San Jose Area Beer News and Events: Aug. 20-26, 2012

The following is a collection of craft beer events in San Jose and the greater South Bay for the upcoming week and beyond. As events may change from time to time, please do check with the establishment directly, especially if you are extra excited about a particular event.

Recent beer news

In case you have not heard about the latest update on the proposed Whole Foods Market at the corner of The Alameda and Stockton Ave., there is quite a beer-centric news item as noted in a Mercury News article from earlier this month. Here is the passage: “Adam Smith, executive coordinator for design and construction for Whole Foods Northern California… surprised and pleased attendees with the news that the smaller, two-story, wooden structure anchoring the corner of Stockton and The Alameda will be a brew pub and restaurant. It will stay open later, after the store closes. Smith said he hopes it will be the first brewery for the chain of more than 330 stores.” Expect this Whole Foods to open in mid-2014 at the earliest. Hat tips to Gary and Nick for their emails regarding this exciting bit of news.

Beer events this upcoming week

Mon., Aug. 20, 2012, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.: San Jose’s Wine Affairs hosts their weekly beer tasting event. 1435 The Alameda, 408-977-0111. ‘”Brettanomyces.” Try saying that 5 times fast! What is it you ask? It’s a strain of wild yeast that helps turn a brew sour… in a good way. New Belgium Lips of Faith and Lost Abbey collaborated on two delicious “Brett Beers.” Join us Monday (8/20) for the tapping of Lips of Faith Bretta Beer. We will also have Lips of Faith Bretta Beer & Lost Abbey Mo’ Betta Bretta in bottles. Tapping keg at 5 p.m. sharp!”

Mon., Aug. 20, 2012, starting at 6:30 p.m.: California Café in Los Gatos hosts a four-course Stone Beer Dinner. For the menu and beer pairings, click here. The cost is $39 per person, excluding taxes and gratuity. For reservations, call 408-354-8300.

Tues., Aug. 21, 2012, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.: There is a Hellesbock wooden barrel tapping event at Gordon Biersch San Jose. 33 East San Fernando St., 408-294-6785. “Join us as we tap our latest limited-time-only Brewer’s Select beer from a wooden barrel! We will be tapping Hellesbock, a full-bodied, unfiltered golden beer with balanced, subtle hop characteristics that complement the malt profile. Supplies are limited.  Don’t miss out on this small-batch beer! Head Brewer Jeff Liles will be present to answer questions on all things craft beer.  Don’t forget to ask for a behind-the-scenes tour of our on-site brewery! Ask your server for additional details. See you then!”

Tues., Aug. 21, 2012, 4 p.m. – closing: The Counter Santana Row, offers a “Mix-It-Up” 4 mini burger & beer pairings, including Devil’s Canyon Full Boar Scotch Ale and Lagunitas IPA. 3055 Olin Ave., 408-423-9200.

Wed., Aug. 22, 2012, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.: Catch live music and good beer at Poor House Bistro with “Blues & $2 Brews” featuring Grand Teton Brewing Co. 91 South Autumn Street, 408-292-5837.

Thurs., Aug. 23, 2012, starting at 6:00 p.m.: Harry’s Hofbrau in San Jose hosts their weekly Pint Night. Check the Harry’s Hofbrau Facebook page for updates. 390 Saratoga Ave., 408-243-0434. Lost Coast Brewery will be featured and the line-up will include Imperial Stout, Triple Belgian I.P.A., Double I.P.A. (7.6% ABV), Double I.P.A. (9%), and Great White Ale.

Thurs., Aug. 23, 2012, starting at 6 p.m.: Jack’s Bar & Lounge in Japantown offers up their weekly $2 Pint Night. Check the Jack’s Bar & Lounge Facebook page for updates. 167 East Taylor St., 408-287-5225.

Fri., Aug. 24, 2012: BevMo! stores host weekly Beer Tasting events on Fridays. Check your local BevMo! store for details.

Looking ahead: Save the date

Wed., Aug. 29, 2012: Harry’s Hofbrau in San Jose hosts a special New Belgium Lips of Faith tap takeover. Check the Harry’s Hofbrau Facebook page for updates. 390 Saratoga Ave., 408-243-0434. “The New Belgium team will be here to represent a 15 tap takeover, including Lips of faith beers past and present, aged, seasonal and all around favorites, such as the new collaboration SUPER IPA with Southern California brewery Alpine Brewing (known for their hoppiness). Save the date, take work off, don’t miss this!”

Thurs., Aug. 30, 2012, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.: Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery in Campbell hosts the Chef and Brewer’s Autumn Dinner. 1875 South Bascom Ave., #700, 408-377-0707. The Campbell Rock Bottom Facebook page currently has a photo of the menu. “Please call 408-377-0707 to make reservations. It’s just $50 per person and that includes tax and gratuity! A credit card number will be required when making reservations and cancellations must be done at least 48 hours in advance.”

Thurs., Aug. 30, 2012: California Cafe in Palo Alto hosts a Black Diamond Brewing Co. beer dinner.

Sat., Sep. 15, 2012, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.: Los Gatos Brewing Company’s 20th Anniversary/Oktoberfest celebration takes place. 130G North Santa Cruz Ave., 408-395-9929. “Los Gatos Brewing Company is having a 20th Anniversary/Oktoberfest celebration!!! Join us for tasty German food, cold beer, live music and tons of fun!!! This is an outdoor event. Our restaurant will also be open with a special Oktoberfest menu!” For complete details, visit their Facebook public event page.

Sat.-Sun., Sep. 15-16, 2012: Left Bank Brasserie Santana Row hosts a prix fixe meal paired with beers from Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company as part of their Left Bank Santana Row Summer Beer Pairing Series, La Fête de la Bière. 377 Santana Row, Suite 1100, 408-984-3500.

Sat., Sep. 22, 2012, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Peter B’s Brewpub hosts the 2nd Annual Monterey Beer Garden, which will feature a number of South Bay breweries.

Thurs., Sep. 27, 2012: California Cafe in Palo Alto hosts a Strike Brewing Co. brewmasters dinner.

Sat.-Sun., Oct. 20-21, 2012: Left Bank Brasserie Santana Row hosts a prix fixe meal paired with beers from Gordon Biersch Brewing Company as part of their Left Bank Santana Row Summer Beer Pairing Series, La Fête de la Bière. 377 Santana Row, Suite 1100, 408-984-3500.

Thurs., Oct. 25, 2012: California Cafe in Palo Alto hosts a Lost Coast Brewery brewmasters dinner.

Sat.-Sun., Nov. 17-18, 2012: Left Bank Brasserie Santana Row hosts a prix fixe meal paired with beers from Drake’s Brewing Company as part of their Left Bank Santana Row Summer Beer Pairing Series, La Fête de la Bière. 377 Santana Row, Suite 1100, 408-984-3500.

[This post was shared on Examiner.com.]