brewery

I can’t help but wonder if the addition of a national brand – Ballast Point having recently been purchased by Constellation Brands, owners of Corona and Modelo – will start to deter residents from something that makes the Inland Empire so special; the opportunity to truly drink 100% local.

Raise a glass to the beginning of summer at the 7th Annual Pechanga Microbrew Festival and Chili Cook Off, this Saturday, June 6th from 1:00 to 5:00 pm in the Grand Ballroom.

From May to September, on the third Saturday of the month from 5:00 to 10:00 pm, Refuge invites their loyal devotees as well as newcomers to enjoy their exclusive brews, live music and great food. Outside on their patio, as well as inside the tasting room, Summer Nights visitors have the chance to not only enjoy the atmosphere of all the summer fun, but they can also be the first to sample newly released beers; one of which is debuted at each Refuge Summer Nights installment.

I have compiled a list of some of the best Happy Hours and drink and food specials around town and I am sharing it with you, dear readers, because nothing means more to me than your good time. On my list, I have locations that are fairly new to the area, a few old favorites, and even some cool haunts off the beaten path; places you may not even know about but could be right in your own backyard.

The summer fun came to an end on the evening of Saturday, September 20th, as Refuge Brewery hosted their final Summer Nights at the Brewery event. There was a cool Jamaican breeze in the air as the night’s featured pour, Jamaican Me Crazy, a rum and coconut-infused brew, filled glasses.

On Saturday, September 13th Aftershock Brewery invited local favorite, Mariposa Ice Cream, to participate in Float Night; a special way to have dessert with your drinks.

There’s good food and even better brews as local radio station 101.3 The Mix FM presents their second annual Music, Beer, Wine and Chili Festival this Saturday in Hemet.

Every third Saturday of the month from 5-10 pm, the back doors of the brewery open up and let swarms of beer lovers enjoy the summer sun on their back patio; providing them with entertainment, good food and, of course, their most popular brews.