 "Photo: Denise DeChaine/Poly Post")
 "Photo: Andrea Waitrovich/Poly Post")
 "Photo: Andrea Waitrovich/Poly Post")
 "Photo: Andrea Waitrovich/Poly Post")
The beer kept flowin’ and the indie-rock kept boppin’ despite the low crowd at the first annual Hollywood Brewfest on Saturday at the Henry Fonda Theatre.
“There are small groups everywhere,” said Brenda Simmons, a Los Angeles resident. “But who cares. It is better this way. No waiting, no bumping into people.”
The Music Box concert hall and The Blue Palms bar of the Henry Fonda Theatre housed over 30 of the world finest brewers for the event.
“It is a good event to get to know the product and for the public to enjoy themselves,” said Christian Gabriela, a The Blue Palms bartender.
For a $45 entry fee, beer enthusiasts can enjoy eight hours of unlimited tastings of the top shelved brews of local breweries in a free five ounce glass all evening.
“It is a greater value than being at the bar,” said Ivan Fernandez, a The Blue Palms regular. “The fact that it is a combination of craft beer and indie music makes this event different. We are in a concert without the cheap beer like Coors and Bud Light.”
Outlining the walls of the Music Box were booths after booths of specialty beers on tap.
“It was all good to taste,” said Jacob Greenwald, a The Blue Palms regular. “I finally got to taste beer I heard of but never knew where to find it. The Blue Palms did a great job promoting and working this event.”
The Gentleman Scholar Brewery showcased its Requiem Espresso Stout, which was a combination of beer and coffee.
The two-year old brewery, Fireman’s Brew, provided a “type” for everyone with its Blonde, Brewnette and Redhead.
Blonde had the lighter and crisper taste of the three and the Brewnette was dark as it was smooth and lacked the bitter aftertaste. Redhead was in middle but not as powerful as the Brewnette.
Fullerton’s Bootleggers Brewery featured four of its sweet fruit beers.
The Magic Hat Brewing Company was aiming to be different from the rest with its #9 beer product and custom-made condoms. It was an interesting sell pitch to ensure safe sex while drinking.
Others included The Shamltz Brewing Company, Firestone, Skyscraper Brewing Company, Get Lost, Deschutes Brewery and many more.
To take a break off the alcohol content the Dry Blackthorn Company featured its sparkling ciders, Fermented Cider and Baby Champ Pear Cider.
The festival was supposed to coincide with the well-known traditional German celebration, Oktoberfest, but scheduling conflicts forced its delay.
“It was supposed to be last month in October with a bigger mainstream kick to match the ‘Hollywood’ scene,” said Sean Winget, a The Blue Palms regular. “I think the Foo Fighters were supposed to come. It is actually nicer than what they originally wanted.”
The Music box had live sets from independent bands, Diamond Light, Great Northern, Nico Stai, Castledoor, The Deadly Syndrome and the Dum Dum Girls.
The event gave a chance for beer companies to showcase their specialty brews but it was also a fundraising opportunity for two local charity organizations.
The Hollywood Police Activities League and Hola-Heart of Los Angeles will be receiving a percentage of the events proceeds.
Be the first to comment on this article!