An Arrogant Bastard at the Stone Gardens
It’s been a busy week in San Diego for me, but I was finally able to slip away to Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens in Escondido. It’s a perfect night to sit back under the trees and enjoy one of my all time favorite craft brews, Arrogant Bastard.
Cheers!
The Brewholder
Copyright 2015 – all rights reserved
San Diego in January
In the middle of a cold, Mid-Atlantic winter, I was lucky enough to have a quick visit to balmy San Diego. Over the years, I have read and heard stories from craft brew fans testifying to the fact that San Diego is the “craft beer mecca” of the West Coast, so I was curious to see how a 48 hour trip with limited time for beer tourism would turn out. I was not disappointed.
The Knotty Barrel
I started my visit with a late lunch at The Knotty Barrel. The comfortable craft brew bar had over 22 taps and 18 bottled beers, with the majority from the Bear State. I made sure that my first taste of San Diego was a flight of California’s finest – Three Weavers ESB; Sierra Nevada Kellerweiss, Ballast Point Fathom IPA, IronFire 51/50 IPA, and BNS Brewing Ma Deuce DIPA. The flight did not disappoint – especially when paired with Knotty Barrel’s Potato Chip Nachos and Knotty Wings.
Mission Brewing Company
Don’t act like you’re not impressed..with jazz flute..and 2 versions of the IPA
After The Knotty Barrel, I headed to Mission Brewing who, by chance, was releasing their “Don’t Act Like You’re Not Impressed” IPA, that day. The brew was made in collaboration with Alpine Brewing Company and embraced the San Diego-based film “Anchorman.” The “Don’t Act Like You’re Not Impressed” IPA was brewed in two varieties – one with Mosaic and another version with Simcoe. Both were perfect examples of a West Coast IPA for an East Coast visitor! After sampling a few other Mission creations, I took bottles of Mission’s “Carrack” Red Ale and “Dark Seas” Russian Imperial Stout for the road and went on to explore more of San Diego, which included the grand opening of Half Door Brewing Company.
Coronado Brewing Company
Coronado flight
The following day I took the ferry to Coronado Island, home of Coronado Brewing Company. There was large crowd at the bar, but it was a friendly, comfortable group enjoying a warm Saturday afternoon. Between my flight and my companion’s flights, I was able to sample every one of the beers available that day. Although I hate to make lists or rank beers in any way (to each their own!), Coronado’s Algerythm was the perfect pairing with the weather and the fun people I was with at the time. A highly aromatic India Pale Lager, the grapefruit and citrus flavors were contrasted nicely by the crisp lager beer.
A golden treasure
As I departed Coronado Brewing, I was treated with a stunning visual nightcap to a fantastic day – the San Diego skyline was bathed in gold from the setting sun. Between this sunset and the many outstanding local brews I had encountered in less than 48 hours, I am convinced that what you read is true – San Diego is truly a treasure and should be considered a “mecca” of the American craft brew movement.
Cheers!
The Brewholder
Copyright 2015 – all rights reserved
Recently I attended a simply decadent “Beer & Chocolate” pairing at Iron Hill Brewery Chestnut Hill on assignment for Philly Beer Scene Magazine. Read my review of it on Philly Beer Scene’s Online Exclusives!
Cheers!
The Brewholder
Coyright 2015 – all rights reserved
Once again I’m leaving the cold of Philadelphia in January to check out the beer scene in a warmer climate. And what a scene – the “mecca” of west coast brewing (and IPAs) – San Diego! Follow me live on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as I check out some of the breweries and craft beer bars in San Diego! Probably highest on my list this weekend is Mission Brewery‘s release of their collaboration IPA with Alpine Brewing Company today at 4:00pm!
Cheers!
The Brewholder
Copyright 2015 – All rights reserved
While many people mark the beginning of this hectic season by “shopping til you drop” on Black Friday, I tend to take a more reflective approach. I can’t think of a better way to reflect on the past year than to sit in a warm public house with a craft beer and comfort food. In my opinion, there is no better place for this than McGillin’s Old Ale House in the “MidTown Village” section of Philadelphia. Located on Drury Street, a narrow, not well-maintained, alley, McGillin’s has provided a safe haven for those looking to drink and eat in a comfortable atmosphere since 1860.
On Thanksgiving weekend, McGillin’s transforms itself into a Christmas wonderland. As described on their website, “It’s like Christmas with steriods at McGillin’s – with more than 1,000 feet of garland, 1,200 feet of lights, 350 bows and ornaments.” It’s the perfect place to stop in for a meal and a drink while enjoying Philadelphia Christmas activities like the Macy’s Light Show and the Dickens Village, the Philadelphia Christmas Village and the Comcast Spectacular.
In what is becoming an annual tradition (see my post from 2013), McGillin’s is definitely my choice to jump start to the holidays. Stop in and have one of McGillin’s specialty brews, crafted only for McGillin’s by Stoudt’s Brewing in Adamstown, or try another local Philadelphia craft brew like Philadelphia Brewing Company’s Walt Wit or Sly Fox’s Christmas Ale.
Philadelphia Brewing Walt Wit upstairs at McGillin’s
Sly Fox Christmas Ale – glowing red for the season.
So here’s to the beginning of the holiday season – and cheers to McGillin’s!
Cheers!
The Brewholder
Copyright 2014 – all rights reserved
Recently Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza in Horsham, Pennsylvania invited me to experience their “Well Done” pizza and craft beer! Check out what I thought on Philly Beer Scene – Online Exclusives!
Anthony’s in Horsham, PA
Cheers!
The Brewholder
Copyright 2014 – all rights reserved
Pumpkin painting at the historic Ambler Theater
On Saturday, October 4, 2014, Ambler, Pennsylvania held its annual Oktoberfest, sponsored by the Ambler Main Street organization. After a scare of rainstorms in the morning, the weather turned out to be perfect for a street festival. Butler Avenue was packed with local artisans, food, carnival games, live music and a Beer Garden sponsored by the Ambler Rotary Club. It was a family-friendly event but still had craft brew options for those looking for it.
Ambler Rotary Club’s Oktoberfest Beer Garden
The Rotary Club Beer Garden served Victory’s Festbier as well as a few other non-oktoberfest options; several restaurants on the street, including The Lucky Well, offered food on the curb and had their doors wide open for beverage service. The open-container prohibition was suspended during the event, so festival attendees could walk and peruse the craft wares for sale – including bottle cap artwork from Zaps Caps.
Zaps Caps bottlecap artwork
Hop Fries!
Among the food options was “Hop Fries” – double fried french fries in the Belgian style sprinkled with an IPA seasoning and served with a smoked garlic cheddar beer cheese. Talk about a great snack while wandering through a street festival! Other offerings included traditional funnel cakes and kettle corn, as well as Korean delicacies and Philly cheesesteaks.
Hop fries and hop drink
The official end of the festival was located at the live music stage at the intersection of Butler and Main. But two chalkboards encouraged fest goers to wander down Main Street for an additional Oktoberfest experience. Bar 31 offered free samples of Sierra Nevada’s Harvest Ale and had a great selection of other seasonal craft beers, including Southern Tier’s Pumking (on special for $4 a pint) and Terrapin’s Pumpkinfest. While the selection was great, Bar 31 still allows smoking in the barroom which is not conducive to fully enjoying the craft brews. Once smoking is prohibited inside the pub, Bar 31 will be poised to be a craft beer destination in Ambler.
Bar 31
Ambler’s local craft brewery, Forest & Main, opened its doors early at 12:00 pm for its Oktoberfest celebration. As with all its events, the front yard was packed with craft beer fans and families enjoying F&M’s house made pretzels and other German fare. Specially made for Oktoberfest was the Nico, a 5.5% ABV inspired by both German Oktoberfests and French Biere de Gardes. It was a perfect compliment to the weather and the companionship in the front yard, and a great ending to the Ambler Oktoberfest!
F&M Oktoberfest 2014
F&M Nico
Prost!
The Brewholder
Copyright 2014 – all rights reserved
Four Peaks Brewing “Kilt Lifter” in its natural state.
The greater Phoenix area is not known as a craft beer destination. But after a recent trip there, I learned that the demand for local craft beer is growing, and the beginnings of a Phoenix beer culture is emerging like an oasis rising from the horizon of a desert.
Within the past few years craft beer fans have been pleased to see the emergence of craft taps in Phoenix bars. While larger “chain” pubs such as “The Mellow Mushroom” and “The Yard House” have a decent selection, some bar owners are providing more options for Phoenix craft drinkers. The Angel’s Trumpet Ale House, owned by Sharry & Mat Engelhorn, is ensuring that no tap will ever be dedicated to just one beer. Once a beer is kicked, another, different craft beer takes its place. The night I was there, a variety of New Belgium beers were showcased during a tap take-over with New Belgium Brewer Grady Hull on premises.
Angel’s Trumpet Ale House
Another craft beer bar that has a very nice selection is the Union Barrel House, located in Old City Scottsdale. With over thirty taps of local and other craft beers, it can be difficult to choose which ones to try. Here’s a tip – make sure you use the paper menu to order, because the beer goes quick and the chalkboard over the bar may not be current.
The beginning of Grand Avenue Brewing’s barrel program.
As far as breweries are concerned, there are several in the Phoenix area. But right now there is a flurry of excitement and anticipation for Grand Avenue Brewing Company, which is expected to open in early 2015 and is the collaboration of brewers John Coll and Steve Robson, Philly Beer Geek winner 2008. “GAB” plans to have a barrel aging program and produce “niche” beers that have not previously been available in the Phoenix market – maybe we’ll see an Ice Bock or a sour similar to Russian River’s Consecration? Check out an upcoming issue of Philly Beer Scene to learn more about GAB’s plans, and follow them on Facebook to see their progress leading up to opening day.
Other Arizona brews to be on the look out for:
Four Peaks Brewing Company, Tempe, AZ: Their “Peach Ale” was the perfect compliment to a poolside afternoon, and their “Kilt Lifter” is a local favorite.
Four Peaks Peach Ale
Sleepy Dog Brewing, Tempe, AZ: “Leg Humper” is a mild hefeweizen that is easy to drink and may lead to other activities.
Papago Brewing Company, Scottsdale, AZ: Serving and brewing since 2001, their “Orange Blossom” is an American pale wheat ale packed with orange.
Mother Road Brewing Company, Flagstaff, AZ: If you took a sip with your eyes closed, you’d never guess from the aroma of the “Lost Highway Black IPA” that this was a dark colored beer – wonderful.
Historic Brewing Company, Flagstaff, AZ: The “Piehole Cherry Vanilla Porter” would make a great compliment to a cooling dessert of vanilla ice cream.
College Street Brewhouse & Pub, Lake Havasu City, AZ: Let the stranger take you away in the “Big Blue Van” – a blueberry and vanilla wheat beer that drinks like candy.
Big Blue Van – in the only available glass.
So if you find yourself traveling to the greater Phoenix area, make sure you search out some local brew. No longer will you be lost in the desert with only macro brews – an oasis of craft beer can be found in the Grand Canyon state.
Cheers!
The Brewholder
Copyright 2014 – all rights reserved
It’s been a while, but I’m back in St. Louis! Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to see what awesome craft beer I find!
Cheers!
The Brewholder
Copyright 2014 – all rights reserved
Last night Philly Beer Scene hosted a blind beer tasting event at Lucky’s Last Chance in Manayunk. Fifteen brave volunteers came out to sample and provide their opinions on a variety of unnamed beers. Although the point of the event was not to test our ability to identify the brewers of the beers, it didn’t stop us from trying! From Belgian wit to porter, our taste buds were working on overdrive. When the sampling was over, we were not told who made the beers – we’ll just have to wait until the next issue of Philly Beer Scene is released at the end of this month!
As a side note, I stopped in at Taqueria Feliz in Manayunk after the tasting. If you like gazpacho, Taqueria Feliz’s version that is currently being served – with mint and avocado slices and just the right amount of spice – is outstanding!
Cheers!
The Brewholder
Copyright 2014 – all rights reserved