On Saturday January 28, The Brewing Networkwill host its third annual Winter Brews Fest. The festival promotes local breweries, local businesses, and fresh craft beer with a particular emphasis on winter warmers.

Seasonal beers are designed to complement a particular time of year and winter seasonals are known for being dark, malty, nuanced and warming. They are sometimes spiced with ingredients such as cinnamon, cloves, orange peel, nutmeg or chocolate.

Festival-goers can try unlimited beer samples from more than 30 world class breweries, including 21st Amendment, Drakes, Heretic, Lagunitas, Magnolia, Triple Rock and Russian River. As in past festivals, Brewing Networks’ resident beer expert and award winning brewer Mike “Tasty” McDole will be pouring his creations at Tasty's Tasting Room.

There will also be several food trucks, as well as Emergency BBQ’s rig, and live music will be provided by Purple Haze and Forrest Day. A percentage of the festival proceeds will benefit The Coral Reef Alliance, a local nonprofit.

Though its previous location in Berkeley is currently being occupied by the Occupy Movement, The Brewing Network was able to secure last-minute accommodations in nearby Concord at Todos Santos Plaza, two blocks from the Concord BART station. The fest is conveniently scheduled to take place between the NFC and AFC championships and the Super Bowl.

Where: Todos Santos Plaza, Concord, CA
When: Saturday, January 28th, 2012, 12 pm - 4 pm
Tickets: $35 pre-sale, $40 at the gate, includes unlimited pours and a
commemorative glass. You can purchase advance tickets here.