San Leandro brewery to release 25th anniversary beer

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Photo | Chris Valentine

Headzo, Drake’s Brewery’s anniversary beer, will be released in limited quantities on Sept. 12.

Alexia Laines,
Contributor

To commemorate its 25th anniversary, Drake’s Brewery of San Leandro will host an exclusive celebration in which it will release its highly anticipated anniversary beer, Headzo.

The event will take place at the brewery Friday, Sept. 12 from 4-10 p.m. and include live music, a variety of barbecue, as well as ‘Beer Talks’ starting at 6:30 p.m. During the brew talks, local brew-masters discuss and participate in a Q&A with the audience over the popular alcoholic beverage.

“Basically everyone who has ever been apart of Drake’s will be there,” said Brittany Devencenzi, a bartender at the brewery.

The brewery will also host live music as well as a slew of gourmet barbecue food trucks. Different types of barbecue, including classic burgers and barbecue pizza, will be provided by Fiveten Burger, Fists of Flour, Bombzies, and as Bourbon Brothers BBQ.

“I love Bombzies Vietnamese barbecue sandwiches,” said Max Nietzel, a local patron of Drake’s. “I always see them at Off the Grid.”

The brewery will also release its anniversary beer, Headzo. Patrons can buy pre-sale tickets for bottles of the beer for $25 per bottle or opt to buy pre-sale VIP tickets to the party for $65 that feature two bottles of Headzo, a commemorative Headzo 5 oz tasting glass, and a guaranteed draft pour of Headzo on their anniversary.

“We anticipate Headzo selling out,” said Devencenzi, “That’s going to be a hot commodity.”

Tickets are limited, as is the commemorative beer, so purchasing pre-sale tickets is recommended. Tickets are available on the brewery’s website.

“It’s going to be a big party inside the brewery unlike our First Fridays that is held outside,” said Devencenzi.

A Drake’s employee is shown with Headzo, a limited edition beer from the brewery.
A Drake’s employee is shown with Headzo, a limited edition beer from the brewery.

First Fridays are monthly parties that are held in the brewery’s parking lot where patrons pay for admission and receive a souvenir glass.

“First Fridays is pretty awesome,” said Joe Pulis, a Hayward resident. “Every so often the souvenir cup changes, so you can see how long people have been coming based on what cup they bring.”

A portion of the proceeds of every First Friday goes to the non-profit organization chosen for that month. Last month the San Leandro Education Fund was the organization chosen for the event “they always have a charity,” said Pulis. “It’s great to support the local community.”

To learn more about Drake’s and their ongoing events you can look at their website www.drinkdrakes.com.