Oaklander

I grew up in Winter Garden, FL (and Windermere, but mostly Winter Garden). The next town over was Oakland. Stuck between two large lakes and chalk full of mighty oak (duh) trees, it is quite the picturesque town. But they ain't got shit going on beer-wise.

Oakland, CA is a different situation. Whilst in SF last week, I took the quick trip over to Oakland to meet up with a college friend at some of their finer beer joints. The Trappist was our first stop.

Sorry for the shitty photo. All I had was my video camera. This is a still grab from a video. Anyway, the Trappist was a tidy, pretty little bar. Great beers on tap and in bottles, belgian heavy. It was a bit overwhelming, because I knew I could only have 2-3. Must choose wisely.

We grabbed a few, before heading over to Beer Revolution (more on that later). I had a Cantillon Iris and a Black Albert. Both stellar. The Iris was the standout. I want more, much more.

Mission District Beer

I am headed to SF with the family next week. We are staying near the mission district. This great article has me locked and loaded for the trip. Thanks Javier.

Sounds Good to Me

Who joining me?

San Francisco Brewoff 2009

I am gonna be there. Not as a homebrewer, but as a "judge." Anyone else?

Friends,

You are receiving this message because, as I know that you are skilled homebrew masters, I would like to invite you to participate in the first annual San Francisco Brewoff 2009. The competition will take place on 7 November in Dolores Park, San Francisco and participation is gratis. You will only be expected to bring a minimum of 9, 24 oz. bottles of your entry beer and whatever food you would like to bring. Currently the themed food is BBQ Ribs.

And what is in it for you??
Well, only a fantastic time in the park, good food, the opportunity to measure your beer up against other good beers in a thorough manner, bragging rights if you win and possibly another award for winning.

Why am I sending you this now for a party happening in November?
Since is will likely take about 6 weeks to brew your entry, you should start
preparing now.

What are the rules?
Since each beer must be measured by the same methods we have a couple of rules.

All brewers will brew the same beer. This time the beer will be CALIFORNIA COMMON!

All beers should be bottled instead of kegged and beer should arrive in standard 24 oz bottles. Bottles should not be labeled in any way. Of course, you will get all the bottles back after the event.

As I mentioned before, you should bring at least 9, 24 oz. bottles but feel free to bring more.

Teams are allowed

What do I do now?
Think about it, check your calendar and mark it appropriately. Write me back by 11 September to let me know that you will be participating and who is in your team if you have a team. Seek and find your favorite California Common recipe and get brewing.

Take a look at the website http://www.sfbrewoff.com

Invite other brewers you think would like to also participate.

Looking forward to hearing back from everyone.

Yours truly,
Pedro
PWCoats@sgh.com