For those taking a break from alcohol during “Dry January,” there is a light at the end of the tunnel: San Francisco Beer Week returns on Feb. 1 with a week of craft beer events that spill down the Central Coast.
There will be 14 distinct events at breweries and beer-centric businesses in Santa Cruz County to showcase special suds through Feb. 10. Here are a few highlights. The full list of events for the “coast” region can be seen at sfbeerweek.org.
Saturday, Feb. 2 – Sabado Gigante at Lúpulo Craft Beer House: Local personality Tom Lopez and his alter ego El Borracho will host his infamous Lotéria card games, aka Mexican Bingo, throughout the day at Lúpulo, where a special menu of select beers will be on draft.
Tuesday, Feb. 5 – Santa Cruz Brew Cruz Hazed & Confused Tour at Burger in Aptos: Local craft brewery tour company Brew Cruz is hosting two public tours during SF Beer Week. The Hazed & Confused Tour starts at Burger in Aptos and travels through South County, stopping at Corralitos Brewing, Elkhorn Slough Brewery and Ranch Milk to taste some truly dank IPAs.
Wednesday, Feb. 6 – Good Time Lady Friends Tap Takeover at Aptos Street BBQ
Friends and brewery owners Fran Fitzharris of Brewery Twenty-Five, Adair Paterno of Sante Adairius Rustic Ales and Emily Thomas of Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing will bring beers from their respective breweries for a tap takeover at Aptos Street BBQ.
Friday, Feb. 8 – Twisted Tasting 2019 at Santa Cruz Civic
The Grand Dame of local SF Beer Week events, this year’s Twisted Tasting promises to blast guests’ taste buds into outer space with a galactic theme. Breweries, beverage businesses and local food purveyors bring their most twisted, creative brews and bites for an always-spectacular event that benefits the Arts Council.
Saturday, Feb. 9 – Lamb’s Wool Mulled Beer Release at Shanty Shack Brewing
If you’re still in the mood to expand your taste buds after Twisted Tasting, head over to Shanty Shack for their annual release of a mulled ale heated with butter and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Yes, it’s served warm. They promise that it’s good!
Sunday, Feb. 10 – Pucker Up Sunday at Lupulo Craft Beer House
For those who like a beer that bites back, you won’t want to miss this competitive lineup of funky, sour and tart beers.
