It’s hard to believe this is our fifth SF Beer Week. Things seemed to go off without a hitch last night at the Concourse Exhibition Center and it was another great kick-off to over 500 events that will follow this week. I spent most of my time drinking and talking to old friends and meeting new ones, but did snap a few photos along the way.

The calm before the storm, about an hour before the SF Beer Week Opening Celebration began last night.

Alex from Uncommon Brewers.

Natalie Cilurzo (from Russian River) and Dave Keene (from the Toronado).

Jay and the crew from Pine Street Brewery.

Angelo Roselle with Geno Acevedo from El Toro Brewing. Angelo’s on a mission to drink every beer in the book I contributed to, 1001 Beers You Must Try Before You Die, and Geno’s Oatmeal Stout was one of the beers that I wrote up for the book.

The Concourse Exhibition Hall with the celebration in full swing.

John Martin, me and Peter Hoey.

Rodger Davis (now from Faction Brewing) with Gabbi mugging for the camera in the background.

I finally had a chance to try the beer we made at Beer Camp in December. Our Celebrator 25th Anniversary Double Pale Ale is tasting better than I ever could have hoped. It should be appearing at bars and festivals throughout the week, so keep an eye out for it.

Tom Dalldorf (from the Celebrator) and Dave Keene (from the Toronado).