Sea Breeze Tavern and Corralitos Brewery team up in Rio Del Mar for Octoberfest

Well the Sea Breeze Tavern Octoberfest at Rio Del Mar was not what I expected, because I did not know exactly what to expect. What I found was a delight had by all in such a great setting. The good folks at the Tavern had the foresight to choose the fledgling Corralitos Brewery for their Octoberfest beer provider. They could not have picked or had a better choice. I sampled all 10 of their beers. Yes I walked home as driving is never smart, but then, I walked down from my Rio Del Mar home to enjoy the event.

Cafe Rio and the Sea Breeze Tavern both put forth their own versions of this German event and it went off well. As I walked down the hill I began to hear music. I stopped tl ask a lady walking up the hillif she had been there, and she said at first she thought someone had their boom box up loud, but then realized it was live music. As I proceeded down the hill the first sight I saw was a band playing on the roof of the Cafe Rio. It was pretty cool. If I can figure how to download the photos from my camera, I'll display them later.

Being a local, I figured I'd go for the gusto, and since Cafe Rio was offering 3 beers for 20 and Sea Breeze was offering 10 beers for 15, the math made an easy choice. Besides that I love fresh beer and was keen to try the new Corralitos Brewery Beer. They are not public, I hear they will open on Freedom Blvd near 5 mile house, but no date I recall being given. They make the beer in a private location, "up in them thar hills", and do a mighty fine job.

There were 10 different types, but I forgot to take a flyer that explained the choices so am going from memory. I was impressed, and tell you to be on the lookout for when they do come on the local scene. Here is what I recall.

IPA

Double IPA

Oat Burbon Vanilla stout- one of my favorites- sort of a desert been. Incredible nose, very smooth and rich. Unlike any beer I have had

Kolsh- a sweet honey light beer- also very tasty

Hefeweisen

Well so much for the memory on the rest, but there were other light beers, another stout I think, a Hefeweisen I think was quite nice too. These were all nicely served by the brewery staff. I think the father of the brewmaster, Tim, I think, was pleased with his son's output, and anyone would be.The crowd really liked the selection.

We were treated to live music out site, comfortable chairs and a beautiful day at Rio Del Mar beach. As the cool evening air filled in, we sat around a bonfire as the day turned to dusk. Every one was friendly and having a good time. I could not think of a better way to top off a nice fall evening. Great beer, nice friendly people, a toasty bonfire near the beach, live music, and a short walk to go home when I was done.

This is certainly one event you don't want to miss next year. While the tavern and also Cafe Rio have live music at times, and are fine local places to enjoy, this was one fun event not soon to be forgotten. I am hopeful that some liked it enough to consider buying an Aptos beach rental or Rio Del Mar vacation home. That way they can walk safely home like me.:)