San Diego International Beer Festival

On June 27th, 2009, I attended the 3rd annual San Diego International Beer Festival held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. It was my second official beer festival experience out in California (my first was at Sony Studios in April 09) and I have a few things to report back to you, so here goes...

There were about 300 different breweries from over 60 different countries around the world that had representation at the beer fest. I say representation because much to my chagrin, the majority of the breweries there had volunteers pouring their beers. I came to the fairgrounds hoping to taste some of my favorites (ok, a ton of my favorites) and hopefully expand my knowledge and my palette. While the volunteers were nice, they knew little to nothing about the beers they were pouring, which was a bit of a disappointment.  I would recommend that for the 4th annual San Diego International Beer Fest, either have the volunteers read up on the basic facts about the beers they're pouring OR better yet, have the actual beer reps there to answer questions and promote their tasty beverages.

That being said, I still discovered some new favorites, the first being the *Maui Brewing Company* out of Hawaii.

They initially caught my eye out of the hundreds of other vendors because they were pouring their beers out of *gasp!* cans!

It caught me off guard at first because seemingly all of the other breweries brought bottles and in the "beer snob" world, most if not all canned beers are frowned upon.

Garrett Marrero, founder of the Maui Brewing Company, was there and able to inform me about their beers and what their company is passionate about.

The main reason they use cans is that it is better all around--for the environment and for the beer itself. Bottles are prohibited on most beaches due to the broken glass, etc. so cans make it easier for people to enjoy good beer in the great outdoors.  Also--the can provides an added insulation and darkness, meaning that the beer's taste won't be compromised after shipping out from Hawaii. Another interesting thought Melanie from the Maui Brewing Co. said--"I don't get why people frown on cans...I think most people would agree beer tastes best on draft, and when you think about it, a keg is really just a big can!"

My favorite from the Maui Brewing Company hands down was their coconut porter. [Porters are a style of beer that's usually malty and known for darkness and strength, sharing similar characteristics as stouts.]

Maui Brewing Company Coconut Porter

Appearance: deep mahogany colored, with a khaki colored thick head.

Aroma: could immediately smell the toasted coconut and hints of coffee

Taste: incredibly smooth and sweet--almost like eating a Mounds candy bar, nice chocolately coffee taste with a delicious lingering coconut finish.

Alcohol: 5.7%

This beer was a wonderful surprise and was very light in feel for a porter. I would suggest it as a sweeter alternative for people who enjoy Guinness or as a dessert beer--I recommend it with shortbread cookies. I have yet to encounter this hidden jewel on tap, but I've seen four packs of cans at Bevmo and other stores for around $8, making it a perfect and different twist for a beer on the beach.