Best of January 2025

I had an interesting month of drinking and not just to forget the downward spiral of America. Firstly, my Trader Joe’s has been pretty regular with La Fin du Monde from Unibroue and that is just such a darn good tripel that it could win many a week. I also had a really interesting sour from Alvarado Street in Double Howzit Punch which was just a fruit bomb. I also really liked the cross the pond collaboration from Thornbridge in Britain and Sacramento’s Urban Roots. Under the Trees IPA was quite tasty with a soft citrus bitterness.

But the winner was North Park Brewing who I have yet to find a bad IPA from. Their charity driven Higher Calling IPA was another super balanced beer. The hops and malt are just in total sync.

El Segund-two

El Segundo Brewing had their Power Plant weekend recently but tucked in amongst those real, real big IPAs were two other beers you might want to add to your beer shopping list.

First up is Spark Plug, described as “just a little 4-percenter”.  A Light IPA hopped with Amarillo, Simcoe and Centennial.

Second is the first (surprisingly) Slice & Pint beer, Perfect Companion IPA.  It is “an IPA made to be enjoyed while eating pizza.” Hopped with Simcoe, Citra Dynaboost and Amarillo.

Super Dope

I have a laundry list of styles that I wish I saw more of in production or even just special release, on that list is the imperial pilsner. Thankfully, Dogfish Head has one out now that I will certainly be on the lookout for…

Super Doppio a “leveled-up Italian-style Imperial pilsner.”

Review – Lifeblurred from Stone Brewing

SoCal has had a tiny not cold spell which has allowed me to thoroughly enjoy darker, heartier beers like Lifeblurred, an imperial brown ale from Stone Brewing.

Per Stone, this is a biggie. 11% to be exact and though at first it doesn’t seem alcohol heavy, by sip three, you feel it. I would describe this as British ale seen through a Black IPA glass, then bulked up. Very woodsy and oaky with an ever so slight citrus hop note. It is a russet and brown colored ale with a hint of a dark caramel taste to it.

Paperback Tiki

If you are a Mai Tai fan, Paperback Brewing right here in Glendale has a new sour ale out for you, Tiki Tini.

You will get sweet lime, pineapple and cherry notes. If you are like me, you like that fruit salad mix and we all need to get our sour ale drinking done.