SF Beer Week is arriving a week early this year, to avoid coinciding with the Super Bowl 50 festivities. Today's the first day of the nine-day festival, which runs through next Sunday, and Divisadero businesses will be offering a number of tastings, pairings and meet-the-brewer events.
Last year, Divisadero businesses established a scorecard system for Beer Week, awarding a special limited-run poster as a prize for completion. But this year's prize is even better: those who visit every Divisadero Beer Week business between now and next Sunday will receive a free, limited-edition San Franpsycho Divisadero Beer Week hoodie.
Players can pick up a scorecard at any of the participating businesses. Once every business has stamped the card, return it to San Franpsycho by Monday, February 1st, and they'll put you on the list for a free hoodie.
Here are just a few of the many events planned on Divis Beer Week. For a full schedule of citywide events, check out Beer Week's website.
The Page
Photo: Thomas Hawk
The Page is hosting a different brewery each night, giving neighbors the opportunity to meet the brewer and sample beers. On Monday, a brewer from Simpleton Craft Ales will be in attendance, along with three Simpleton beers on tap and live music. Tuesday will feature Windsor's St. Florian Brewery, and Wednesday will spotlight San Francisco's own Anchor. San Diego's Belching Beaver Brewery is filling Thursday's spot. All events begin at 5pm.
Bi-Rite Market
Bi-Rite is hosting tastings every day of Beer Week, with $2 off six-packs for the featured brewer of the day. Most notably, the store is collaborating with Woods Beer Co. for an exclusive brew based on Bi-Rite Creamery’s popular Ricanelas ice cream (cinnamon-infused ice cream with chopped snickerdoodles).
The cream ale is brewed with caramelized sugar, cinnamon, and Madagascar vanilla, and canned in 32oz "crowlers" (can growlers) for a limited run. Swing by Bi-Rite on Saturday, January 30th from 2-4pm to taste the Ricanelas Cream Ale and pick up a can.
Mojo Bicycle Cafe
Image: Mojo
Mojo's event, Crafty Staff, is a simple but fun idea: each member of the cafe's staff has chosen a favorite beer for one of its 12 taps. Among the selections: owner Remy chose Bear Republic's Grand Am American Pale Ale, bike mechanic Danny picked Oskar Blues' Dale's Pale Ale, and bike mechanic Ryan chose Georgetown Brewing's Manny's Pale Ale. Swing by and see what your favorite bike mechanic or barista has on offer.
4505 Burgers & BBQ
Image: 4505 Burgers & BBQ
4505 Burgers and BBQ isn't included on the Divis scorecard, but it will be hosting some special beer-related events towards the end of the week. On Wednesday evening, the BBQ joint will throw a party with Anchor, roasting a whole hog from Llano Seco (complete with special bourbon mustard and vinegar BBQ sauces) and serving it with Anchor Steam, Go West IPA, and Anchor Saison on draft.
On Thursday, 4505 will serve a goat barbacoa plate that can be paired with one of three special IPAs. Friday's special will be smoked beef ribs from Five Dot Ranch brined in Fort Point Brewing’s Manzanita ale, with four Fort Point beers on tap for pairing.
In addition to the weeklong events, here are a couple of one-night-only features that can't be missed:
Have a safe and happy Beer Week!
