International Beer Festival returns to the San Diego fair

June 12, 8:43 PMSan Diego City Guide ExaminerCynthia Adkins

Brewmasters from around the globe are back and ready to compete for the title of “Best of Show” at the 3rd San Diego International Beer Festival on Friday, June 26, and Saturday, June 27, during the San Diego County Fair.
Guests 21 and older are welcome to attend and experience some of the best beer out there! This competition is open to licensed microbreweries to compete with their specialty beers.

The festival is one beer lovers would not want to pass up. More than 600 entries were received and the judging has already taken place. Approximately 300 beers have been selected, so for certain there is a beer for everyone. The event will take place in the Chevy Del Mar Arena Friday, June 26 from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday, June 27 from noon-7 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at $27 for Friday and $37 for Saturday. A two-day pass is $64. These prices include Fair admission, a souvenir tasting cup and a wristband that entitles the wearer to unlimited one-ounce samplings of beer from the competition. Tickets to the beer festival can also be purchased on the day of the event; however the prices will increase by $6.

In addition to local and nationwide breweries, the festival will have international submissions from countries such as Denmark, Japan, Scotland, Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands, Brazil, Australia, Canada, Germany, England, Norway, France, Sweden, Finland and the Philippines.

Last year’s Best of Show winner was a local beer, West Coast IPA (India Pale Ale) from Vista’s Green Flash Brewing Company. The 2007 winner was Export Lager, a beer from the state of Maine produced by Shipyard Brewing Company. The San Diego County Fair is open June 12 through July 5, 2009, and closed on the first two Mondays (June 15 and 22). Gates open at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday; 11 a.m. weekdays. Gates close 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 p.m. other nights. Admission is $13 for adults, $7 for ages 6-12 and 62 and older, and free for ages 5 and younger. 

For more information on the San Diego County Fair, visit http://www.sdfair.com/fair and for information on the San Diego International Beer Festival visit http://www.sdfair.com/beer