First Annual Chili Cookoff!

Picture this: a beer blogger so bloated he has resorted to wearing his wife’s old velour pregnant pants. My post-holiday gut firmly resting on my lap and my ass imprinting the word “yciuJ” on our Microfiber couch like some sort of rubber butt stamp.

Why so bloated you ask? Today I participated in the OC Beer Society’s first annual chili cook-off and bottle share at Peace Brewing in Anaheim. Before I succumb into my yearly ten-pound anti-booze hibernation, I wanted to get one last tasting in before I shed some un-needed lap-lard. Why not do it with rare beers?!?

The host, Peace Brewing, is the wet dream turned reality of Bradley Daniels in his historic 1920’s Anaheim California bungalow. His vision and raw talent as a craftsman and homebrewer have manifested this backyard magnum opus. The brewpub, garden, deck and koi pond in his backyard invade your senses on all levels. Inhale deep and take in the aroma of fresh redwood decking. In between the house and brewpub, cool shade is draped over the tasting area by a large angular avocado tree sculpted like a monolithic hand reaching to the sky. The koi pond drips and drizzles as a subtle reminder how much blood, sweat and tears were poured into this backyard masterpiece.

The cozy brewpub inside hosts everything one would want out of a public house; bathroom, brewery area and fermentation room; industrial fridge, bar, fireplace, and four taps pouring delicious homebrewed beer. The thing that amazes most first-time guests is the level of detail and finish with every aspect of the converted garage. Everything down to etched glassware with the Peace Brewing logo and custom framed artwork create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

As this was my first event with the OC Beer Society I had no idea what to expect. It seems like everyone has their own specialty; Scott Bennett of SNB Brewing was the Surly Brewing docent, bringing five outstanding beers from them. The growler of Fifty Fifty Totality was such a treat to compare the various Eclipse offerings I’ve tried. As more and more beers are pulled out of their refrigerated slumber, tables nearly fill up with random bottles of rare deliciousness. Smart phones and Untappd have truly transformed how we drink. Nearly everyone had a phone in one hand and a glass in the other, frantically checking into each exceptional and infrequently imbibed beverage. It was truly a sight.

Bradley Daniels (in black) chats about chilli & beer.

There were five chili’s to choose from, each so different and delicious in their own right! My Chili took fourth with only one vote, which wasn’t that bad considering I voted for the winner: Rico Nolan’s chorizo and steak masterpiece was diabolical. “I treated it like a brew day with additions and such” says Rico. The meat was pleasantly tender and absorbed the delicious chorizo grease for an amazing complex and not overly hot mouthgasm. “I could swim in it” says Scott Bennett of SNB Brewing. Indeed. Rico’s serrano chili homebrewed Wit paired extremely well with it, carrying the spice nicely. He was pretty excited at his winnings, but was reluctant to share! Boo!