The Firkin for December 2013

header_firkin

The year end is usually time to reflect on what has transpired in the past year.  But as fun as my trips to Chicago, Santa Rosa and Portland were this year and despite the many fabulous beers that I had (Just looking at what I rated in 2013 is head spinning) I want to talk briefly about what I am looking forward to in 2014.  It’s OK, it won’t be a Top 10 list.

1. The opening of the Ohana Brewing tasting room in Alhambra which will be near 38 Degrees and Grill ’em All.

2. Getting down to Timeless Pints in Lakewood for the first time. Trying to play catch-up with what I failed to get to this year.

3. More breweries in the pipeline.  Specifically Phantom Carriage. But also Absolution, Sanctum and Bottle Logic too!

4. The second location of Eagle Rock Brewery.  It will be fun to see what type of food pairs with their beers.

5. More Out-of-State breweries entering the L.A. market.  Last year we got Double Mountain and Ninkasi in force.  Looking forward to more from the state above and others as well.

6. The continued growth of the LA Brewers Guild and the LA Beer Bloggers groups.

…and three that I hope to see but are more speculative

1. A San Francisco tap takeover during LA Beer Week fashioned after the LA tap takeover during SF Beer Week.

2. Less IPA’s and more pilsners and Vienna lagers for our warmer climate.

3.  Less beer events so that those that remain are more “event” like and stronger.