Follow Sean Inman to the best in craft beer
Figueroa Mountain Brewing has added some firepower to their brewing team Victor Novak of Taps fame has returned to the craft beer conference to be the Innovation Director/Head Brewer for their three Los Angeles outposts at UCLA, Ventura Boulevard Lagerhaus and the Pico Boulevard Agua Sante Cerveceria.
That means some high quality tasty and small batch beer is coming.
Now this is a two-fer. One, you support a local brewery in these struggling times and Two, you are helping UCLA’s Covid 19 crew since part of the proceeds go to a fund for these hopefully “sung” heroes. Kudos to Santa Monica Brew Works. The hazy IPA uses the Pink Boots hop blend so you are showing support to that fantastic organization as well.
On Saturday July 13th from 5:30 – 7:30pm you can combine “Blooms, Brews and Live Music in Westwood courtesy of Broxton Beer and the UCLA Botanical Garden
Here are the details: “Broxton beers + food options curated by California native Chef Kyle Brown. Grab a brew and a bite to explore the Botanical Garden or enjoy live music picnic style in the Nest Amphitheater. All ages welcome • Garden admission is free all day • Pets welcome on leash • Cash or card accepted • ID required for alcohol purchases • Consider bringing your own cup to reduce waste • Evenings can get chilly–bring a blanket • This event is free, but please RSVP!”
Unless you are a Trojan fan more than a beer fan, you should be interested in this talk that is part of UCLA Welcome Week.
Read on….
“With craft beer production on the rise, craft beer is more ubiquitous than ever in the U.S. So, what are craft breweries doing to separate from the pack? Join the Los Angeles Chapter of the UCLA Anderson Alumni Network as we peel back the business and science of craft brewing with Diego Benitez ’19, owner and brewer at Progress Brewing. Find out how Benitez’s education in chemistry and experience in technology influenced him to start a microbrewery in the San Gabriel Valley. Learn about his unique approach to brewing, growing the business, and setting his own terms for success.”
I remember the Westwood Brewing Company in both of its incarnations. But it appears that it will be no more. And that is a bit sad.
I had a few of the beers that were brewed there even though I had to trek to the Westside from Glendale. And even though none really lit my fire, I always hoped that with a new brewer or a tweak of recipes that things could change. But between one set of my infrequent visits it changed ownership and the brewing stopped.
After it became a generic bar with brewing equipment as props only and karaoke nights, I returned a couple more times before Bruin basketball or the Festival of Books and they still poured a better than average list of beers. I would routinely find Full Sail on tap. But it was clear that they either needed to go all in on craft or cater more to the student crowd. They seemed to be straddling a middle ground.
Maybe one day, brewing will return to Westwood. At least, I hope whatever usable brewing equipment is left can find a home where it can be put back into use.