As opposed to the fuss and muss involved in PtY, I spent part of my Saturday in El Segundo with a double dry hopped citra pale ale that has returned (for as long as it lasts) to taps in Los Angeles.
It poured a lovely orange color and the aroma introduced itself proudly. Big lemon and citrus notes. The bitterness really hung with me and coated my palate. Which I learned may have been influenced by me eating something sweet beforehand. Good to know. The more I drank the more grapefruit notes came through.
I heard from reliable sources that the previous night a keg went really quickly and to ensure some beer karma. I just had the one glass. But I look forward to having it again the next time the two of us meet.
L.A. Beer Week – Day 13 – Beer Belly
It has been a long Week(s) but the finish line is in sight. But instead of looking past a day, I and beer buddy Richard headed to Koreatown and Beer Belly for a night that featured the beer of El Segundo and the social networking of Untappd.
I got to try the new Picket Fence Wheat IPA. Which is another winner from El Segundo. Rob and Tom from the brewery made the eastside trek to be on hand as well as Untappd to celebrate.
I also had the Double Dry Hopped Nelson which is really tremendous. The Nelson hop balances out the bitterness that really is strong on this one without being overpowering.
Oh and both Richard and I got badges tonight!
Saturday in El Segundo
This last weekend was all about El Segundo, first up on Saturday was a sneak peek at the soon to open tasting room for the Blue House Ales of El Segundo Brewing.
The space is cozy with a view through the big window into the brewery.
Taps three and four were my favorites. Both had huge aromas. The Nelson has such a gentle hop kick and a grape flavor and the Sand Dune had two distinct spices, one from the herb and one from the hop. I highly recommend both.
When the tasting room opens, El Segundo will have three great beer destinations along with the across the street Rock & Brews and the Whole Foods nearby.
If you haven’t tried any of the Blue House beers, do yourself a favor and order a pint the next time you see it.
El Segundo Brewing – Home of Blue House Ales
I got the chance to talk to Rob Croxall from the newly debuted El Segundo Brewing recently and just wanted to tease you in advance about the interview which will be posted on FoodGPS this coming Thursday.
Rob talked about his homebrewing start, his time at UC-Davis as well as the craft beer community in LA while a batch of IPA and Pale Ale were waiting for the perfect time to be kegged.
He is already getting praise for his citra pale and I can imagine that the IPA will be received as warmly as the pale has been already.
You can try the Blue House line at Rock ‘N’ Brews which is literally across the street from the future tap room as well as other fine craft beer bars in Los Angeles. It looks like we have another brewery who will be as in demand as Eagle Rock has become.
El Segundo Brewing
There are reports on the food blogs such as Grub Street about a new brewery in El Segundo (near LAX).
They have the prototypical initial beers: a pale ale, a red ale, an IPA and a stout under the Blue House name plate.
They may be opening soon but as faithful readers will know, these openings are never set in stone.
More news and reviews when the beer becomes available.