San Diego Beer Week is once again upon us, and with apologies to Andy Williams, it’s the most wonderful week of the year. With more than 130 breweries throughout the county puffing out their collective chests in a celebration of all things San Diego Suds, there’s sure to be something to meet the tastes of any local drinker. For a full listing of events for the week, visit the San Diego Beer Week website, but here are a few choice shindigs that are worth some attention.
Friday, November 4
Guild Fest: VIP Brewer Takeover
Broadway Pier
6 pm – $100 at the door
This is the official soiree thrown by the San Diego Brewers Guild to kick off the proceedings for San Diego Beer Week. You’ll be able to hobnob with local beer illuminati and sample rare offerings paired with dishes from local restaurants.
Saturday, November 5
National Learn to Homebrew Day
Home Brewing Company
2911 El Cajon Blvd
12 pm – FREE
Have you ever wanted to take a shot at brewing your own beer but don’t know where to start? Join the nationwide celebration of homebrewing at this demonstration where professionals walk you through the process and answer any of your questions. Who knows, you could be the next great San Diego brewer.
Broadway Pier
2 pm – $40 ($55 for early access at 1 pm)
The second part of the guild’s two-day celebration takes the fun outside under the San Diego sun as you enjoy unlimited samples of local brews with food available for purchase from on-site trucks.
Sunday, November 6
Donuts and Beer
Thorn Street Brewery
2176 Thorn St.
11 am – $20
If you’ve read this far you obviously love beer, and who doesn’t crave donuts? This event combines the two in a tasting session that’s one of the better values during beer week. For $20, you get three Nomad donuts and three Thorn Street Brewery beers to wash them down.
Mikkeller X 4505 Meats Pig Roast
Mikkeller San Diego
9368 Cabot Dr.
1 pm – $25
Another great food and beer value, $25 gets you a Mikkeller beer, a plate of slow-cooked pork with tortillas, sides and unlimited chicharrones with a bag to take home. Loosen your belt.
Monday, November 7
Fathom Bistro Bait & Tackle
1776 Shelter Island Dr.
10 am – $80
This is the only event thrown by Fathom during beer week, and it is gaining a reputation as one of the most fun events during the annual celebration. For $80, you get a fishing pole (which you get to keep), bait, lunch and dinner, unlimited beer and the chance to cast lines alongside brewers from some of the country’s top breweries. Sign up soon, as space is limited. Fish responsibly.
Tuesday, November 8
Celebrate (or Mourn) the Election
Several local establishments will be holding election night viewing parties with drink specials to help you toast or forget about the winner. 2kids brewing company in Miramar will be open until the election is called with specials throughout the day. Right around the corner, Pure Project will give you $1 off of pints with your “I Voted” sticker, and they’re releasing Keep Amurka Dank IPA, which is made completely with American hops. Green Flash is going to have election results on the big screen in the Mira Mesa tasting room. The Brew Project in Hillcrest will also have election food and drink specials with sound from news coverage.
Wednesday, November 9
AleSmith Tasting Room
9990 AleSmith Court
11 am – $10 (per lap)
An annual tradition during beer week, Speedway Grand Prix gives you the opportunity to buy “laps,” which feature tasters of variants of the Miramar brewery’s popular stout. Buy tickets online and choose your laps carefully…or just try them all.
Tyson’s Big-Ass Barrel-Aged Beer Night
O’Brien’s Pub
4646 Convoy St.
5 pm
If you’re a fan of barrel-aged beers, or you just want to drink high-test stuff to forget the election results, this event has your name written all over it…assuming your name is Tyson. Every year, O’Brien’s Pub General Manager Tyson Blake cultivates a mouth-watering list of barrel-aged brews and blows it out for this event. While normally held on Friday night, the event was moved this year to accommodate the USA/Mexico World Cup qualifier.
Friday, November 11
Battle of the Guilds
Toronado
4026 30th St.
6 pm
San Diegans know that they have the best beer scene in California, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for competition. This event pits San Diego against Los Angeles and San Francisco in a battle of the guilds. With 15 breweries from each area, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sample and vote to see who gets to win the coveted golden keg.
Sunday, November 13
Beer Garden at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
11480 N Torrey Pines Rd.
12 pm – $85
The traditional send-off to San Diego Beer Week is the food and brews pairing event overlooking picturesque Torrey Pines Golf Course. You’ll be able to try dishes from 14 different chefs, each paired with beers from two separate breweries. The event benefits the San Diego Brewers Guild and Chef Celebration Foundation.
The AlcoTourist 