SAN DIEGO — Despite a summer marked by unrelenting heat and personal challenges, a much-needed escape to San Diego’s Rare & Wild Beer Festival proved to be a refreshing experience both for the palate and the spirit. Held at the Marina Park near downtown San Diego, the festival, which took place on September 14, showcased an impressive range of unique brews, offering attendees a chance to sample rare and wild beers while enjoying stunning waterfront views.
The festival was a welcome break for beer enthusiast [name], who, after a summer of both personal and weather-related hardships, found solace in the cool, 73-degree weather and the lively atmosphere of the event. The weekend was made even more special by the celebration of a close friend’s upcoming wedding in the Pacific Northwest, adding an extra layer of joy to the trip.
The event kicked off with a leisurely walk from the historic Banker’s Hill to the festival venue, a distance that seemed manageable given the perfect weather. After grabbing a bite from one of the food trucks stationed at the venue, attendees dove straight into the offerings, which featured some of the most highly regarded names in craft brewing.
The first highlight of the day came from the Cantillon Gueuze tent, where attendees could enjoy one of the finest lambics from one of Belgium’s most renowned breweries. With just a short line, the Cantillon Gueuze lived up to its reputation—subtly beautiful and refined, a true example of the artistry behind traditional lambic brewing. In addition to the Gueuze, bottles of 3 Fonteinen’s Kriek and Peche lambics, which featured cherry and peach flavors respectively, were also poured, further elevating the festival’s offerings.
However, not all pours were as exciting. A disappointing tasting of The Chateau, a sour beer from de Garde, prompted a move toward Sour Cellars, where co-owner Chintya was on hand. There, a unique blend of four different years of barrel-aged sours, re-fermented with blueberries, provided a much-needed contrast. Sour Cellars, based in Rancho Cucamonga, is a standout in the world of sour beer, and its offerings at the festival certainly did not disappoint.
The festival also featured some lighter, yet equally impressive, options. Sierra Nevada’s collaboration with Bavarian brewery Gutmann produced a standout Oktoberfest beer that was especially refreshing by the sea. Additionally, the brewery’s “Old Chico” pale bock, despite not fitting the festival’s “rare or wild” theme, proved to be an incredibly thirst-quenching and crisp offering that harkened back to the company’s brewing roots.
As attendees mingled and sipped, the festival’s scenic setting began to sink in. With views of the harbor, Coronado Bridge, and the many boats on the water, the picturesque surroundings made the experience even more memorable. The sounds of a funky 1970s-style band added to the vibe, creating an atmosphere of relaxation and celebration.
Among the many booths, one that stood out was Itza Brewing from Ocean Beach. The brewery, which is still without a taproom, showcased a standout Baltic porter called KAAMOS. Brewed by Javier, a native of Mexico, the porter boasted a rich dark fruitiness and toasty quality, making it one of the most memorable beers of the day. Additionally, a hazy IPA that drank like a West Coast IPA and a unique Mexican lager fermented in a sake style provided further evidence of Itza Brewing’s potential to make waves in the local beer scene.
While not all of the beers at the Rare & Wild Beer Festival could be categorized as rare or wild, and some breweries listed on the event’s website were absent, the overall experience was undeniably high quality. With excellent beer, a stellar location, and a well-organized event, the festival proved to be a satisfying outing for even the most discerning craft beer enthusiasts.
In the end, the Rare & Wild Beer Festival was a reminder of the power of good beer, great company, and stunning surroundings to lift the spirits and create lasting memories. It was a much-needed escape from a difficult summer, and one that left attendees eagerly anticipating the next event.
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