No shotgunning at this beer fest

As one brewery owner said it, it’s like a wine-tasting event, but less pretentious.

On Sunday afternoon, with the sun overhead and the water sparkling underneath, hundreds from around Newport-Mesa and Orange County will crowd onto a triple-decked yacht in Newport Harbor and get down to business tasting local beers and grooving to music.

“When everyone thinks beer they immediately think, ‘College keg parties and keg stands.’ They’re usually not like that,” said Aaron Barkenhagen, whose Fullerton-based Bootleggers Brewery will be one of several companies showing off their hops-filled product this weekend. “It’s usually people who go there to really check out the real crafty beers.”

Between 350 and 400 people will set out for a cruise around the harbor for Un4seen Production’s annual Newport Beach Beer Garden Cruise Sunday. This year a portion of the proceeds will go to the Surfers Healing foundation, a nonprofit company that teaches surfing to autistic children as a form of therapy.

“It’s a fun crowd...more laid back and mellow, no one wants to harsh anyone’s good times,” said Derek Bougie, event coordinator for Newport Beach Brew Company, another group that will be showing off three of their local treats on the yacht.

For four hours, guests will cruise around the harbor tasting dark, bitter, pale, any kind of beer they could want while The Creepers, an upcoming energetic band, provide the music.

“The Beer Garden is a great event because not only do you get a chance to sample great micro-beer all from local brewmasters, listen to some great music...you help children with autism while cruising around Newport Harbor,” said Brian Kushner, The Creepers’ drummer.

If You Go

WHAT: Newport Beach Beer Garden Cruise

WHERE: 2901 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach

WHEN: 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

WHY: To taste Southern California microbrews and benefit the nonprofit Surfers Healing foundation

HOW MUCH: Tickets are $46

INFORMATION: Call (800) 985-9072 or go online to www.un4seenproductions.com.