Tag: Los Angeles craft beer

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In the Tap Lines for January 2025

Strap in folks, there is gonna be some turbulence in 2025. I have mentioned, just yesterday in fact, that economics are going to be bad and the now annual Dry January will not help the beer world so be kind and helpful to counteract the bad vibes that are sure to be spinning.

~ e-visits to (3) breweries from Hop Culture’s Best of List

~ special featured reviews

~Heads-Up on Los Angeles Beer Events

~ Three suggested beers to buy this month. One light, one medium and one dark

~ A Book & A Beer reads Knife by Salman Rushdie

~ A Podcast & A Beer listens to Sherlock Holmes Short Stories

~ Sports & A Beer returns with teams that are easy to hate

~ New Beer Releases and Best Beers of the Month

~ I will tap the Firkin and give my no holds barred opinion on the craft beer world.

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Clown Shoes at LAX

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This Friday, April 12 at 6:30 pm. Another Epic Tasting hosted by Larry James will take place at the Four Points Sheraton aka The Beer Hotel “including three of the best Hoppy Session Beers, a Mystery Beer (you be the judge!) and Clown Shoes Beer – seven wicked good beers from Ipswich, Mass.”
You will only need to RSVP and pay $30 which includes all tastes and parking!

Three of the best hoppy session beers you’ll ever taste.

plus…

a Mystery Beer – put your beer judge hat on. What is it and where did it come from?

plus…

Clown Shoes Brewing
– Clementine
– Tramp Stamp
– Brash Item 9
– Muffin Top
– Chocolate Sombrero
– Vampire Slayer
– Porcine Unidragon

If you haven’t tried the Four Points yet, this unique tasting would be an ideal introduction to their hospitality.

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LA Beer Week – Day Six – Beer Floats


Friday was a day of rest. Two big events past and two on the weekend. Pacing myself. Anyway, here is my take on the 3rd Beer Float Showdown (full disclosure – I volunteered at this event and write for FoodGPS that was the presenter of the showdown)….

The challenge was set forth. Five floats created by a combo of brewer and chef. And not just any chefs. Ilan Hall and CJ Jacobson of Top Chef fame, the Trans of Starry Kitchen, Andre Guerrero of Oinkster and the new Maximlilianos and Laurent Quenioux of Vertical Wine Bistro.
Serious fire power and the beer wasn’t from slouches either Ladyface, Eagle Rock, Beachwood, Firestone Walker and the new Smog City were all there.

I only tried three of the floats and in fact did not get to taste the eventual winner. But I was mightily impressed by the Ladyface / Starry Kitchen effort…..….which had fruit, pop rocks and habanero! My personal favorite was the Firestone / Yard combo … It had a rim of caramel and potato chips, the famous hemp ale and a nice light ice cream. Primo stuff from CJ and Jace. I also enjoyed the creation of Beachwood and Laurent Quenioux. Herbs with saison and another light ice cream. Three creative and tasty floats.

But the winner was Andre Guerrero and Jan Purdy who were paired with the host of the event Jeremy Raub and Eagle Rock Brewery. Their secret ingredient? Bacon with Vanilla Bean Solidarity.

The Beer Float Showdown champions of 2011!

If you think this event looked fun then check the official website for more information on events during week 2.