New hoppy beers, festivals and more
The heat of summer is upon us, but happily, the trend toward session beers and the many new craft Pilsners mean there are ample delicious and refreshing options out there. Here’s what’s new.
HOPPY NEW SIPS >> San Francisco’s Fort Point Brewing (www.fortpointbeer.com) has turned its Park beer line, which used to be a hoppy wheat beer, into a single-hop series of pale ales. The first one was Mosaic Park, brewed with Mosaic hops. The second release — Galaxy Park — uses Australian Galaxy hops and it was just canned. These are great to try side by side, since they’re essentially the same recipe made with two different hops. It gives you a great sense of what flavors each hop variety contributes to the taste of the beer. Expect to see the third release — of Citra Park, also in cans — later this year, just in time to do a vertical tasting.
SMOKY-HOT ALE >> San Carlos’ Devil Canyon Brewing (devilscanyon.com) has begun pouring a Habañero Red Ale, a limited-edition draft made with habañeros that have been smoked over bourbon-barrel staves before they’re added to the brew. Expect both smoke and heat, although in restrained amounts. The beer also uses specialty malts, caramel and honey. Stop by one of the brewery’s Beer Garden Friday
events, which include food trucks, live music and craft beer, for a taste.
BEERVENTURES >> August is the height of summer festival season. Check out the Tap Folsom Craft Beer Fest ($65, tapfolsom.com) from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, which features more than 40 breweries, plus food trucks and live music all near the railroad turntable in downtown Folsom.
Cool off at the 16th annual Russian River Beer Revival and BBQ Cookoff, noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 18. Enjoy beer from more than 50 breweries, plus barbecue fare from nearly 40 pitmaster teams on Monte Rio Beach. Tickets ($75) sell out quickly. Find details at the Stumptown Brewery website, stumptown.com/revival.
The Napa Blues, Brews and BBQ fest (donapa.com/event/ blues-brews-bbq-2) returns to Napa’s First Street from noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 25 with craft beer from 40 breweries, three stages with live music and 15 barbecue food vendors. Admission is free, bring cash for sips and bites.
Closer to home, Richmond’s East Brother Beer Co. (www. eastbrotherbeer.com) is hosting its second Summer Classic beer festival from noon to 8 p.m. Aug. 26 with classic beers, classic cars and classic tunes performed by three bands. Sample the food truck fare and check out the pre1975 cars and trucks on display. Plus, of course, beer.