I have made one visit to Stateside Crafts in Bixby Knolls but now they have the tap section of the shop open now, so maybe a second visit is in order.
Love the shiny silver taps!
Taps at Stateside
Totally Glendale
Looks like a Total Wine & More will be coming to my adopted town of Glendale. And within a five minute walk to me.
I really like that they do single can sales but they do not refrigerate the majority of their beers. I am tempted to mark some cans with dates to see how long some beers, especially IPAs, last on the shelf.
Unless their inventory process changes, you will need to be super careful as to what you buy here. Keep it to stouts and spirits.
CA Craft Beer Week
The 2022 CA Craft Beer Week, will be July 15-24.
Going through the press release, two items struck my interest..
1.”Alongside activities in local taprooms and craft venues, CCBW will be showcasing high-profile releases including the CCBA Brewers Collaboration Beer. The funds raised from this special release will help local breweries in your neighborhood, and throughout the state, continue to grow and thrive. Learn more here. The program features a “who’s who” of California craft breweries, from north to south.”
2. “More cool collaborations, events and special releases will be on tap for CCBW releases, like Sun Supreme, a Coffee Blonde Ale from Brouwerij West featuring Groundwork Coffee; Electrohop, a West Coast IPA brewed to celebrate Beachwood BBQ & Brewing’s 11th anniversary; and Errybody & Their Mama Beer Fest, a collaboration between The Rare Barrel and Hella Coastal on July 23 in Berkeley.”
A Radiant Moonlight
I am both a shop browser and an introvert so when a brewery taproom sponsors a market pop-up be it plants or art, I get conflicted because I want to look but not engage.
Radiant Beer Co. in Anaheim and Moonlight Vending have solved my peculiar hang up by retrofitting a standard vending machine into one that doesn’t hold un-naturally red hot cheetos and candy bars made of a chocolate like substance.
Instead you get artisanal goods. Items like stickers or a mystery box for those who crave a surprise along with the fine beers that you can get at Radiant.
A machine was also put in place at Ficklewood Cider in Long Beach.
BW3
Staying with news from Beachwood Brewing is this 2022 summer expansion, or as they are calling it…
Three new Beachwood locations, including the already mentioned on this blog…outdoor taproom at 2nd & PCH in Long Beach.
There will also be a brewery and distillery* in Bixby Knolls, Long Beach (*coming soon) (my guess is the open ex Liberation Brewing spot) plus a pizzeria in North Huntington Beach.
That is a lot on a plate.
1st Visit – La Jara Brewing
La Jara Brewing which has only been open a couple of months is right off the 5 and Carmenita in that not Orange County not Los Angeles County zone. If you look up at the right time you will catch the sign on the building as you drive.
It is very bright and colorful inside the industrial space. Murals on the walls are well done and create an oasis like feel despite the sprawl of concrete everywhere outside the building. I really like the rocking chairs to the side of the bar as well as the wooden bar thar looks onto the brew floor. Or you can choose the side outdoor patio.
The staff were super friendly in that new brewery way. The space filled up quickly after the opening bell, so to speak, has been rung. The beer menu is in the style of Pizza Port with plenty of info to make your choices from. Nine beers were on tap from blonde to wheat and the IPA swath.
Let’s move to the beers…
Gateway Dark Lager – little spice to this semi-dark lager. closer to a Vienna to my tastebuds.
Hindsight Cold IPA – has an IPL look to it. Darkish but clear yellow. Fruity aroma. Earthy hops in the lead with pils notes coming through behind it.
Backhaul Hazy – an unfiltered juice look here so off to a good start. Has the signature hop tongue scrape indicative of early hazes. That earthy hop note is present here too.
Stunt Dubbel – this comes on strong like a spirit but not in an ABV way, just assertive. Comes off as just a little green to me. Balance of sweet and malt is not bad though.
Brewery Alert – Burning Bridge
Feathered Serpent has jumped from their original location and taking their place is….
Burning Bridge Brewing will take over the space. Headed by Ruben Leon president of the SoCal Cerveceros so it has good pedigree behind it. As usual, follow their social media to learn opening dates.
GABF 2022
The 40th edition of The Great American Beer Festival has announced the ticket sale dates…
Celebrate our 40th anniversary October 6-8 in Denver.
Member Presale: July 12
Public Ticket Sale: July 13
Get your ticket buying gear ready.
Turning 26
Stone Brewing is one of many who are getting back to throwing anniversary shin-digs. Below is the info for number 26.
“The Escondido “mothership” is hosting an epic affair at a size and scale never-before-seen at this location! We’re taking over the entire Bistro & beyond for the main celebration from 3pm-7pm.
Hardcore Stone fans can join the Rare Beer Festival from 12pm-3pm, which includes an exclusive beer list and festival area in the gardens PLUS early admission to the main event.
Join us for the grand finale! The festival is returning to the grassy North Promenade behind Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station with beer from 50+ breweries from 11am-3pm. “
Exit Dankness Dojo, Enter Native Son
Looks like Native Son has taken over the former Modern Times Dankness Dojo location and will re-open the space for beer and cocktails in DTLA to add to their Santa Ana and Inland Empire locations.
Maybe brewing will re-start there too.