Sierra Nevada’s German ‘bro pact’
April is nearly here and if it’s anything like this last month has been, we’ll be seeing plenty of rain. That’s fine, because as the old saying goes, “April showers bring Maibocks.” OK, that’s not exactly how it goes. But a Maibock — or May bock — is a pale-colored bock that’s malt forward and great for a cool spring. Keep yours eyes open for it.
Here’s what else lies ahead, from new releases to notable festivals.
NEW SIPS >> Drake’s Brewing is known for its hoppy beers, including Aroma Coma and Denogginizer, a double IPA. Now the brewery has released bottles of its Flyway Pils, a north German-style Pilsner inspired by the Pacific Flyway, a major bird migration route that stretches from Alaska to Patagonia. It’s a nod, too, to Drake’s unofficial duck mascot. The beer is nicely dry with crisp malt character and a touch of honey.
Sierra Nevada is releasing an interesting collaboration beer made with Weihenstephan, a German brewery founded in 1040 that bills itself as the world’s oldest. The yearlong team effort uses German Hallertauer Tradition hops, along with West Coast Amarillo and Chinook hops, to create a hefeweissbier called Braupakt. The name translates to “brewery pact,” but it’s also a play on the colloquial “bro pact.” Take a look at the Weihenstephan Braupakt label and you’ll see a California bear giving a “hang loose” sign.
And Fort Bragg’s North Coast Brewing is releasing its first imperial IPA, dubbed Beachmaster. The spring seasonal weighs in at 9 percent alcohol by volume and a whopping 100 International Bitterness Units from the 7½ pounds of hops added to every barrel.
BEERVENTURES >> April tends to be fairly quiet, from a festival perspective, but there are three major events worth noting. First up: The Fire Relief Beer Event has nearly 80 breweries and cider makers lined up for what is likely be one of the biggest beer festivals held in Sonoma County. The festival runs from 3 to 7 p.m. April 7 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, and proceeds benefit organizations assisting survivors of last fall’s devastating wildfires. Order tickets ($50-$100) at firereliefbeerevent.com.
The San Francisco International Beer Fest will be April 21 at Fort Mason, where the brewcentric activities run from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets ($75-$150) include beer and food, along with music, games and trivia. There’s a spirits tasting booth, too, where you can taste everything from Macallan scotch to Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Find details at sfbeerfest.com.
And Hop Culture Magazine’s new Juicy Brews Hazy IPA Festival will be April 22 at Oakland’s Classic Cars West, featuring two sessions of beer, food and music starting at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Just 300 tickets ($45) are available for each session, so don’t wait to pick up yours. Learn more at bit.ly/ juicywest.