I heard a rumor about a Tijuana Beer Festival many years ago. Last year, everyone told me how much fun it was when I showed up two weeks late. Never again will I miss this great event. On July 18, 2009 Karen and I hopped in the car for a day of adventure. Well... mostly just a typical day trip to Tijuana plus the bonus of the TJ Beer Fest.
Karen and I visit Tijuana often so we made our usual stops to places including: Taco Fish, Ave. Revolucion, Churro stand, Jorge Espinosas, and Casa Del Habano. Then we decided to take a little stroll to the Calimax just off the main strip of Revolucion to take advantage of the amazing prices on tequila. We purchased a Corralejo Anejo and Bacardi Anejo (plus chips and water) for all under $30. Then we tried to grab a glass of wine at LA Cetto but for some reason everytime we visit they're closed. It was fine though because we just had a couple Cuba Libre's while smoking a Cuban cigar. Then a taxi found us wandering around and when he hollared we jumped in. Off to the Caliente Casino for the Tijuana Beer Festival!
We arrived around 3pm and it was still a little dead. After asking around we heard the party won't get busy until later. So we took our tickets and starting tasting. I have known/heard of many of the Mexican microbreweries and now I am finally getting to taste them.
I think my new favorite is the Baja Brewing Company. This is a brewery/restaurant in Los Cabos that was founded by a gringo from the states that moved down there to be the only micro-brewery in Baja Sur. Not only is he the sole micro-brewery, the beer is fantastic. I can't wait to visit the brewery in San Jose Del Cabo on August 18 and test to see if the food is as good as the beer.
I skipped the American breweries present because I drink those on a frequent basis at home. I did go attempt to talk to them about their beers and unfortunately the breweries didn't send any of their own reps so none of the Mexican volunteers knew any information about the beer they were pouring. For example, the Port Brewing stand didn't know where the brewery was and didn't even know if the beer was actually Port Brew coming out of the tap. From there on out, I stuck to the Mexican microbreweries who sent there top reps or brewers.
After using all of our tastings, socializing with brewers, and eating some paella, Karen and I were ready to grab a Taxi Libre home. This was a very succesful day in Tijuana and next year hopefully I will see you at the Tijuana Beer Festival.
