It’s been four days of Sacramento Beer Week—and still a week to go!
Highlights so far include:
The Tantamount collaboration saisons by Bike Dog Brewing Co. and New Glory Brewing. Each brewery made a unique-tasting, farmhouse inspired saison—both worth hunting down.
Two Rivers’ black cherry cider. Yeah, it’s not beer. But it’s tart but dry … and excellent.
Track 7’s fuck-up brett IPA called Microbial Impotence, a mistake-gone-good that’s worth checking. Their collaboration with Device Brewing Co., a big West Coast IPA called Prime Numbers, also is solid.
One of the more sought-after brews outside of Pliny the Younger has been Founders’ Canadian Breakfast Stout, a tasty coffee stout aged in maple syrup and bourbon barrels. It’s out there (here’s a pic for proof).
Track 7’s inaugural Invitational festival this past Sunday also proved to be one of the more exciting beer events in recent Sacramento memory. Fieldwork Brewing Co., out of Berkeley, took home the big prize of the day, the “People’s Choice” award. And the sold out crowd of 500 were treated too all sort sorts of exciting and delicious brews.
And yet there’s still another week to go. Here are some picks for the final seven days of Sac Beer Week:
Tonight: Sante Adairius Rustic Ales flight night and Mexican food from Mother (at Empress Tavern)
The lineup at this quick after-work flight party includes some of California’s best beer, thanks to Sante Adairius. Go for the West Ashley, a funky and tart apricot fruit sour brew aged in pinot noir barrels, but stay for the Simpleton, a dank but rustic two-hop IPA that lives up to its name. They’re serving light vegetarian Mexican-food bites along with the flight. Tickets here.
Tuesday: Sacramento debut of Peter Hoey’s “Hoeybier” at Pangaea
Former Sacramento Brewing Co. and Odanata brewer Peter Hoey will be pouring his collaboration saison (with Sante Adairius, no less) at this non-ticketed event. I was fortunate enough to sample Hoeybier this past week: It’s soft, gently tart and funky, with a nice hint of mineral sweetness. The farmhouse-style brew was aged in Hoey’s brother’s chardonnay and Riesling barrels. The brew will be on draft, and also bottles available to go.
Wednesday: Oregon Night at Final Gravity in Roseville
Sorry, California, but Oregon brews—and in particular the Portland and Bend beer scenes—are pretty hard to top. This evening’s tap-takeover event will be the ultimate Oregon-brewery primer. Think Breakside, Crux, Heater Allen, Logsdon, Upright and more.
Thursday: Grange Restaurant + Track 7 collaboration dinner
Here’s a treat: Chef Oliver Ridgeway putting together a four-course tasting menu to be paired with beers from SN&R’s Brewery of the Year Track 7. It’s family-style seating, so it’ll be relaxed, and Track 7 brewmaster Ryan Graham will be there, too, to discuss the beers. Call Grange to make reservations.
Friday: Sours at Hot City Pizza
Always good to show Hot City some beer week love. And, don’t forget, on Saturday they’ll be hosting a Mikkeller tap takeover, plus radness earlier in the week, of course.
Saturday: Capitol Beer and Tap Room’s third-annual IPA Day
Not an event for hop-hating whiners. Check out the lineup here.
Sunday: Jump around local spots!
If you’re not up for crowds and lines at Capitol Beer Fest, consider hitting up “Super Blow Sunday” at Pangaea (this is where they kick all the leftover kegs from Beer Week), or “The Sour Finish” at Cap Tap, or wherever. It’s the final day of Beer “Week,” so go hard. Rest on Monday after you call in sick to the office.
