Get a taste of America’s finest during San Diego Beer Week

If you think Lebron James has great hops, you obviously haven’t been to a San Diego microbrewery.

The San Diego Brewers Guild Festival in Liberty Station Saturday will uncap a series of more than 300 intoxicating events put on by local establishments, displaying the county’s famous craft booze culture amid San Diego Beer Week.

The second annual event actually lasts little more than a week – 10 days to be exact. But who is keeping (open) tabs? Everyone loses count after the first few anyway … Days I mean. Not beers of course.

Breweries across the county this weekend will begin hosting festivities that include music, food, price specials, tours, classes (got to love education), and of course – brew tasting.

If you’re not already aware of San Diego Beer Week (SDBW), think of it as a shortened, less serious version of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But instead of fostering breast cancer awareness, SDBW shines a spotlight on the frothing beer personality of San Diego that only perpetuates the city’s stigma as being America’s finest.

San Diego has long served as an international ale hub, attracting booze aficionados from all over to delight in award-winning suds. The county is swimming in a multitude of breweries – more than 35 – solidifying the region nationally as a premiere stalwart in taste originality.

But don’t take my slurring words for it. The city’s breweries won more medals at the 2010 World Beer Cup than England, Germany, and Belgium combined.

So if you are so inclined, put down the Anheuser-Busch, and get a taste of San Diego’s award-winning heritage during Beer Week.

Listed below are SDBW’s cornerstone festivities as advertised on SDBW’s website. For additional information, including a complete listing of events, click here.

San Diego Brewers Guild Festival Saturday, November 6, 2010

Admission: $35 general, $50 VIP.

Location: Liberty Station (Ingram Park), Point Loma
Hours: VIP Session (12:00pm – 2:00pm), General Session (2:00pm – 6:00pm)

This is the kick-off event for San Diego Beer Week and the ultimate craft beer festival. This event showcases all of the San Diego breweries. It’s a great way to kick-off Beer Week, try award-winning local beer, and meet your favorite brewers. Stay tuned for a complete list of participating breweries and what beers will be poured.

General Session (2pm – 6pm) – Includes 10 tasters, a commemorative taster glass, and live music.
VIP Session (12pm – 2pm) – Includes access to complimentary Allied Guild Member food and specialty Beers and includes admission to the General Session.

All proceeds support the not-for profit San Diego Brewers Guild.

No one under 21 is allowed at this event

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“Beer Garden” at the Lodge at Torrey Pines Sunday, November 14, 2010

Admission: $65

Location: 11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037
Hours: 11:30am – 3:30pm

This is a gourmet beer and food pairing event featuring renowned local beers paired with world famous chefs. Admission includes a commemorative taster glass and unlimited beer and food pairing samples. The event will feature 12 local breweries each paired with a local chef to create unique pairings.

Participating Breweries: Coronado Brewing Company, AleSmith, Brewing Company, Ballast Point Brewing Company, Stone Brewing Company, Pizza Port, New English Brewing Company, Hamiltons Tavern, Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Rock Bottom La Jolla, Green Flash Brewing Company, La Jolla Brewhouse, Lightning Brewery

Participating Chefs: Paul McCabe/Kitchen 1540, Jeffrey Strauss/Pamplemousse Grille, Jeff Jackson & Kyle Bergman/The Lodge at Torrey Pines, Amy DiBiase/The Cosmopolitan Hotel, Anthony Sinsay/Harney Sushi, Hanis Cavin/Kensington Grille, Tom McAliney & Patrick Heymann/Brandt Beef (w/ Eric Brandt), Aldo Negrete/Quality Social, Pete Balestreri/Tender Greens, Alex Carballo & Jason Seibert/Stone Brewery Jason Graham/Cal-a-Vie Spa

No one under 21 is allowed at this event

Photo by Agien.

Thumbnail by Len Rizzi via National Cancer Institute.