Local craft beer heroes from the South Bay and beyond congregate along Redondo Beach’s International Boardwalk for an examination of hoppy beer, exotic aromas and flavorful opinions during Naja’s Place 8th IPA Festival that starts this Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. It is a week long event that caters to the most effervescent beer seasoning around, hops. The flowers of the climbing plant Humulus lupulus, a member of the family Cannabaceae (which also includes cannabis) are the odoriferous ingredients behind most hop-centric beers.
Naja’s IPA Fest is serious business among beer geeks and for good reason. All types of IPAs (India Pale Ale) and DPAs (Double IPAs, think IPA with higher ABV) and cask beers will be on draft from local South Bay brewers as well as hop-forward beers from all over California and other states.
Naja’s IPA Fest represents the tacky but charming personality from which the culture of one of the most iconic South Bay craft beer watering holes began. Dank beers available all week for a premium price, many kegs are tapped for special release or even new release. Iconic San Diego brewer Pizza Port pulls a tap takeover on Saturday starting at noon that features at least 20 IPAs. Other brewers like Ballast Point, Modern Times, Strand Brewing Firestone plus many more will be tapping kegs; expect some surprise brews too.
The Festival runs one whole week starting this Wednesday May 18th at 2:00pm, so pace yourself, hydrate, and don’t hesitate to make multiple trips. All you need is a sturdy beach cruiser, a little Uber or a Lyft and an elbow that bends. Commemorative glasses will be available. Naja’s Place is located at 150 N. International Boardwalk in Redondo Beach. Follow Naja’s facebook page or Instagram feed for up to date tap list and festival fun.