Follow Sean Inman to the best in craft beer
Here is your handy link spot to read what I covered in Brew & You in August….
August 8th – Trademark Brewing, Pineapple Saison + a Block Party with Chapman Crafted.
August 22nd – Two new San Dimas breweries, Zwickelbier + the California Craft Beer Summit in Long Beach.
Usually I like to first visit a new brewery on opening weekend but I waited a couple weeks before heading to Long Beach to check out the much talked about Trademark Brewing. Here is the initial report…
The space is just huge. A really long blonde wood bar is just one component of a seating area that stretches off into the distance. Jenga and cornhole are way off in the distance and when the sun isn’t actively trying to burn us, there is also outdoor seating.
The taster flight presentation is nice. Logo’d up quite well. I ordered up a wide ranging variety of beers from their menu. I like the 3-word descriptions used. I started with Viking Blonde which was a little fruity with a nice leading hit of orange. Next was the Batch One Farmhouse which imparted a spicy clove. Almost a Cinnamon Tripel which must be from the expressive yeast. Waffles is how I would describe it. Into IPA territory for Hula Moon which is lots of pineapple. Tastes like the near the core. Gristly part. Not really IPA to me but amazing to know that it is the hops creating that fruit taste. Hop choice two was Keyboard Warrior which I think is a great name. This imperial tastes a little burnt and more on the caramel side. I finished with 10 Hour Imperial Stout leads with smoky. Coffee grounds being the other prominent note for me.
A good start on the beer and an even better start on the vibe and interior design.
You may know that Trademark Brewing is close to opening (or open now as of posting date). It is on my list of breweries to watch as Long Beach continues to grow apace.
Near them in the Washington neighborhood of Long Beach will reside the super small Hog Canyon Brewing. Founded by Larry Chavez, this nano is looking to open later this year, probably Q4 and start up with what will be by necessity a rotating set of beers.
Look for 1st Visit reviews of TM first and then Hog Canyon as I try to stay current with the scene to the south.
Trademark Brewing recently signed the lease for a space in Long Beach according to a post that I saw recently on Facebook. (always trust Facebook, right?)
Set a Google alert, or have your calendar on your phone ping to remind you to check back on the progress.