Outside Lands not only showcases the biggest names in music this weekend, but will serve some of the Bay Area’s finest food and drink as well. Beer Lands, the beer component of Outside Lands, will have 45 beers on tap from 16 Northern California breweries over the three-day festival. We posed a few questions about this year's selections to Dave McLean, Brewmaster/Owner of Magnolia Brewery and Beer Lands curator.
There's a slightly different mix of breweries represented this year. Why the changes?
“It's a pretty big beer commitment for a lot of the smaller breweries so some of it comes down to who, in this rapidly growing craft beer climate, is able to participate. But as with last year, it's an all-Northern California list with as much of an emphasis on SF and the immediate Bay Area as possible.”
Because this is the second year for Beer Lands and it's great exposure for brewers, are any of them calling you to get involved?
“Sure, that's definitely happening. Again though, I think everyone would love to be there, but it can be a logistical challenge to supply so much beer. And even among those who are able to do it, there are so very many great breweries in the area that there just isn't room for everyone I'd like to see there. We're spoiled around here with an abundance of awesome craft breweries.”
Do you know if Beer Lands might expand in the future?
“Beer Lands has actually grown in size this year and it's going to be over in the Polo Field, which is exciting, but the volume of beer makes it important to focus just as much on logistics and dispensing as on increasing the number of breweries. I'd love to see it expand not just in size but in more breweries, of course. Like so much of Outside Lands, I think that Beer Lands will just keep getting better and better. It's a total joy to work with the Outside Lands team because everyone is committed to pushing and thinking about how to keep improving things.”
Are you going this year? Looking forward to seeing any particular bands?
“Definitely. I'll be there all three days, mostly not too far from Beer Lands, but sure, I hope to catch some music (and food and wine!). Can't think of a better place to be for those three days. I'm looking forward to lots of stuff, but, I have to say, I've never seen Paul McCartney (or any Beatle) so that's exciting. I always like seeing The Mother Hips and I'm looking forward to Ivan Neville, as well. Willie Nelson, too. And probably a bunch of people that I am forgetting at the moment and hopefully I will have time to check out!”
Dave’s brewery list and the beers they will be serving is below. Note: Not every beer will be pouring all weekend. There will be two on tap from each brewery and breweries that have more than two beers will substitute when one runs out.
21st Amendment
Bitter American
Hell or High Watermelon
Ale Industries
Golden State of Mind
Cherry Kush
Uncle Jesse
Rye'd Piper
Almanac
Honey Saison
Biere de Chocolat
Extra Pale
Anchor
Steam
Fort Ross Farmhouse Ale
Big Leaf Maple
California Lager
Bear Republic
Racer 5
Cher Ami
Double Ought
Grand Am
Drakes
1500 Pale
Aroma Coma
Blonde
Denogginizer
Linden Street
Black Lager
Hop Candi
Lost Coast
Great White
Indica IPA
Tangerine Wheat
Mad River
Steelhead Pale
Hefeweizen
Jamaica Red
Flor de Jamaica
Magnolia
Kalifornia Kölsch
Proving Ground IPA
North Coast
PranQster
Brother Thelonius
Scrimshaw
Red Seal
Pacific Brewing Labs
Nautilus
Squid Ink
Sierra
OSL Saison
Southern Hemisphere Harvest
Social Kitchen & Brewery
Pilsner
Rapscallion
Speakeasy
Big Daddy IPA
Prohibition
Bulmers
Cider
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