps at Harry’s Hofbrau will be devoted to hoppy goodness, and as last year proved, there are a bunch of hop lovers in the South Bay; get up-to-date details (beer menu and tapping schedules) at the Harry’s Hofbrau Facebook page.
About the Author
Andy Lee is a San Jose native who enjoys sharing beer news and events for San Jose and the greater South Bay via Examiner.com, Metro Silicon Valley newspaper, his blog GratefulHubby.com, and Twitter at @GratefulHubby.