Tag: Pasadena

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Cerveceria del Pueblo – Reviews

A few days ago, I showed a some photos from inside the CPB and now time to taste test the beers….

Kolsch – this is a tricky beer because it can drift closer to other styles that are close to it. I prefer it to be more akin to a blonde ale than pilsner and this beer does that. Though I do get a bit too much hefe to it. Some mineral notes to but overall I quite like it.

California Common – clocking in at 4.9% this is quite flavorful for such a low alcohol beer. Lots of malt taste mixed with a touch of sweetness. This one tastes a touch green to me and finishes a little too heavy on the mineral side.

Pilsner – if blindfolded, I would not have said pilsner. Much like the Kolsch, I am getting that hefe yeast note here. The snap and bubble that I expect is not there either. It even pours a little to dark yellow for my liking.

Wheat – perhaps a little tilted in the sour direction. Lots of wheat character here. Nice and light. Watery citrus note as well. Has a fluffy mouthfeel as well.

I would return for the Kolsch first of the four. There is some room to grow d I hope to taste some of the beers that explore the heritage of the brewer because I think some extra ingredients would bump up the ratings of these beers.

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Cerveceria del Pueblo – Photos

Pasadena was set to get a new brewery in May, but now Cerveceria del Pueblo is soft opening with to-go sales of their (4) core beers including a variety pack that allows new customers a taster tray of sorts.

I drove the much quieter streets over to their location on Bellevue to pickup some beers but also to take a safe peek into their little but brightly painted space.

The next post will cover capsule reviews of the Kolsch, California Common, Pilsner and Wheat beer but you should check out this L.A. Times piece that talks about the brewery as the opener and closer to the article.

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Cerveceria del Pueblo

In looking up some information on the Los Angeles County Guild website, I came across an unfamiliar logo. The one you see above. Never heard of this brewery so I assumed that Cervecia del Pueblo was far away, but lo and behold it is in Pasadena. Dig further I will and report back when more information is found.

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Vroman’s 1894

One of my favorite bookstores to just wander through. Making loops to make sure that I don’t miss anything is Vroman’s. And now they are adding a bar! Up 1894, named after the year the bookstore opened, will serve wine, cocktails and of course beer. Now that a few days have passed since serving, most of the kinks should be worked out. Time to sip and read.

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Lucky and Bitter

Naja’s Place has their successful IPA festival but for those in the valley who can’t make the trek to Naja’s have their own alternative at one of the multiple locations of Lucky Baldwin’s….

If you can’t get enough IPA, here’s an opportunity to try a lot.

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First Water Brewing


Pasadena may be adding more beer to its future. Thanks to a Food GPS tip, I heard about First Water Brewing. I didn’t see tap room or opening information but I did find a beer list….

India pale ale
“A true west coast style hop explosion with a massive floral aroma. This hop bouquet of citrus and tropical fruit notes is supported with the earthy bitterness of chinook and warrior hops.”

P-22, Pale ale
“True to style and California tradition this pale ale is a great session beer full of malt and hop character.”

Trouble makers descendant, Honey Porter
“The union of chocolate, roasted barley, honey and coffee flavors are supported by a creamy full body that finishes with a robust profile.”

Switchback Saison
“A refreshing farmhouse style ale with a subtle citrus aroma that will quench the parched.”

Fire Breaker, Amber
“Full of biscuit and malty characteristics , this barley driven ale also provides a great hop aroma.”

Sage & Rye IPA
“The fragrant, herbal aromas of local sage, hops and pine take over the nose and palate which delicately balance with a rich malty sweetness.”

The Honey Porter and that final entry of Sage & Rye intrigue me the most.

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BBQ Craftsman


My top three foods to pair with beer starts with burgers and pizza but BBQ is right there too. And you can sample two venerable Pasadena institutions beer and BBQ on October 18th starting at 6:30pm.

Craftsman Brewing and Brewmaster Mark Jilg is the beer half. The five-course dinner will be curated by Gus’s BBQ. The food will be paired with five Craftsman beers. Jilg will talk tasting notes, style, history and more for each beer.

Seating will be limited and purchasing advance tickets is advised.

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2nd Visit – Harlowe’s French Dip

My wife and I ducked into Harlowe’s French Dip a couple months back. We split a sandwich before continuing on with our weekend but I marked down that I would need to re-visit when I could try some craft beer with the food. Because if it is a Tony Alcazar restaurant, that HAS to be done.

So with some State Brewing and Craftsman beer on the table, I settled into some great food that my photos do not do justice to like this salad with edible flowers, avocado and cucumbers

and this asparagus starter

but the best was the pastrami French Dip. Simply done, with great meat, cheese and bread.

There is a fancy burger list as well to complement the tap list that rotates quite a bit but always has a little bit for everyone. Harlowe’s is a great little spot on Union Street.

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18 Years of Belgian Beers

Back in the dark times, if you lived on the Westside, you would head to Daily Pint. That’s all you really had. In the valley, there was Stuffed Sandwich. That’s all you really had. And for us in Glendale, it was Lucky Baldwin’s and their occasional festival.

Their big ticket item was the Belgian Beer Festival and it is back for it’s 18th year.

If you need a break from the hops and want to re-visit Belgium without the plane ticket then Pasadena is the place to be starting today.

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Dip Coming Soon

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I rarely make it out to Whittier even with the magnetic pull of the Bottle Room and their excellent tap list.

Now it is coming to me. Sorta. Harlowe’s French Dip, from the people who Bottle Room’d us will be opening in Pasadena on Union Street.

I know the cooking of Tony Alcazar is great and ff they have 1/2 the taplist that the Bottle Room does, well then, it will be a place to visit.