Holiday Homebrew Hoedown

HOLIDAY HOMEBREW HOEDOWN: When we created the Holiday Homebrew Hoedown — The Santa Barbara Independent’s first-ever competition between Santa Barbara’s best amateur beer makers — we never anticipated the creative wave that would flood our offices, where 20 entries are now awaiting judging, including ales aged for 11 months on pine cones, imperial red beers enlivened with juniper berries, and sugar plum saisons. Featuring prizes from Telegraph Brewing Co., sliders from The Burger Bus, and empanadas by Rodrigo Gimenez, the final judgment goes down this Monday, December 3, at Carr Winery. The 5:30-8 p.m. event is by invite only, but email events@independent.com if you’re interested in attending.