SF Beer Week: Remembering a Local Champion of Craft Brews

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From now through the end of SF Beer Week, we're providing daily quarterbacking for the frothiest events. Skol, dudes.

SF Beer Week isn't just about celebrating the breadth of beers made and drunk locally, but the community that supports them. Their greatest cheerleader was journalist Bill Brand, who for 15 years until his death in 2009 wrote the "What's On Tap?" column in the Oakland Tribune.

Nick Lammers/Oakland Tribune

The late Bill Brand.

​(Adding insult to injury, Brand died as a result of an accident suffered during the inaugural SFBW.) Out of gratitude and friendship, many local artisans have brewed tribute beers, including Valley, Black Diamond, Triple Rock, and Ale Industries. Wednesday's tribute in Oakland is a chance to celebrate a true champion of craft brews while experiencing beer camaraderie.

Complete Wednesday event details on the other side of the jump.

Events for Wednesday, Feb. 10:

Bill Brand Tribute
Time: 6 p.m.-midnight
Location: Barclay's Restaurant & Pub, 5940 College (at Chabot), Oakland, (510) 654-1650
Cost: No admission charge

Also:
• Pioneers and Trailblazers
Speaking of the brewing community, check out the panel of luminaries for this discussion of craft beer visionaries: Don Barkley, former brewmaster of America's first microbrewery, New Albion, now at NapaSmith; plus Rodger Davis (Triple Rock), Ron Lindenbusch (Lagunitas), and Steve Wagner (Stone). Moderated by Justin Crossley (The Brewing Network). Breweries will provide beer.
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Location: Courtyard Marriott, 299 Second St. (at Folsom), 584-6401
Cost: $22 (click here for tickets)

• Mayfield Iconoclast Tasting
Mayfield Brewing Co.'s beers are all barrel-aged and sell for over $30 a bottle. Here's your chance to try them for a quarter per sample.
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: Whole Foods Market, 399 Fourth St. (at Harrison), 618-0066
Cost: 25 cents per taste