Bottoms Up

Rod Santos of the Grapes & Grains classes and newsletter is organizing a final toast to the late Bill Brand next Thursday, March 26. Some of you may know Santos from Wine Thieves in Lafayette, where he is part owner.

He splits his time, and his heart, educating the public on his two loves: beer and wine. He’s a fine guy and does a great job.

Bill was an active participant in Rod’s local beer tasting group. He says “Bill treated each beer they opened with the same intense fervor as the last, displaying an enthusiasm that is normally reserved for critics half his age.” Amen.

With the same fervor, Rod plans to raise a glass in Bill’s honor next week during a comprehensive tasting of some of what he calls the most exciting beers on today’s market, and many of which Bill reviewed.

If you want to join Rod and his crew, it’s $20 and will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. in the downstairs cellar at the Lafayette store, 3401 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Sign up here.