BREW: ‘It’s awesome’

cornhole and mini golf.

“It’s awesome. I’m glad I made it out this year,” Zaniroli said. “I’ve had a lot of fun so far.”

Zaniroli said her favorite brew from the event was a tossup between Not Your Father’s Root Beer and Sierra Nevada’s Tropical IPA.

With the event running from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. and temperatures in the 70s, Billy Jones said the weather made this year’s beer gala way better than the previous event.

“Last year was fun, but it rained the whole time, so this year has been really nice,” Jones said.

Though many of the companies were larger breweries sold nationally, Jones was drawn to a cider made locally.

Lassen Traditional Cider is an up-and-coming cider company out of Chico. Owner and cidermaker Ben Nielsen started the business last September when he received permits to sell his ciders commercially.

However, he said, he has been perfecting his craft for close to 12 years. Each of his available ciders were over 8 percent alcohol content and made with 100 percent apples, picked from orchards in Northern California.

“It’s been good so far, but I feel a lot of people are more reluctant to try something they’ve never seen before,” Nielsen said. “This is a great opportunity to get my brand out there and network.”

Two Irish bands – One Eyed Reilly and Whiskey and Stitches – provided the entertainment throughout the night.

Food and appetizers were provided by Cellar and Sudz, The Happy Viking, Beach Hut Deli, Midtown Grill, Sopa Thai Cuisine and Rail House Pub and Grill. Toll Free.................