This last Sunday, Feb. 24th was the Newport Beach Brew Co.’s 5th Annual Brewfest event with proceeds going to the Yellow Ribbon America charity. Great beer and a wonderful cause? Count me in!

This is the first year I have been to Newport Brew Co. Brewfest event. It was very well organized and laid-back. Since it was located at the Brewpub in Newport Beach that meant lots of seating and food available but it also meant tight spaces and constantly being in the way of people. Regardless of that, it was a very fun day. The breweries in attendance was: I & I Brewing, Valiant Brewing Co, Old Orange Brewing Co., Karl Strauss, Packinghouse Brewing Co., Bootleggers, Cismontane and Tustin Brewing Co.

Photo Credit: Matt Becker

Photo Credit: Matt Becker

Photo Credit: Matt Becker

Photo Credit: Matt Becker

Photo Credit: Matt Becker

Robert Frenche’s Beard Photo Credit: Matt Becker

Photo Credit: Matt Becker

The stand-out beers I had was the Dripp Espresso Imperial Stout by I & I Brewing Co. (9.9%ABV) which was very well done. It had a great coffee flavor and great head retention. If only it was on nitro… one can dream. I also enjoyed the JD’s Reserve by Newport Beach Brew Co. 10%(ABV) Imperial Oatmeal Stout. Let’s just say it was so good I had seconds and Sean had thirds. It was barrel aged and didn’t over-power with a whiskey burn so it was dangerously delicious. I also really enjoyed both beers from Packinghouse but I leaned towards the Black Beauty Cream Stout 5.1%(ABV) with it’s light and creamy mouth-feel and subtle chocolate flavors.

Photo Credit: Matt Becker

Photo Credit: Matt Becker

Derek Bougie, Brewmaster at NB Brew Co. Photo Credit: Matt Becker

Photo Credit: Matt Becker

Stephen Johnson, Matt Becker and Sean McNew

We were able to finally find some seating and enjoy the afternoon while eating some snacks from NB Brew Co. The margarita pizza and nachos are great. I really love the chips because they taste homemade so if they aren’t then good job sourcing them! It was a lovely sunny afternoon with good friends and exceptional local craft beers. Hope to see you all at the next one! Cheers 🙂

My fiance, Sean with my business card

Sean and Stephen