Best of Show Winners Announced For SAM FEST – 2nd Annual Los Angeles Barleywine Festival
(Alhambra,CA) – This past weekend, 38 Degrees Ale House & Grill hosted the 2nd Annual Los Angeles Barleywine Festival, dubbed SAM FEST. SAM FEST is dedicated to Los Angeles Craft Beer Pioneer/Icon/Legend San Samaniego of Stuffed Sandwich fame. Sam was a long time fan of barleywine and cellaring, and after his passing in early 2014, it was decided this event would be dedicated in his honor.
This year, 38 Degrees Ale House and Grill decided to let the customers vote for a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place Best of Show. With 22 barleywines on tap, 38 Degrees responsibly poured tasters only for this event. We are happy to unveil the winners:
1st Place: Firestone Walker Bravo Aged in 30 Year Old Evan Williams Barrels: Bravo has been a cult favorite for Firestone locals, and those lucky enough in Southern California to be in the right place at the right time. While branded as an Imperial Amber Ale, Brewmaster Matt Brynildson informed us that this beer is as pure of a barleywine as you could get. We sampled this particular batch of Bravo, and it was very barrel/spirit forward.
2nd Place: Ballast Point Three Sheets SAM FEST BLEND: Ballast Point Brewing and Spirits were kind enough to make a custom blended beer for this event. The finish product was a blend of Rum Barrel, Bourbon Barrel and Brandy Barrel Three Sheets Barleywine.
3rd Place: Firestone Walker Sucaba 2013: Many will agree that barleywines are much more enjoyable with a few years on them. Firestone Walker blends Sucaba with well rested barrel aged barleywine, so this 3rd place beer was as ripe as can be, and pleased the crowd on Saturday.
Honorable Mention: Tied for fourth place was Deschutes Mirror Mirror 2014 and Kern River From the Wood.
About 38 Degrees Ale House & Grill
Founded by Clay Harding, Brian Sugita, Mike Fata and Chuck Fata in 2009, 38 Degrees Ale House & Grill has proudly served the Los Angeles area with one of the most diverse selections of ales and lagers accompanied by some of the most creative and well executed food menus of New American cuisine in the area. In addition to our clean, well maintained 38 draught craft taps, we offer a wide selection of wines and cocktails, ensuring we have something to please everyone. Follow 38 Degrees on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For reservations and menus, please visit http://38degreesalhambra.com.
