Yet again, the 2014 OC Brew Ho Ho has surpassed my expectations and managed to be one of my favorite events of the whole year. For me, it was like one big party where all my friends who I don’t see all the time are all in attendance along with a bevy of delicious craft beers. The time flew by as I bounced in between beer pours and conversations and before I knew it, it was over.

One of the most notable beers I recall from the event was Peppermint Patty from Bottle Logic. It was surprisingly refreshing and seriously one of the best peppermint themed beers I have ever had. Speaking of Bottle Logic, they had an intense line for the entire event. It was almost always like 30+ people deep. I guess the secret’s out, and I suppose I am partly to blame. I should quit fan-girling so hard.

Another delectable beer I was surprised with was the apple pie beer from Julian Cider Company. It was legit. It was like they tinctured a whole pie and threw it in a beer. I also enjoyed the Let It Go, Let It Go Imperial Oatmeal Stout 22%ABV monster beer from Beach City Brewery. Everyone knew when the beer was pouring because the DJ announced it, then played the now-famous song “Let It Go” from the movie Frozen, and the whole crowd started to sing along. I imagined it was from those people in the crowd who are parents and have this song seared into their brain like an Indiana Jones voodoo curse and the cure was killing it with fire (alcohol).

Overall, it was so much fun. The people watching, the cigars, the friend reunions, and of course the beers all made for a fantastic event. The weather was sunny but not hot so it was pretty perfect, but somehow this pale girl still managed to get a bit sunburned. When will they make SPF 1000?

Hope to see you all there next year!