The OC Fair came to town this weekend and OC Brew Hee Haw helped it open with a fun, delicious bang.
Salute!
This past Saturday and Sunday (July 14 and 15) the 5th Annual OC Brew Hee Haw Craft Beer Roundup showcased more than 80 regional craft beers at the opening weekend of the world-famous OC Fair & Event Center. Brew Hee Haw is a collaboration between Brew Ha Ha Productions and the OC Fair & Event Center. And for the fourth year in a row, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of OC & Inland Empire partnered with the OC Brew Hee Haw team and received a portion of the proceeds.
Off and Running
More than 30 different breweries participated in the OC Brew Hee Haw this year. The brewery participants included local favorites as well as southwest regional breweries. In my opinion, the brewery line-up for OC Brew Hee Haw was spectacular.
The OC Brew Hee Haw took place in 3 separate sessions – 2 sessions on Saturday and 1 session on Sunday. Each session lasted 4 hours and served about 1350 people. During each session’s four hours of unlimited tastings, attendees had the opportunity to sip a variety of beer styles from breweries across the west coast and southwest region. A large tented area housed a significant portion of the Brew Hee Haw event.
A large tent provided sun cover for most of OC Brew Hee Haw
Tickets also included free OC Fair admission so attendees had complete access to the OC Fair – before, during, or after their tasting session at OC Brew Hee Haw. OC Fair opening weekend activities included the exhilarating MMA Summerfist 11, Speedway Fair Derby at the Action Sport Arena, and live concerts in the Pacific Amphitheater.
DJ Eric Cahill from The Gig spun tunes for OC Brew Hee Haw. The music varied from punk to rock to country.
How about playing some Minnie Pearl?
This was my first visit to OC Brew Hee Haw. I attended Saturday’s Session 1. Throughout my visit, lines for beer were short and fast. Here are three of my favorite beers for the day.
Funkwerks Tropic King Imperial Saison (8% ABV) – Designed to be a hoppier version of Funkwerks’ GABF Gold Medal flagship Saison. Tropic King bursts with notes of passion fruit, mango, pepper, and ginger.
Karl Strauss Isomerizer (7% ABV) – Made with a malt base of pale two-row barley, white wheat and Caramel 20. Uses 100% Mosaic hops. Bursts with an amazing passion fruit aroma. Delivers soft and delicious satisfaction and so much more.
Offshoot Bravo (8.2% ABV) – This hazy double IPA, made with 100% Nelson hops, packs a juicy and fruity punch. Look for notes of orange while sipping this smooth delight.
Most importantly, all of the beers were excellent. Certainly any discerning craft beer drinker knows they were treated to a superb line-up of beers and a well-organized event. No wonder OC Brew Hee Haw was awarded 1st Place at the Western Fairs Association’s Annual Convention for Best Event Within an Event.
Craft Beer Happy!
After my fill of beer, my wife and I explored the OC Fair. What a delightful way to spend the day!
