5 Silicon Valley Beer Week events you don’t want to miss
SV Beer Week will be in full swing starting July 21, with tap takeovers happening all over the Peninsula. It’s an exciting time for Silicon Valley craft brewers: Our nano-breweries are growing in reputation, mainstays like Freewheel Brewing are expanding their repertoire and the whole brewing community is exchanging ideas, recipes and marketing know-how.
The brewers we talked to about Beer Week were most excited for the (sold out, sorry) San Mateo County Brew Fest; to make up for not telling you to get tickets earlier, we scoured the ample list of events and bring you our picks for the coming week’s foamy, frothy goodness.
Los Gatos BrewFest
July 22, 12:30–4:30pm
The 4th Annual Los Gatos BrewFest at Jack Rose Libation House calls beer lovers to enjoy 34 different beers from 17 breweries, including 17 rare release beers found nowhere else during SV Beer Week. Live music, good food, and a sneak peek at the new Bramble & Bier’s 30+ new beer taps are all in store. $10 admission includes two beer tastings; buy 4 additional tastings for $10 or 8 for $20.
Jack Rose Libation House, 18840 Saratoga-Los Gatos Rd, Los Gatos
Taplands Wake & Break(fast)
July 22, 10am — 1pm
Start off your day right with Taplands’ second Beer Week kick off breakfast, which will serve their ever-popular doughnut sandwich, other hearty breakfast foods, and coffee beers in a variety of styles. And in case you missed it, we wrote an article about the Santa Clara-based brewery back in February.
Breweries, Bars, and Brothels Walking Tour
July 22, 2pm
Apparently San Jose has a colorful past when it comes to knocking one back. This 90-minute interactive tour will lead you on a historical stroll around former brewery locations, and you’ll get to learn about the area’s famous brews and infamous drinkers.
Sign up by Friday afternoon, July 21. The meeting point will be emailed to everyone who registers.
Sour Is The New Bitter
July 23, 5pm
Pucker up! Bitter, hoppy brews used to reign supreme, but these days sour beers are taking the brewing world by storm, and brewer Gregory Filippi of Hermitage Brewing Co. is about to explain why. Imbibe his wisdom, then taste such tart concoctions as Cherry Almond, Blood Orange and Wild Blackberry and bow before the mighty power of sour. Tickets are $15.
Forager Tasting Room & Eatery, 420 S. 1st, San Jose
Firkin Friends Fest
July 27, 6–10pm
Redwood-City-based Freewheel Brewing Company will be hosting a mini cask ale festival named for the quarter-size barrel used in cask conditioning, with six local breweries taking over the taps. Brewers and brewery reps will be on hand to talk beer and crush some naturally carbonated cask ale goodness!
Lineup: Alpha Acid Brewing Company, Armstrong Brewing Co., Benoit-Casper Brewin, East Cliff Brewing Compan, Epidemic Ales, South City Ciderworks
Freewheel Brewing Co., 3736 Florence St, Redwood City
Kraft Brew Summer Fest
July 30, 1–6pm
To wrap up a week of beery festivities, the Summer KraftBrew Beer Festival invites visitors to roam around San Jose’s lush Mexican Heritage Plaza while enjoying more than 25 American craft and imported summer beers, delicious sausages and tacos, local artisan retail vendors and DJs galore.
General admission is $15 in advance, $20 at the door (includes tasting & 3 beverage tickets). $10 Early Bird tickets briefly available.
Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose
