Captain Stout has a nice, big, roasty flavor and strong espresso character. Esters are mostly dark fruit, maybe raisin, but very low and I found the hop bitterness earthy and understated. I’m not certain what kind of hops went into this but they’re grassy or herbal in character and they play very well with the … Continue reading Alpine Beer Company | Captain Stout 6% ABV
Here are the other two Belching Beaver brews that finished off my flight and then my friends and I migrated to a cafe where I ordered the most magical Maui coconut stout. Hopped Up Honey Wheat Does what it says on the tin really. This brew has a strong honey aroma and finish. Biscuit sweetness … Continue reading Belching Beaver | Part 2
You don’t forget the name Belching Beaver, do you? I’ve been meaning to visit this place for a while and I’ve been saving a bottle of their peanut butter stout for almost a month now. It’s a quiet tasting room in North Park, San Diego with many rotating taps. As per expectation I ordered a flight! … Continue reading Belching Beaver | Part 1
So here’s the second part of my visit to one of the Karl Strauss restaurant and tasting rooms in San Diego. Part one can be found here. Wreck Alley Imperial Stout This is definitely my new favourite K-Strauss brew. The coffee malts with rich vanilla flavors and mocha smoothness are just a masterpiece. It’s strong … Continue reading Karl Strauss, Part Two
Today I was lucky enough to go have lunch in honor of my best friend’s graduation and because she has impeccable taste we went to Karl Strauss! This tasting room is pretty underrated in my opinion. It’s in a quiet suburb exactly like the one in Weeds. Not someplace I go to bring the … Continue reading Karl Strauss, Part One
So fresh and so clean, clean: Ballast Point Fathom IPL India Pale Lagers are among the best of the experimental styles that have cropped up in craft beer because they work with the extremes of the American IPA but keep it lager smooth. IPA level hop bitterness could easily have overwhelmed this style but the … Continue reading Ballast Point | Fathom IPL 7% ABV
Racer 5 pours a deep golden color with a fluffy foam collar, full body, and fine carbonation. Though it’s hopped with Chinook, Cascade, Centennial, and Columbus hops the bitterness is relatively understated. It’s a classic citrus + piney combo but neither is overdone. Like many craft beer drinkers I go through a lot of IPA’s … Continue reading Bear Republic | Racer 5 IPA 7.5% ABV
I’m a huge nerd for those listicles of words that don’t easily translate into English. I thought I should share this gem with you all: Continue reading Utepils
This white ale is super, super mild with lower levels of citrus and coriander flavors than expected and there’s a pleasant fruity tartness in the mix as well. It goes down the hatch very easily so I think a gentle 5% ABV was a judicious choice. Cereal-y Pilsner malts and wheat underly a balanced brew with … Continue reading St. Archer Brewing | White Ale 5.0% ABV
This beer is a veritable welcome parade to springtime and lounging outdoors. Golden Gate Gose has exactly the cider character you’d expect in a gose with mild carbonation and green apple tartness. This would be great to session because it’s refreshing and only 5% ABV. I particularly love that white, airy lace of a head. … Continue reading Almanac Brewing Co. | Golden Gate Gose 5% ABV
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