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We drive through the valley, staying in the same area code to review a San Fernando meets Belgium winter ale from 8One8 Brewing.
The label proclaims “aged with cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and cloves” none of which really stride into frame. This has a St. Bernardus Christmas Ale vibe but it seems to be missing something. The aftertaste isn’t as rounded. A little too sharp. Maybe the 2022 batch will amp the spice up.
The continued pandemic has not stopped breweries from opening up and now I travel to San Fernando to the still in softly opened phase, Shadow Grove Brewing.
Now, this is a curated space. From the outside, you cannot tell what you are walking into. Which is a woodland, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. The outside windows let in plenty of light but the inside is moody with distinct seating areas. British punk on the playlist added another note to the experience.
Five beers on tap for this second soft weekend. An old school classic style set. So old school that there was a Nut Brown on offer. No IPA either. You read that right. And the taster comes with what looks like a tarot card. Nice Wonderland touch. I also liked that they had a little chalkboard with which beer is low. Nice sales touch that.
Pale Ale was my least favorite. It was fine. More earthy than hoppy which actually fits the motif but I am looking for a divergent note when you have this type of list. The lager was fine as well, had a bit of wine character to me. The Hefeweizen hit the banana clove combo well and had a nice spritz to it. Three beers in, I an thinking that they are off fo a solid start. That this isn’t just atmosphere. The Nut Brown is on mark. Perfect for watching the new season of the Premier League. Everything is so low ABV too which is great. The sweet stout hit the markers as well.
I do not say this lightly or often but do not sleep on Shadow Grove.
San Fernando has a new brewery. The Gaiman-esque logo’d Shadow Grove Brewing. Currently they have only growler-to-go as well as pre-order special releases. The main beers are a pale ale, nut brown ale and a Czech pils which is nicely off-kilter style wise.
Look forward to a 1st visit in the weeks to come.
Looks like yet another brewery is popping up in the outer boroughs, as it were, of Los Angeles.
Valley Riot is based in San Fernando per their Facebook page but no tasting room is open to the public as of yet and not beer list posted on the main website.
So this can be filed under Stay Tuned. (as in wait for the interview on Food GPS)