The Mad Beer Man invades NorCal!

[Eli the Mad Beer Man]

Fran and I are headed out NorCal way on Wednesday. I know it's a bit last second, but if any NorCal Aleums want to hook up in San Francisco that night... come on down! We have plans to hook up with Jinja and Joey at this point.

Basically what we're doing is landing, grabbing the rental car, checking in at the hotel, freshening up a bit and heading straight to Toronado Pub. While we have tix for the game that night at AT&T Park, we've both been there enough times to blow it off if fun breaks out imbibing brews with whoever. We also want to hit up 21st Amendment Brewery.

We're heading out Napa/Santa Rosa way the next day to visit Fran's folks. We have reservations to stay at the Calistoga Inn on Friday night, which happens to have a brewery on the premises. We also have tentative plans to meet Rob DeNunzio and his wife and son at Russian River on Sunday, but some things have come up that might prevent us from doing any of that.

We won't know for sure until later in the week., so best bets happening on Wednesday night SF.

Hope to see a few of you!

[Rob DeNunzio]

Yeah, you're just avoiding RRBC cuz you know my little girl's gonna kick yer butt for calling her a dude.

[Eli the Mad Beer Man]

DOOOOOOOOOOOH! They say the mind is the first thing to go, and there ya have it... in livin' color! Tell your daughter I'm soooooooo sorry! ;)

Why the heck did I just assumed you had a son when you said "kid"? Weird.

Another beer please! Might as well drink, eh? The mind is gone already. ;)

[The Beer Philosopher]

Words do not express my jealousy ... ;)

This, of course, can be made up to me in the form of beer in oddly-shaped bottles ... ...

[Rob DeNunzio]

Oddly shaped bottles, indeed! I think we can help you out again, friend.

I'm hoping to stock up on some more of those oddly-shaped bottles for an American Wild Ale tasting that we're planning to host soon. Just waiting for that Consecration to make an appearance... (Batch #1, that is.)

[Jinja]

Joey and I are headed up to the 21st Amendment tonight on the train... since Eli and Fran are stopping by the game we might not arrive until around 7 or so. But hopefully we'll meet up and enjoy some tasty beverages! I'm sure Eli's a fan of the Watermelon Wheat, and I really dig their IPA.

Where's Russian River again? Sonoma? Where do you live, Rob?

Jinja Out

[Rob DeNunzio]

Russian River's in Santa Rosa (I posted their address and contact info on the "events" page here).

I currently reside amidst the trees of "the center of the Universe", Fairfax, CA - equidistant from the City and Sonoma.

I'd totally be at Toronado tonight if I weren't working. Alas. I told Eli to have an Aventinus and boar sausage for me...

[Jinja]

Well, we met up with Eli and Fran and had a GREAT time - they are both so friendly and easy going. Joey and Fran have not spent as much time here as Eli and I, but I just knew we'd all get along. Joey and Eli found out they have video games and techno-geekiness in common as well as beer, and Fran and I were able to bond over Grand Theft Auto 4 widowhood :-)

21st Amendment is a cool place with beer (and cocktails) to suit everyone's taste, and we geeked out about beer (of course) but also talked about our hometowns and our hobbies and the Aleuminati over many tasty brews (and cocktails).

I've been lucky enough to meet a lot of great people online over the past few years that end up being RL friends as well, but you never know. There's always a slight risk that an online friend will end up being crazy.

Well, Eli's pretty crazy, but in the best possible sense ;-D It was really fun meeting up and we're looking forward to future meetings to come with tasty brews (and good cocktails).

Thanks for making time for us during your vacation, Eli and Fran! And here's to the 3rd Official Aleuminati meeting!

Jinja Out

[The Beer Philosopher]

I think this is awesome! I'm so glad to hear you guys had a great time and I only wish I could have been there. Thank you all for your participation on the Aleuminati! You guys make the site what it is ... and you'll make it what it will be!

Cryptic, huh ...

no pressure.

[Eli the Mad Beer Man]

Quick shout out in the midst of all the incredible beery goodness going on here in NorCal.

Fran and I just got back from meeting Rob and his family at Russian River Brewing. Great meeting you guys while sipping down some mighty fine brew! Joey and Jen... heckuva fun time at 21st Amendement Brewing (after hanging at Toronado for a few hours) the other night. Can't wait to do that again.

Speaking of... Fran and I have tentative plans to come back out in mid-July, so... ;)

In betwix all that we've also hit up Napa Valley Brewing Company (inside the Calistoga Inn) and rocked the Silverado Brewing Company. So ya, the brew has been flowin! ;)

Much more to come when I have more time to coherently form words. Right now, got some Beatification and Supplication chillin' in the fridge to have with the steak we're Q-in up here in a few.

Until then... ZIVJELI!

[Rob DeNunzio]

'Tis true. This "mad man of beer" you've likely heard rumored about does truly exist. And it's a good thing, too! As much fun as it is discussing the world of beer with all y'all here online, still nothing beats sitting down with a likewise enthusiast over a real world pint (or enormous platter of sampler glasses, as it were). It was great to meet Eli and Fran today, and looking forward to hopefully doing something in July. Magnolia? Moylan's? Marin Brewing? Iron Springs? We've obviously got a lot of ground to cover...

(PS - That makes this the what, fourth official Aleuminati gathering?)

[Jinja]

I'm down! And Joey will be too ;-) Let us know a couple of weeks in advance and we can make a long weekend (or middle of the week vacay) of it.

And hey! Eli! You have the photographic proof! Post it already :-)

Jinja Out