Schwarz-mas

I have to hand it to Arts District Brewing for having the temerity to hold beer competitions for styles that just are not on tap at most breweries.  And they are back at it again with the 2023 Schwarz-mas.

On December 10th they will put on their annual Dark Lager celebration.

Here is the info: “We’ve gathered a ton of our favorite breweries and each will submit a craft Schwarzbier. We have an amazing panel of judges come through and we crown the best one. The best part is, YOU can come and try them all and vote for your favorite. Schwarzbier tends to be malty with chocolate and coffee notes, it averages around 5% ABV —so you can try a few! We’re so excited for all the amazing breweries joining us, and more to be announced soon. May the Schwarziest win!”

1st Visit – Altar Society Brewing

Pine Street is both a prime and not so much prime location in Long Beach. A city that has a few micro cool neighborhoods outside the downtown core which has some not so nice spots.

Which makes Altar Society so needed and different. It is not just a brewery but a coffee shop and an event space. An all day one stop shop. And it was hopping. I grabbed a two top near the front after getting my first beer which was the All Seeing IPA. It was not bad. Mid pack which is not a bad start. You can tell a lot by an IPA from a new-ish brewery.

The space is large. And there are some great seats that overlook the fermenters on the floor below. They have a nice selection of styles including seltzers so it makes a good spot for a wide group range.

My second beer was the one that I had my eye on. A stout made with the coffee from their sister coffee shop. I did like that and appreciated that it was a low ABV version as well.

The ‘Yard is 8

Brewyard Beer Co. has reached their 8th Anniversary under the overpass in Glendale.  These guys throw a good party too.  So in addition to new beer and new collaborations there will be music and food and you might find a seat next to the Brewyard truck to sip your beer.

Holiday Season 2023 – Day 9 – Winter Ale from pFriem Family Brewers

Loved spending time in Hood River this year during orchard season with their Fruit Loop, but I also like winter there because of pFriem Family Brewers.

“Cozy up to the fire with a pint of pFriem’s Winter Ale and gift your taste-buds with hints of spice, orange zest, caramel and a touch of spruce tree. You may even sense the subtle notes of fruitcake, which might encourage you to share this Winter Ale with your family and friends. Unlike fruitcake, this is a beer that will not be re-gifted.”