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Discover Torrance presents the 2023 Torrance Beer Run from September 23-30. It “is a self-paced tour of 12 breweries all around the City of Torrance – no actual running required! Collect a stamp in your Beer Run Passport from each stop and turn in your completed passport for a Limited Edition 2023 Torrance Beer Run Hat.”
These passport events are a great excuse to check out for the first time or re-visit a brewery that you haven’t been to in awhile.
I have been looking forward to the 2023 version of Smog City’s Kumquat Saison for a bit of time. And now, is the time to take from the ‘fridge and taste it.
2023 marks the 8th year that Smog City Brewing Co. has joined forces with Food Forward for the release of Kumquat Saison. 600 pounds of kumquats were plucked from fruit trees in backyards that otherwise would not have been used.
Food Forwards’ efforts to end food insecurity are helped with each can sold as a portion of the proceeds from each 4-pack of Kumquat Saison will be donated to Food Forward as part of Smog City’s 1% for the Planet Community Impact Series.
The saison pours a bright yellow color. Nice and tart on the tongue as that kumquat citrusy flavor shines through. Light on the palate with a bare hint of the Saison yeast coming through. The malt base is right where it needs to be to let the fruit lead the way.
Smog City Brewing is opening a cabinet. May not seem exciting at first but this is Porter’s Cabinet of Curiosity. Your stop for one-off, small batch beers like…
Quince Essential, Gin Barrel Aged Saison w/Quince or
Beer de Provence, Farmhouse w/Herbs de Provence
First and hopefully not last of the multitude of beers in Los Angeles under the Black is Beautiful banner of stouts that I hope to enjoy. . The Smog City version has a slightly burnt / roasted caramel aroma. Really nice chicory and chocolate mix of flavors. Nice balance of the two competing flavors. Has a campfire smokey essence to it as well as being ver smooth. Would pair really well with a sweet, milk chocolate.
This month the Best of battle boiled down to two styles. IPA vs the barrel. Four beers were in contention and placing just out of medal Reach was Infinite Wishes from Smog City. This was a luxurious beer and the ABV was hidden behind that so well that the chocolate and bourbon had the forefront to themselves.
Bronze goes to Firestone Walker and their latest Luponic Distortion. #16. A swirling mix of peach and pear with just the right amount of balancing bitterness. The other IPA comes from Bearded Iris. I had never heard of them but Jimmy at the Glendale Tap pointed them out to me and Homestyle IPA was fantastic. Big aroma. Hops everywhere but no palate wrecker.
Which brings us to the winner….
Firestone Walker’s Cherry Barrel Blossom. This was such a layered beer. A touch of smoke here, Cherry note there, salt perking up the beer. Then the final barrel impact just made for a fantastic beer.
Pairs well with uncertainty and best enjoyed six feet apart is the tag line for the latest hazy from Smog City, Strange Times. Combining Cryo Amarillo, Ekuanot and Citra hops, it is beer one of five with the remainder being, an IPA, Hazy DIPA, DIPA and lastly a TIPA.
Smog City follows up Amarilla Gorilla with a new Wood Cellar beer, Aztec Currency. Starting with a brown ale that is soured then Barrel-aged in Ted wine barrels, then a spicy kick of cinnamon and chiles along with some vanilla. Sounds like a nice warming mixture.
I am reduced to talking about events far, far later in the year, knowing that those are probably OK, and here is a really good one…
It may be a small invite list but those are some fine outside if Los Angeles breweries, so I recommend marking this Smog City event down on your Aftermath calendar.
I am a little hesitant about talking about future beer events but hopefully, Smog City will be able to get fully “Canimalized” come May 9th. Laurie and Porter always throw a fun party with loads of rare and fun beers. So mark this on your calendar.
If you have not treated yourself to one of the wild Wood Cellar beers from Smog City then you are missing something. But you are in luck because a new beer, Night Howler, is now out. Here is how they describe this new offering: “This dark farmhouse ale showcases subtle smokiness rounded out with juicy, ripe fig with a dry and pleasantly funky finish.”