Aaaaaaand we’re finally here. Welcome to 2010 SF Beer Week. The opening gala got of to a great start.  Given the number of events this week, I’ll be giving thoughts and observations in bullet point, line cook format.  Be sure to keep an eye on Humphry Slocombe and my twitter feeds all week to see what’s being scooped.

Notes & Observations:

• Don Barkley is the man, and his Napa Smith Organic IPA is something else.  Killer floral hop aroma and old school malt balance. Check it out, preferably with food.
• Ryan Farr makes every event better.
• Important details for beer festivals: dump buckets.  Also related:
• Yes, I know where the fill line is. But if it’s a big beer above ten percent please only pour me a 1-2 oz sample.  If I want more, I’ll gladly ask for it. Otherwise we’re just wasting beer.   That said, great choice on the classy glassware.
• Nice to see the SF food blogger elite checking out the beer week festivities.
• Hand down favorite beer of the night: Black Diamond Imperial Porter.  Tastes just like an egg cream.
• I don’t know what’s going on, but I’ve been recognized by readers of this blog three times this week.  It’s unbelievably flattering, and it still surprises me that anyone but my dad is actually reading and cares about what I write. Thanks! (also: Hi Dad!)
• Congrats to Meg, who built a beer festival out of nothing with her bare hands – not an easy feat.
• I like the Imperial Common.
• There are still tickets available for Homebrew Chef Sean Paxton’s Collaboration Beer Dinner.  If you want to jump into the deep end of the beer dinner pool, this would be a good time.

Pictures from the Gala:

 

 

Tags: 2010, Gala, SF Beer Week

This entry was posted on Sunday, February 7th, 2010 at 12:18 am and is filed under Stories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.