Stift Engelszell

The world of Trappist beer is growing into virgin territory as it were as the world’s eighth Trappist brewery, Stift Engelszell has been deemed worthy and now they are ready to ship beers to U.S. Lucky US.

Two beers are slated to get to us, Gregorius, a Dark Triple and lighter Belgian ale by the name of Benno.

The monikers come from past abbey leaders. Gregorius Eisvogel and Benno Stumpf both abbots of Engelszell.

DDH 4 Ways


Thursday, June 28, 2012 from 5:00pm until 9:00pm at El Segundo Brewing, Carnitas and DDH (Double Dry Hopped) Pale

El Segundo will be pouring 3 dry-hopped versions of Pale ale, alongside the base beer next Thursday.

Single-hop double dry-hops include:
-Citra
-Simcoe
-Nelson

Beach Mex Carnitas Tacos will be in the house and you can get the Dinner of Champions Package for $10. A flight of all four pales and (2) Carnitas Tacos

Green Flash is Brewing it Forward

To be blunt, I have had a few more misses than hits* from Green Flash Brewing but I do highly applaud there new charitable action like the…..

“Brewing It Forward initiative, a charitable program built to benefit grassroots humanitarian organizations. On June 26, Green Flash will hold a kick-off event for Brewing It Forward where the San Diego series beers will debut, and a portion of proceeds from sales of all three will be donated to local charities.”

You can read more HERE at the San Diego Reader.

* Linchpin White IPA with Founders was quite delicious

Long Beach, Azusa & Pasadena and David Walker


Not only did Firestone-Walker put on a great show (from all eyewitness accounts) at their 1st beerfest. Not only are they expanding tanks but they are on the road and bringing their beer to L.A. Last week I mentioned an event at the Federal Bar in North Hollywood and now more traffic to wend their way through….

“Sir David Walker starring in The TRILOGY

Join us Thursday, June 28th at All Congregation Alehouse Chapters as we celebrate the latest release of Firestone Walker Parabola.

Sir David Walker will be the first to host a Chapter neer event at all 3 Chapters in one evening.
Join us at 6PM in Azusa, 8PM in Pasadena and 10PM in Long Beach!”

The Perfect Storm


Oakshire Brewing Perfect Storm Double IPA is a great IPA name in my opinion and from the brewery description it sounds like a great bitter DIPA as well.

“Brewed in a single batch in May ’12, this ale shows gorgeous floral and citrus hops character – led by the amazing tangerine-intensive Zythos – with toasted nut bread, and figs from the warm malt profile.”

Venice Beach Beer Company


The L.A. brewery boom continues on and in expensive land prices, Venice of all places. I like the SoCal specific beer names of AWOL and June Gloom too. I will attempt to get a taste and report back.

But first, here is the full press release…..
“Known for it’s laid back vibe and artistic culture, Venice is home to some of L.A.’s leading restaurants, galleries and cutting edge business. The Venice Beach Beer Company, launched in June 2012, is the latest addition to this culture, and the first beer company to call Venice home.

Started by Tim Benedick and Kerr Smith, longtime friends, Venice residents and beer connoisseurs, Venice Beach Beer Company brings a passion for good beer and the beach to life in two new ales available exclusively in Venice, California. With a slogan of “Shut Up and Drink It,” the beers offer a distinct flavor profile that reflects the local culture.

“Our beers are specially brewed for the Venice Beach life,” says Smith. “We have lived here for many years and realized that there wasn’t a beer in existence that captured the essence of our unique city, so we decided to put ‘Venice’ in a bottle.”

Smith is a longtime Venice resident and notable Hollywood actor. Benedick is a bar manager with over 20 years in the bar business.

“Venice” is a unique, American amber ale with a blend of caramel and biscuit malts, jammed packed with five different hops, creating an eclectic war between bitter and sweet. “June Gloom” is an untraditional, White Belgian beer combining the taste of coriander and orange peel.

“Our take on a Belgian White with a bit of a twist. We decided to get away from the traditional yeast selection on this one,” says Benedick. “By using a much cleaner yeast, this beer becomes about the delicate blend of coriander and orange peel instead of the traditional clove and banana notes, producing an easy to drink wheat beer that is quite refreshing on those hot summer days. Our June Gloom beer will take those clouds away.”

Venice Beach Beer Company plans to produce approximately 1,000 barrels in its first year. “Venice” is currently available in Venice, CA at The Venice Whaler, Hinano Cafe, Larry’s, Chaya Venice, Venice Beach Wines, Bin 73, Mercedes Grill, Ozumo and Whole Foods on Lincoln Blvd and will be quickly followed by “June Gloom.” The third VBBC beer, A.W.O.L. IPA (Always West of Lincoln), an American IPA, will be available next year in 2013. Plans for a storefront and retail location are on the horizon.

Nano Nano

Hess Brewing’s Great Nanobrewery List is an awesome resource.

A listing of (as of January 2012) the 82 Nano’s in operation and the amazing 50 that are on the road to brewing. It’s all alphabetized with links back to the brewery sites.

Take a spin and see if there is one in your neighborhood that you should pay a visit to.

Barrier Brewing


Our second New York stop is Oceanside and Barrier Brewing.

The germ of a brewing idea hatched in 2006 and the brewery itself got going in 2009 and these are the three beers that I would put on a Barrier Brewing sample tray first.

Antagonist ESB – first for the name and second, I always like to try this style since it isn’t seem around taps very often.

Simple California Common – I love seeing the other coasts take on a California classic and I am also intrigued by the “Whirpool” hopping.

Sanity IPA – a New York IPA made with (4) Pacific NW hops. Have to try since I am an IPA fan.