***Update***
6/6/08 - The brewfest/birthday party was indeed another success this past Saturday. The new venue, West Fort Miley, proved to be a quality spot to add to our list of quality spots. Besides the small hike up the hill on a paved path that began in the middle of a huge parking lot which probably thwarted a few people's plan to find the event, everything was great! For those of us who spotted the Presidio Brew Co. sign on Sam's car and noticed the path to the right had a grand ole time. We experienced a batch of fresh faces that came to celebrate Jessica's 29th coming, and welcomed the return of catcher-on'rs. The view of the Sunset district and Ocean Beach atop the Fort Miley hill accentuated the good beer and numerous gallons of cider, which commenced our first tasting competition.
Ciders were created by Alex, Matt & Sam which all entailed characteristics unique to each brewer. Sam's Grape and Pomegranate cider's were strong, bitter & distinctive--which relate towards his confident, don't play by the rules mentality & haughty style. Needless to say, he thought he won the competition before it even took place! Alex's apple cider was clean, crisp & to the point--attributes he illustrates when his girlfriend is present, good work Alex. Matt's apple cider was similar to Alex's, except with a few secret ingredients. His addition of brown sugar and honey gave his cider a clean, fruity & quoted "like something brewed from Widmer," (thanks Nick) taste--akin to his attention to detail, professional & groundbreaking techniques. So, the obvious winner of the competition was............no, just kidding, we actually haven't figured that out yet, and it was more of a celebration to nature's nectar, than skills of each brewer....at least until someone starts talking trash! (Can you tell who writes this thing?) The tasting competition was excellent, and in the near future we'll encourage fellow brewers to bring by some samples of their goodness to join in on the fun.
These ciders were coupled with awesome beers brewed by Mandy and Tracy. Tracy successfully mimicked Fat Tire Amber Ale without even trying to, creating a nice, full bodied ale. Mandy stayed consistent with her super hoppy ale's which always have patrons begging for more. And Kevin and Randy were along for the ride. The venue had a huge grass area which simultaneously supported badminton, soccer, frisbee and baseball toss. While others relaxed by the barbecue, conversed and listened to the sweet guitar melody's of Sam and the Halla family. All in all, another awesome one for the books, if you don't know now you know, that is if you're reading this. Peace!
