SacFoodies

Beervana: Achieved

by SacFoodies

A wise person once said, “Beervana isn’t a place. It’s a state of mind, a sense of pure bliss and knowledge. It also happens to be held on the 5th St. Bridge.”

We here at SacFoodies had a great time getting to know more about local breweries and brewers in the month leading up to Sac Beer Week and Capitol Beer Fest, and on Sunday, March 12, we pulled into the final stop on “The Road to Beervana.” We slathered on our sunscreen, grabbed our tickets and made our way CBF!

Laurel: “I had a SUPERB time at Capitol Beer Fest. I was really excited to try a few of my favorite breweries, enjoy the warm weather, and explore new beers with the other SacFoodies. The fact that I could do this all within 10 minutes of my house was a huge plus for me, and my wallet!”
Favorite Beer: 21st Amendment – Blood Orange Brew Free! Or Die IPA
“I like blood orange in most beers (Anderson Valley Blood Orange Gose is also a favorite) because it’s refreshing and adds a nice tanginess. This IPA was refreshing but maintained its hoppiness, and I really enjoyed it.”
Favorite Food Truck: Bacon Mania
“To be fair, this was the only food truck I tried, BUT it was after careful consideration of all menus. We had the Bacon Mac n’ Cheese Loaded Fries – the perfect pre-beer food.”
Cheyenne: “Capitol Beer Fest was a blast! We’ve been excited about attending Capitol Beer Fest since we got our tickets in January, so going into it I wondered if I had built it up too much in my mind. Once we got there, though, it was just as fun as I imagined it would be! I’m not a huge beer drinker, so I was very happy that there were so many cider options. I had a great time!”
Favorite Cider: 2 Towns Ciderhouse– Made Marion
“I loved this cider so much! I’m very into ciders that stray away from the classic apple flavor, so this was a great experience. It is made from marionberries, which are basically an ultra-classy member of the blackberry family. It was light and crisp, and the sweetness came through without being overpowering.”
Favorite Food Truck: Bacon Mania
“As Laurel said, we only tried one food spot after a decent amount of menu research. I think that even if we had tried multiple places this still would have been my favorite. Bacon, mac n’ cheese, AND french fries! What’s not to love? This dish was seriously delicious and very filling. We could not finish the order between the two of us and it kept us going throughout the whole event!”

The food trucks were delish, the beer was blissful, and there were even cider options for the non-beer enthusiasts in the group. What more could you ask for?
This year’s Capitol Beer Fest hosted 120 craft brewers and saw a crowd of over 6,500 people. The funds from this event benefited the Runnin’ for Rhett Youth Fitness Program, and will allow over 5,770 children to participate in the program. We love drinking great beer, but nothing beats drinking great beer for a good cause. We absolutely plan on returning to CBF next year, and we hope we see you there!
 

The Road to Beervana – Brewers, Beers, & Benjamin Franklin

by SacFoodies

By: Laurel Harrison 
“Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.” – Dave Barry 
Beer and pizza, beer and tacos, beer and gyros . . . you get the picture!  In case you missed it, the food truck list for Capitol Beer Fest is up, and here at SacFoodies we’ve already started plotting our beer and food pairings for the event. Until then, take a break from your beer-themed daydreams and bone up on your brewer knowledge with the final installment of our Road to Beervana series.
Read on for a Q&A with some brilliant brewers to find out what they drink, who they want to drink it with (Ben Franklin is a favorite), and, most importantly, what they think you should drink. Cheers!

Yolo Brewing Co. 
Jim Schraith: Co-Owner
What is your favorite beer made by another brewery?
It’s impossible to pick just one. We have so many great breweries here.
If you could share a beer with any person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Michael Lewis and Charlie Bamforth at UC Davis! We are blessed to have such brewing talent right in our own backyard.
What’s your go-to car karaoke jam?
“99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall,” of course!
What beer do people absolutely have to try when they come to your taproom?
Orange Blossom Blonde is our all-time best seller and a must-try. Our Nutty Brown won first place at the California State Fair last year, so it’s also on the list. Our tap list changes weekly so there’s always guaranteed to be something new and fun to try.

Device Brewing Co. 
Ken Anthony: Owner/Brewmaster
What is your favorite beer made by another brewery?
Supplication by Russian River.
If you could share a beer with any person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
My grandfather. He never got to know me beyond childhood. I think he’d be really proud of me.

What’s your go-to car karaoke jam?
“You Give Love a Bad Name” – Bon Jovi
What beer do people absolutely have to try when they come to your taproom?
Pincushion Pilsner. People think we’re an IPA house. While it’s true that we make great IPAs, and a lot of them, our Pilsner is a fantastic craft lager.

EDH Brewing Co. 
Dennis Dovala: Owner/Brewmaster
What is your favorite beer made by another brewery?
120 Minute IPA by Dogfish Head.
If you could share a beer with any person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Benjamin Franklin, he was a home brewer himself. He said, “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants to be happy.”
What’s your go-to car karaoke jam?
“She’s A Brick House” – The Commodores
What beer do people absolutely have to try when they come to your taproom?
Our Double IPA is smooth & well balanced. Even the non-lovers of IPA’s love this!

Mraz Brewing Co. 
Michael Mraz: Brewmaster
What is your favorite beer made by another brewery?
Zombie Dust and Saison Dupont.
If you could share a beer with any person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I would share a beer with my grandfather who passed away many years back. He was a fighter pilot in WWII and was from the Czech Republic. His father, my great-grand father, used to be a brewer and they would sometimes brew beer together. I think it would be amazing to hear war stories and drink a great Czech pilsner together.
What’s your go-to car karaoke jam?
Anything reggae these days. I’ve been listening to everything from Iration to The Expendables to The Dirty Heads. Love it all!
What beer do people absolutely have to try when they come to your taproom?
At least one of our sour beers is a must-try! Although we love all of our styles, from our West Coast King Extra Pale Ale to our Coffee Pot Porter, we think our sour beers are really what set us apart and entice people to travel up the hill to see us.

Track 7 Brewing Co. 
Ryan Graham: Brewmaster
What is your favorite beer made by another brewery?
My favorite beer from another brewery is Marble Brewing Co’s Red Ale.  It was my “gateway” beer and continues to remind me of everything amazing about craft beer.
If you could share a beer with any person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
If I was able to sit down with anyone, I would pick Benjamin Franklin.  One of history’s greatest inventors and the dude attributed with the saying “Beer is proof God loves us and wants us to be happy.”  Someone that is a genius and down-to-earth seems like great conversation.
What’s your go-to car karaoke jam?
“Welcome to the Jungle” – Guns N’ Roses
What beer do people absolutely have to try when they come to your taproom?
For the hardcore beer geek, I recommend Mo’Suka when it is on.  I think this example of a Northeast-inspired double IPA is among the best in the country, and I can’t personally get enough.
For the uninitiated, I would say our Panic IPA.  It has become synonymous with craft beer in Sacramento and it’s easy to understand why. It is full of flavor, aroma and easily accessible – a truly worthy flagship beer.
Check out the full list of Sac Beer Week events here.
For more information on Capitol Beer Fest, go here.

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The Road to Beervana – February Showers Bring March Growlers

by SacFoodies

By: Laurel Harrison 
If the weather over the weekend was any indication, spring is making its (highly anticipated) way to Sacramento! There’s nothing like a cold beer on a sunny day, and the SacFoodies are getting very excited about all of the things that March brings –mainly, Sac Beer Week and Capitol Beer Fest. The saying is “February showers bring March growlers,” right? Join us today for the second round of our Road to Beervana series, where we check in with five more breweries, talk to the brewers, and learn about their Sac Beer Week events. Cheers!
Yolo Brewing Co.
Located in West Sac, Yolo Brew Co. is an award-winning craft brewery that delivers delicious beer, a rotating selection of food trucks and a personal brewing experience. With 11 year-round beers on tap and a variety of seasonal and limited release beers, Yolo Brew offers a wide selection of styles sure to satisfy any beer fan! Those who are in the mood to bike and beer can visit Yolo Brewing on the West Sac Brew Bike Tour on March 12, which also includes stops at Bike Dog and Jackrabbit Brewing.

Device Brewing Co.
Device Brewing Co. got its start after owner and head brewer, Ken Anthony, decided to give up a career in structural engineering and dive into the craft beer industry. Since its inception in 2013, Device has amassed a dedicated fan base, won several awards at the California State Fair, and expanded its taproom. If you’re a trivia buff, Device’s Wednesday night trivia is definitely worth a visit.  Head to Device on March 5 to try the last keg of their barrel-aged Brits in Moscow Russian Imperial Stout – it’s a fan favorite, and it’ll go fast!

EDH Brewing Co.
After seven tours conducting surveillance flights in Afghanistan, Dennis Dovala settled in El Dorado Hills and began home brewing as a way to pursue his interest in craft beer. With the support of his wife and friends, Dennis opened EDH Brewing Co. in 2015 with the intent of creating a place in El Dorado Hills that provided great beer in a family environment. EDH Brewing will be hosting a variety of fun and informative events for Sac Beer Week. Groove on by on March 3 for Retro Night and enjoy their newly released Magic Bus IPA and Mojo Ale.

Mraz Brewing Co.
Michael Mraz got his start as a home brewer in 2006, and quickly rose up the ranks to be named California’s “Home Brewer of Year” in 2008 and 2009. His success as a home brewer and desire to turn his passion into a profession led to the opening of Mraz Brewing Co. in 2013, located in El Dorado Hills. Mraz Brewing Co. has since brought home 2 gold medals from the California State Fair for its Window of Opportunity Belgian Tripel and the Cardinal Flanders-style Red Ale. Sour beer fans, look no further: Mraz Brewing will be hosting an All Sour Day on March 4 featuring more than 17 sour beers on tap!
Track 7 Brewing Co.
Since its founding in 2011, Track 7 Brewing Co. has earned a reputation as an award-winning brewery and established itself firmly in the California beer world. Track 7 added to their Curtis Park brew-pire (brew empire, get it?) with the opening of the Natomas taproom in 2015, which now operates as the main production facility. From a Bee Line Blonde to a Left Eye Right Eye Double IPA, there’s something for everyone at Track 7. We count ourselves lucky to have this award-winning brewery in our backyard! Track 7 will be hosting the 2nd Annual Brewery Invitational & Competition on March 5, a highly-anticipated gathering of some of the top brewers in the Western United States.

For more Sac Beer Week events, click here.
For Capitol Beer Fest information, click here.
To see the previous edition of “The Road to Beervana” brewery bios click here!
 

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Sacramento Beer Week 2017 – The Brains Behind the Beer

by SacFoodies

By: Laurel Harrison 
Join SacFoodies this week on “The Road to Beervana” (a.k.a. Capitol Beer Fest) with a peek into the brains behind the beer that we love so much!
Have you ever wondered what your local brewer sings in the car? Who their #1 beer pal would be? What beer of theirs you absolutely have to try? You’re in luck! Check out SacFoodies’ Q&A with some fabulously awesome fermenters below.

Bike Dog Brewing Co.
Sage Smith: Co-Founder 
What is your favorite beer made by another brewery?
Maui Waui by Altamont. That beer opened my eyes to the amount of tropical flavors a beer could have.
If you could share a beer with any person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Liam Neeson—I ate dinner at a table next to his in NYC and figured it would be cool to have a beer with him since we’re practically best friends now.
What’s your go-to car karaoke jam?
It used to be “Angels” by Robbie Williams, mainly because I’m terrible with lyrics and I somehow mostly knew the lyrics by heart. Now, my go-to is “California” by Phantom Planet (the theme song from The O.C.) because you get to yell California for a long time. Also, I still can’t believe Marissa is dead.
What beer do people absolutely have to try when they come to your taproom?
Mosaic Pale Ale is our go-to suggestion because it’s the beer that showcases our brewing philosophy the best.

The Monk’s Cellar 
Andy Klein: Founder
What is your favorite beer made by another brewery?
Local beer would probably be the classic Rubicon IPA or the Gold Country Pilsner from Auburn Alehouse.  Non-local would be Saison Dupont from Brasserie Dupont in Belgium.
If you could share a beer with any person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Probably Michael Jackson (the beer writer, not the musician).  He was so instrumental in developing our understanding of world beer styles in America, and because of that had a huge influence on the American Craft Beer revolution. He inspired many brewers.
What’s your go-to car karaoke jam?
You won’t see me doing a karaoke jam.
What beer do people absolutely have to try when they come to your taproom?
The Crooked Bridge English Style Pale Ale.
 


Oak Park Brewing Co. 
Tom Karvonen: Owner 
What is your favorite beer made by another brewery?
Space Dust by Elysian Brewing Co.
If you could share a beer with any person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Mick Jagger because he was a visionary musician that changed the course of music.
What’s your go-to car karaoke jam?
“Roxanne” – The Police
What beer do people absolutely have to try when they come to your taproom?
Honey Lime Gose & Brimstone Belgian Golden Strong.

Knee Deep Brewing Co.
Andrew Moore: Sales & Marketing Manager
What is your favorite beer made by another brewery?
If you don’t see me drinking Knee Deep you will most likely see me drinking something from Pizza Port.
If you could share a beer with any person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Ken Griffey Jr. Always has been my #1 idol and favorite baseball player.
What’s your go-to car karaoke jam?
Deltron 3030
What beer do people absolutely have to try when they come to your taproom?
Breaking Bud.

Big Stump Brewing Co. 
Alex Larrabee: Owner
What is your favorite beer made by another brewery?
Blind Pig – Russian River Brewing Company
If you could share a beer with any person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Arthur Guinness – founder of Guinness Brewery. We’d really like to hear first-hand what brewing was like in the 1700s!
What’s your go-to car karaoke jam?
“99 Bottles of Beer”
What beer do people absolutely have to try when they come to your taproom?
Get a flight and decide for yourself! We love everything we make.
For a full list of Sac Beer Week events, click here!
For more information on Capitol Beer Fest, click here!

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Capital Beerfest and a Giveaway!

by SacFoodies

Last week, we shared all the details for Sacramento Beer Week, kicking off this Friday! The week will be jam-packed with beer-centric events and culminate with Capital Beerfest on Saturday, March 2 from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Cal Expo. Attendees can sample from 100 breweries with proceeds benefiting the Runnin’ for Rhett foundation.
This is Capital Beerfest’s third annual event and will feature several local brewers including Black Dragon Brewery, Auburn Alehouse, New Helvetia Brewing Co., Hoppy Brewery, River City Brewing, Ruhstaller Beer and Track 7 Brewing. The event will also host craft breweries from across the country, including ones from Vermont to Hawaii and even places like Canada and Buvaria. Get the full list here.
These tasty beers can be used to wash down delicious eats from street food vendors through SactoMofo and a variety of restaurants participating in the Sacramento Beer Week events.
Sound like the perfect event for you? Lucky for our readers, you can win a pair of tickets! Comment on this post by 12 p.m. on Thursday 2/28 and let us know which brewery you want to try most, and you will be entered to win a pair of beer and food sampling tickets!
Must be 21 and over to win tickets.