An Epic Year

I've been lucky enough to attend some pretty epic events this year, drink some amazing beers, and see some of my favorite bands perform live.  Listed below are just a few of my favorite events, beers, and shows from 2013.

Favorite Events

1.  Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest
An event where it is hotter than Africa that is still amazing?  Fantastic beers from around the world, country, and state.  I'm excited that I already have secured my tickets for 2014's festival.

Tasting glasses waiting for new friends.

2.  Stone's 17th Anniversary
When an event that already has a reputation for being amazing improves itself, it's a pretty impressive feat.  Stone expanded their offerings this year, which means more people were happy with even more amazing beer.  Another event that was held on a warm summer day that I really loved.

Cheers to 17 years!

3.  Great American Beer Festival
I've been fortunate to now attend this event for two years.  Must say, although the event itself is well done, I enjoy visiting all of the nearby breweries even more!  This year, I went on a brewery tour bus with Bootlegger's Brewery, which was rad.  My favorite brewery that I visited, like last year, was New Belgium.  I may or may not have told more than one person how I won a bike from them this year.

Brewery tours are always fun.

Favorite beers

1.  Firestone Walker Brewing Company's PNC
I've had PNC on more than one occasion, and each time, I want more.

PNC at Toronado

2.  Modern Times Beer's Blazing World
A new brewery, rad tasting room, and phenomenal beers.  I'm looking forward to see what 2014 has in store for Modern Times!

Modern Times Lomaland Fermentorium

3.  Gigantic Brewing Company's IPA
I have to admit, since I am a fan of the Pixies, having a brewery named Gigantic already piqued my interest.  Their beers are among my new favorites of the year.

Gigantic Brewing Company's label artwork is fantastic!

Favorite shows
1.  The Sound City Players on Hollywood Boulevard for Jimmy Kimmel Live
Seeing the members of the Foo Fighters perform with some legendary musicians, such as Rick Springfield was amazing.  I still can't believe it.  Especially since it was free and a few days before my birthday!

David Eric Grohl and Rick Springfield

2.  Bad Religion at SOMA in San Diego
Never disappoints.

Bad Religion

3.  The Pixies at the El Rey in Hollywood
A band that I thought I would never see perform, since they broke up before I was introduced to their music.  I've been lucky to see them several times before this show, but never in such a small venue.  The El Rey is one of my favorite venues, and the Pixies did not let me down.

The Pixies!

I had such an amazing year going on so many epic adventures, I can't wait to see what 2014 has in store for me!

Dana Point, New Year's Day 2013

Beer shopping is my favorite kind of shopping!

Going shopping is a favorite hobby for many people.  The only kind of shopping I truly enjoy is beer shopping.  Going to new shops to find beers I've never tried is always an adventure!  Today, I traveled a few miles up the road to visit Hacienda Beverages in Brea.  I was happy to see some old favorites along with new beers, well, at least new to me!  Out of the beers I picked up today, I've had four of them; Dogfish Head's My Antonia, Knee Deep Brewing's Citra Extra Pale Ale, Epic Beer's Armageddon IPA, Stone Brewing's Woot Stout, and Dogfish Head's Aprihop.  The new to me bottles of beer I brought home included; Oud Beersel's Oude Geuze Vielle along with Gigantic Brewing's IPA and their Imperial IPA.  Of course I love trying new beers, but I must admit I'm most excited about trying Gigantic Brewing's beer, since I love the Pixies and scored tickets to see them when they are in Los Angeles in the fall.  Have you had any new favorite beers lately?