Even one-of-a-kind weddings often take a cue or two from tradition. Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue now have competition from something brewed.
Instead of pouring over invitation and wine lists, brides and grooms now have the option of pouring their own wedding day beer. It’s called Hoppily Ever After and it adds the fun task “brew beer” to the often long wedding must-do list. It’s offered by the Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport and the Enegren Brewing Company.
The Southern California craft microbrewery is located in Moorpark about 40 minutes inland from Malibu. Enegren Brewing Company was started by two brothers and a close friend in the dorm rooms of Loyola Marymount University, before growing into a commercial brewery. But why the love for beer at a hotel minutes from LAX? The hotel property is also home to Brewster’s Bar and Grill which has an ever-changing 100-beer menu that includes many craft beers and microbrews. The poolside bar’s six taps are dedicated to small, local California craft breweries. Bottom line: beer is big.
So here’s how it works. After couples book their reception at the hotel, the beer experience with Energren Brewing begins. Brewers work with couples to determine their preferred beer taste and style. The happy couple and a few friends head to Enegren Brewing Company for a tasting session before any brewing begins to further help narrow down what kind of brew they want to create for their wedding day. Four Points by Sheraton LAX also has a Director of Brewer Relations that can arrange additional tastings at the on-site Brewster’s Bar and Grill to help couples pinpoint their likes and dislikes.
When brewing day arrives, couples determine just how hands-on they want to be in creating their wedding day beer. They can spend a few hours or an entire day learning brewing tasks like adding hops and dumping grain. Terms like mash tun and lauter tun will become part of the happy couple's beer vocabulary. The bride and groom even get personalized Enegren Brewing Company jumpsuits to wear during the process.
The brewing typically takes about three weeks. But when it’s finished you’ll have up to 30 gallons of wedding day beer to wow guests. Additional beer can also be made if you are expecting a long list of thirsty guests. The cost ranges from about $1500 to $2000.
Dana can be found on Twitter @drebmann
