Brew at the L.A. Zoo – August 12, 2011 – Photos / Review

Review / Photos/ Pics dated August 13, 2011

Brew at the Los Angeles Zoo brought down a packed house (2,500 people) as beer and animal lovers alike enjoyed their Friday evening on August 12, 2011. Probably few visitors realized that this was the zoo’s first beer festival, with the event seemed to be meticulously organized.

As fans walked up to the entrance, they quickly found out that 2,600 of their closest friends would need to be I.D.ed by L.A’s finest, while park staff checked tickets and handed each patron a beautiful (and collectible) 4 ounce tasting glass. Fans found that beer tastings were limited practically by their ability to wait in lines, particularly for the most popular beers.

Luckily, beer fans could intersperse their beer tastings with live music by KROQ-endorsed “Locals Only” bands and about half of the parks’ animals, including the ever-popular elephants.

The event featured beer in 4 tasting stations, with 4 to 6 breweries in each of the stations. Not surprisingly, the closest station drew large lines early in the night from thirsty fans, with the wise drinkers heading straight to the back for short lines until about 6:30 p.m. As the evening set in, red and orange colors filled the sky as the romantic sunset created a beautiful backdrop for the already perfect outdoor weather.

As the night continued, beer began to dry up as breweries were told to only bring two or three kegs. Those breweries opting for three kegs quickly became popular among the fans, including Fullerton’s Bootlegger’s Brewery and Redland’s Hangar 24.

All of the proceeds went to a good cause: The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association.

As the sky turned black and the kegs ran dry, fans headed for the exit, leaving few with any doubt that the L.A. Zoo will quickly be bringing this event back again soon.

Preview dated July 17, 2011

Brew at the L.A. Zoo comes to Los Angeles on the evening of Friday, August 12, 2011.

The Inland Empire has only two zoos, both in distant locations from the San Bernardino and Riverside metro areas: The Living Desert in Palm Desert and Moonridge Zoo in Big Bear. If you missed the Living Desert’s Brew at the Zoo this past May, it probably won’t be coming back until next year (though we’ll be sure to let you know when the next installment hits the Coachella Valley).

The Inland Empire has several breweries represented at the L.A. Zoo event: Hangar 24 Brewery (Redlands) and Inland Empire Brewing Company (Riverside).

This new annual event features a unique 3-hour beer tasting experience. Upon arrival, “Brew at the Zoo” guests receive a five ounce collectible sampler glass and 12 tickets to taste the night away. Participants include Bayhawk Ales, Belmont Brewing Co., Bootlegger’s Brewery, Brouwerij West, The Bruery, Cismontane Brewing Co., Eagle Rock Brewery, El Segundo Brewing Co., Hangar 24 Craft Brewery, Indian Wells Brewing Co., Inland Empire Brewing Co., Left Coast Brewing Co., Noble Ale Works, Skyscraper Brewing Co., So Cal Brewing Co., Stone Brewing Co. and Strand Brewing Co. Also participating are Firestone Walker Brewing Co. and Karl Strauss Brewing Co. who took home multiple awards from the “Los Angeles International Beer Competition” this past June. Hard cider fans may enjoy samples from Crispin’ Cider Co. and Fox Barrel Cider.

With this many breweries, it’s no wonder that Beer Advocate is talking about this.

Aside from the array of craft beer brands at hand, tantalizing pub-style foods will be available to fill guests’ cravings.

“Brew at the Zoo” wouldn’t be complete without the sounds of toe-tapping music to fill the air. KROQ “Locals Only” presents five up-and-coming L.A. based rock bands performing in the Zoo throughout the evening: Heartstop, The Steelwells, The Fling, Tijuana Panther and Upstream. 93.1 JACK FM joins in for the festivities.

Proceeds will benefit the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association, supporting the Zoo in its mission to nurture wildlife and enrich the human experience.

Participants must be 21 years of age. IDs will be checked at the door.

Tickets are available online for $40, or pay $45 at the door, though we wouldn’t recommend this as this event is expected to sell out!

The L.A. Zoo is located at 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027. 323-644-4200.