I mostly agree, last few times I went there left a lot to be desired and there's plenty of other good stuff walking distance
beer that surprised me lately, New Belgium's Voodoo Ranger: Atomic Pumpkin. It's actually got quite a kick, and really isn't your normal "pumpkin" beer. If anyone is looking for a new twist on punmkin, it's worth it
This is an interesting read, regarding beers being made in the traditional lambic or gueuze style About
Been sticking to Tripel Karmeliet lately when I go out. Brings me back to this small German bar I'd always go to in the Bay Area that I miss.
Speisekammer in Alameda. I worked less than five minutes away and nearly every weekend I’d walk over after my shift and they pretty much always had kickass musicians playing. If you’re into folk or bluegrass at all then it’s a good spot. Great food too. It’s kind of a small place but the patrons are dedicated regulars and after going there consistently the staff felt like family, ya know? Plenty of times where the bartenders and I would go out drinking once they were done. I dunno if I’d tell someone to make the trek to The Spicy (as we locals call it) but if you’re around there then it’s the bar to go to imo. What part of the Bay are you from?
That’s not usually a flavor you want showing up, especially in a Hefeweizen. Some German lagers might be ok with it but that’s about it. Banana and clove on the other hand, should be fairly noticeable in that beer
Sounds interesting! I'll definitely check it out if I'm ever in that area (not often). I'm from the East Bay, a small town called Moraga if you've heard of it. Sort of halfway between Berkeley and Walnut Creek. Also I picked up the Sierra Nevada Snowpack today (mostly to try the coffee stout). This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but to me most Sierra Nevada beers have this distinctive hoppy taste to them. Sure I taste it in their pale ale and IPAs, but even in their stouts (normal, Narwhal, and now coffee). It makes their beers a little one-note to me but also immediately recognizable. Anyone else feel this way? I don't know much about hops but it feels like they must use similar combinations in most of their beers.
It has been a long time since I've had a Sierra Nevada beer, so I would like to try this out, but for me it was always their yeast. Their yeast is pretty recognizable, IMO.
Lagunitas' Born Yesterday pale is great every year, but good lord this year's batch is tasting top of the line.
Can confirm Three Floyds'/Mastodon Collabo Crack The Skye is delicious. It is bottled chocolate wood.
Next weekend I'm going to a festival at Stone called DRK, focusing on dark and barrel aged beers.... Look at this absolutely insane tap list, pray for me, I might die. If there is anything that you see on this list that is a must-have, lemme know!!