Christmas Cheer in the Bay Area

By Mario, on December 9th, 2009

This weekend, Christmas is coming to downtown Oakland. Two events over 36 hour and the selection is one that you may not be able to find anywhere in the Bay Area.

The first event is also the last event. At the Trappist in downtown Oakland come and experience the KerstBier Festival 2009. The event takes place over 2 nights and features beers from Belgium, Denmark, Norway and, of course, the United States. Each night (December 11th and 12th) the event kicks off at 4pm. A commemorative glass and five samples can be had for $25. The list of beers “so far” can be seen below:

Draft:

De Struise Brouwers Tsjeeses 10% ABV 25cl $10
St. Bernardus Christmas Ale 10% ABV 25cl $8
Dubuisson Scaldis Noel 12% ABV 25cl $10
Achouffe N’ice Chouffe 10% ABV 25cl $8
Anker Gouden Carolus Noel 10.5% ABV 25cl $8
St. Feuillien Cuvee de Noel 2008 9% ABV 33cl $10
Dupont avec les bons voeux 9.5% ABV 25cl $8
Regenboog Catherine The Great 10% ABV 25cl $8
Avery The Beast 14.9% ABV 25cl $12
Anchor Christmas 5.5% ABV 33cl $5
Port Brewing Santas little Helper 10.5% ABV 25cl $5
Nogne-O Winter Ale 8.5% ABV 25cl $7
Slaapmutske Kerstmutske 7.4% ABV 33cl $7
Mikkeller to From 8% ABV 33cl $8
Mikkeller Santas Little Helper 11% ABV 25cl $8

Bottles:

Blaugies Special Winter 750ml
Geants Noel des Geants 33cl
Thiriez Bier de Noel 33cl
St. Feuillien Noel 2007 750ml
Mikkeller Santas Little Helper 750ml
Mikkeller to From 750ml
Slaapmutske Kerstmutske 33cl

Only a couple blocks away from the Trappist is Pacific Coast Brewing Company. Their annual Holiday Beer Tasting (Saturday, December 12th, 12- 4 pm) seems to be always shrouded in mystery but you’re sure to experience some treats not found elsewhere. Best of all, the beers served at the tasting, which typically sells out, will be available on draft until they sell out. If you have a chance to get tickets, do so, but if not, head down to Pacific Coast Brewing before the Trappist on Saturday evening.