Business of Beer: 2018
The sixth annual Business of Beer took place on Friday, September 28th, it was a picturesque fall day. Guests began to arrive at the Mission Gardens around five and started their tasting experience with a first sip from The Bruery. Once in the tasting area, there was much to sample from Seismic Brewing Company, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Taplands, Santa Clara Valley Brewing, Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Fort Point Beer Company, CaliCraft Brewing Company, Discretion Brewing, Hermitage Brewing Company, South Bay BrewCo, and Strike Brewing Company.
This year’s theme was The Evolution of Marketing and Social Media in the Brewing Industry. The panel consisted of Patrick Rue, SCU alumnus and Founder and CEO of The Bruery; Jenny Lewis, CEO and Co-Founder of Strike Brewing Company; Joel Peterson, Marketing Manager at Firestone Walker Brewing Company; and Louie Baton, an Instagram influencer who joined the panel virtually via Skype. While guests enjoyed a festive dinner of tacos, they listened to the panel discuss marketing movements in the craft beer industry, some of the nitty gritty like getting labels for new beers approved, the power of marketing and who holds that power, as well as what they expect to develop in the world of beer down the line. After some excellent questions from the audience, attendees returned to the tasting area to continue their beer tasting or revisit one of their favorites. As the sun was setting, the twinkle lights lit up the gardens providing a perfect setting for networking and enjoying an evening with friends and colleagues.
Guests were treated to the following craft brews: Seismic delighted everyone with their Alluvium California Pilsner, Shatter Gone IPA, and Liquifaction. Discretion sparked conversation with their Martian Sky Red IPA, Bramble Ramble Blackberry Kettle Sour, and Ten Million Flowers Kolsch with Honey and Orange Peel. Coming from just down the street, Taplands served up their Johnny Mac Rye Red Ale and Forty Whacks. Santa Clara Valley brought the fall spirit with their Little Orchard Saison and Loma Preita Oatmeal Rye Imperial Stout. The Bruery brought their White Chocolate with Cherries, Girl Grey, and Relax Hazy IPA. Firestone Walker served up their Union Jack IPA, Luponic Distortion IPA, Nitro DBA, and Firestone Lager. Lagunitas brought out some fun names—a Super Cluster Ale, Monzango, and Sumpin’ Easy Ale. Fort Point treated guests to their animal tropical IPA and KSA Kolsch Style Ale. CalifCraft supplied the tasters with a Rosé Ale and a Coast Kolsch, Hermitage brought the fruity fun with their Cherry Almonds American Sour and Single Hop Citra IPA. SoBA added a nice treat with their West Coast Saison. Strike brought all sorts of tastes to the mix with their Two Seam IPA, Santa Cruz Blonde Ale, Haze on First Pale Ale, Summer Haze DIPA, and San Gose Kettle Sour.