Wades Wines

It appears that Wades Wines (near Ladyface Ale Companie) has set up taps in their shop! The new Malibu Sundowner Tasting Room.

The initial taster flight was: Coronado Idiot IPA, Flying Dog Gonzo Porter, Bear Republic Racer 5 and Lady Face IPA

We have 32 different beers on tap for you to try. We’re sure you’ll find something you like!!!

Call the store for tasting hours and then check out their extensive bottles for sale as well.

Be Stoic about it

I have an Abyss in my cellar and this new offering might need to take the spot next to it.

“The newest beer in Deschutes Brewery’s coveted Reserve Series, The Stoic’s journey from Belgian-style Tripel to American Quad is a remarkable one. A simple German Pilsner malt bill and a low-key profile of Hallartau, Czech Saaz, and Northern Brewer hops equip you for the more distinctive aromas and flavors that lay ahead. Ingredients like Belgian candy sugar, beet and date sugars, and pomegranate molasses impart a clean, tangy sweetness. Pinot Noir and rye whiskey barrel-aging suggest notes of spice, citrus, pepper, vanilla, and toasted caramel like offerings to the gods. Unraveling the intricacies of The Stoic is evidence of a life bravely done.”

Mohawk Bend preview

Speculation has been rife on the interwebs about the exact opening date for Tony Yanow’s Mohawk Bend in Echo Park. The time is almost upon us. In less vague terms, Sunday the 24th of July. CORRECTION-THAT DATE IS INCORRECT. I WILL UPDATE WITH OPENING DATE WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE>

I along with a few others got to test drive Mohawk Bend on Tuesday night and here is what you need to be excited about….

Tony and Paige introduce the crowd to Mohawk Bend...

…and there is a lot to acquaint yourself with. This is a large space. With an outdoor seating area. A large communal table in the middle. A vegan and non-vegan kitchen that you can watch in action while you eat. Or you can gaze upon the craft beer on the other side of the room. Or pick a booth in the front. You can try a different spot each time you visit.
The many, many choices on the beer list...

…which includes 72 taps of beer. Two of which are cask. Primarily California brewed but each month a new “guest” brewery will be featured that may or may not be from the Golden State. If you like the beer list at Tony’s Darts Away, you will be quite happy here.
Cherries and goblets

The crafted in California extends to the spirits and cocktails, Keith Taylor is bringing in a mother lode of artisinal spirits. Obviously, I gravitate towards beer but the bottles Taylor has procured are the equivalent of the great beer list. And though the Mildred Pierce cocktail was quite tasty, I would suggest trying these gems straight-up first.
The fireplace in the Ramona room...

….named for the movie house that was on this spot 26 years ago. It is a sunlit room with that great big fireplace and two large indoor trees where you can sit and enjoy the great food like the dungeness crab and roast corn rolls or maybe a little casserole with your craft beer. Oh and pizza too. Who could resist a pie named Pig Newton?

For all of you who patiently waited, your reward awaits you.

Check out these other rave reviews:
Drink Eat Travel
Quarry Girl

Coronado + Surly Goat =

what is going down tomorrow night, Thursday, July 21 at 6pm.

The Surly Goat in West Hollywood welcomes one of the great big shining stars of the world renowned SD beer scene ~ Coronado Brewing Co.!

Special guests from the brewery include: Head Brewer – Sean Ferrell, Owner – Rick Chapman & Local Rep – Clinton Smith.

Special Tappings include:
Blue Bridge Coffee Stout – Irish style stout, 6% with Calabria coffee beans & cold brewed coffee added

Saison by the Sea – 7 % with chamomile, ginger, spearmint & grains of paradise

Frog’s Breath IPA – 6.5% with citrus peel added

Idiot Imperial IPA 8.5%

Islander IPA 7.5%

On Cask:
Orange Ave Wit with Habanero & Cilantro

Saison by the Sea is one of my new favorites and the cask selections at Surly Goat always surprise. So check it out.

(2) Stone Collaborations

I had the great fortune to sample both the current and future Stone Collaborative brews recently. I had the Green Tea IPA while watching the Women’s World Cup Final on Sunday and thought it was a little too tannic and a little too alcohol forward. The hops and the tea just fought each other in my opinion. The appearance and aroma are the strengths of this beer.

The Cherry Chocolate Stout was shared a day later with my beer buddy Richard and it was less alcoholic by 2%! There was an interesting sour, tart cherry taste of this dark brown brew. But the chocolate was non-existent. I would take this over this Green Tea. But I would have liked to get at least a touch of chocolate to bridge the gap of cherry to stout.

Both were interesting experiments that were just a touch off to my palate though I am sure there are people who are going to love these offerings.