SF Beer Week: The Last Hurrah

The City Beer Store

​Sometimes, a vacation can make you feel like you need a vacation. SF Beer Week is no exception. After a solid week of carousing, it's easy to get burned out. On Saturday, take it down a notch and settle into a sunny SoCal vacation.

Saturday:
Today's events will feature breweries from the "other" California, a mythical place of so-called "sandals" and "tank tops." Slather on some suntan lotion and hit the town.

Barrel-Aged Adventure: Sipping Session with Ballast Point Brewing
Where: City Beer Store, 1168 Folsom St. (at 8th), 503-1033
When: Saturday, Feb. 18, 1 to 6 p.m.
Cost: Pay per drink
What: San Diego's Ballast Point sports a nautical theme, but today's beers are decidedly not for yachting. All five brews have been barrel-aged, and would be appropriate for fireside sipping while lounging on a bearskin rug. Highlights include Sea Monster imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels, and Three Sheets Barleywine aged in a blend of brandy, bourbon, and syrah barrels. BYO bearskin rug.

It's an L.A. Invasion!
Where: Beer Revolution, 464 3rd St. (at Broadway), Oakland, (510) 452-BEER
When: Saturday, Feb. 18, 2 to 11 p.m.
Cost: Pay per drink
What: Sample beers from 12 L.A. breweries, sans the smog and horrendous traffic. Full brewery list available on the website. Don't forget to bring headshots and your latest screenplay.

Sunday:
It's the twilight of Beer Week. While it's only natural to slip into depression over the thought of waiting 355 days for SF Beer Week 2013, you can take solace in today's events. At today's outings, you'll take the first step in learning how to make your own brew.

San Francisco Homebrewer's Guild Homebrew Share
Where: Pi Bar, 1432 Valencia (at 25th St.), 970-9670
When: Sunday, Feb. 19, noon to 3 p.m.
Cost: $15 (cash only) for homebrew tasting and unlimited pizza and salad
What: Give a man some beer, and he'll be buzzed for a day. Teach a man to brew, and beer week can last a lifetime. Be the first to welcome S.F.'s newly minted homebrewing club and join the team. This event is for homebrewers of all skill levels, and for those who are interested in learning how to brew. If you have bottles or growlers of homemade beer on hand, bring some to share with the group.

Highwater, Firehouse, and Pete Slosberg Meet and Greet
Where: Beer Revolution, 464 3rd St. (at Broadway), Oakland, (510) 452-BEER
When: Sunday, Feb. 19, 1 to 5 p.m.
Cost: Pay per drink
What: Now that you've taken the first step in learning how to homebrew, meet three of the most talented and friendly guys in the biz. Sample collaborative brew from Highwater's Steve Altimari, Firehouse's Steve Donohue, and craft beer legend Pete Slosberg, founder of Pete's Wicked Ales. Get some advice to aid you on your way to brewing stardom.