Helm’s Brewing Co. celebrated their first anniversary last Saturday, November 16th . One of San Diego’s younger breweries, Helm’s has hit the ground running, just released their first bottled products and threw a great party to celebrate it all.
I first told you about Helm’s when they opened last year. Since that time they have dialed in their recipes, built an impressive list of clients and gained a following any micro brewery would be proud of.
Tickets to this event were $30 which included unlimited tasters of the 17 beers they had on hand to celebrate with and a custom anniversary taster mug. A music stage behind the brewery welcomed you into the festival area of beer, food and vending booths. There were a few food items included with your ticket and a few available for purchase. The pork sliders from Eastbound Bar and Grill were terrific (included with ticket). Helm’s did a great job at managing the event. With beers spread out to 3 booths outside to support the main bar inside they were able to keep lines really short and the atmosphere fun and lively. The bands they had play were all a step above the usual beer festival entertainment.
I drank all the beers I hadn’t had before and revisited my favorites. The standouts for me were Decimation, 7 C’s, and my favorite, an oaked, cask version of Chocolate Night. Mixing of the peanut butter cup and raspberry versions of Chocolate Night to make peanut butter and jelly Chocolate Night was also good and spread around the festival quickly as something to try.
If you haven’t visited the brewery before I suggest you do. With a wide variety of styles, there is something for every craft beer drinker. The staff is laid back and friendly; this is a comfortable place to hang out, catch a game and have some great beer.
Helm’s Brewing Co. did what any micro brewery should do on their birthday. Throw a kick ass party to thank all their fans, give them beer that the general public will probably never try and celebrate having success in America’s Craftest City. As a great bonus, this event benefited San Diego Meals on Wheels.
