Anchor Brewing | Anchor Steam Beer

There are times in our lives where we reach for comfort, for the known. Items that have happier memories attached to them to bring us back to simpler roots and uncomplicated moments. We are experiencing weird, uncomfortable, scary and unpredictable times, and it can be reassuring to reach for the classics. Our drinks of choice are no different, and although it may no longer be Flagship February, we can still take comfort in our local year-round lineups from the independent breweries we hope to support through this.

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San Francisco Beer Week | Galentine’s and Valentine’s Day Events

San Francisco Beer Week usually has it’s opening gala the first Friday in February, which in its 10-day duration, usually aligns with Galentine’s/Valentine’s Day. Providing a choice of romantic, clever, and fun beer events that you can enjoy with any of the myriad of ‘ships that exist in your life: friendships, partnerships, mentorships, acquaintanceships, self-care-ships.

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Libertine Brewing Company | Pacific Ocean Blue Gose

A beer is only as good as its water: It is the starting point and foundation from which all else grows and changes. Libertine Brewing Company wanted one of their staple beers to evoke the essence of the place they call home—the central coast of California—so they decided to use local, Pacific Coast salty sea waters to add the traditional brininess in a Gose.

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San Francisco Beer Week Event Recap | San Francisco Media Preview

San Francisco Beer Week, February 7th through the 16th, spans much larger than the name might suggest. So when the Bay Area Brewers Guild threw media events this year, they decided to split them into two. One that took place on January 21st, with a write up found here. The second taking place this last Tuesday, January 28th with representatives of their Coastal, San Francisco, and Silicon Valley chapters of the guild.

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Christmas Classics | Deschutes Brewing Jubelale

When the temperature drops below 50 degrees, our taste buds seem to sense the change in barometric pressure and start to crave those darker, roasted malts. There is a coziness that is associated with a stout by the fireside or watching rainfall while sipping on a malty winter mistress of a Cascadian dark ale. The winter seasonals start to hit the shelves just in time for the holidays and are invariably associated with happy, festive memories.

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Ultimate 6er | ‘Lover’ Comes to Great American Beer Festival

The Great American Beer Fest is an awe-inspiring menagerie of beer. Good beer, weird beers, surprising styles, and not nearly enough time to give them all a thoughtful pause. It can be overwhelming to know where to start, so we over at PorchDrinking have several different routes that we have planned out to make it easier for those who love specific styles. There isn’t really a wrong way to do GABF (except not drinking water, please drink water) so here is a way to dive in that is more musically inclined.

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Local Brewing Company | Duboce IPA

There are moments when we don’t appreciate the constants that exist in our lives. When we don’t stop to wonder in awe of electricity, the access to nonstop show binging, the simple and comforting knowledge that every California brewery is going to have a truly pine-sapping West Coast IPA on their tap list. But a haze has set over California, and not just Karl the Fog. It’s nice to see the West Coast IPA embraced again on taproom boards and specialty can drops.

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Ultimate 6er | “Cuz I Love You” California Women in Beer

Melissa Viviane Jefferson was born April 27th 1988. Almost 31 years to that date, she would drop her 3rd studio album, “Cuz I Love You” under her stage name of Lizzo. The album is a beautiful and fun ode to womanhood. She has willingly and knowingly set America up for a summer of putting her record on repeat. Since her first album in 2013, Lizzo has been putting out feminist, body-positive songs that make you feel in her own words “Good As Hell”. Her songs scream female-empowerment; and we are here for it.

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JuicyBrews West Fest Brought Out the Rarities Over 420 Weekend

April 20th started out overcast and gloomy in Oakland, CA. With a chilly wind blowing off the Bay, it didn’t seem like the sun was going to come out to … Read More

Event Preview | Juicy Brews WestFest

On April 20, 2019, Hop Culture Magazine will return to Oakland for the second year in a row to host Juicy Brews WestFest Craft Beer Festival. Hosted in partnership with Drake’s Brewing Company at Drake’s Dealership ( 2325 Broadway, Oakland, CA), the crew has put together an impressive lineup. 

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Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse | Tomorrows Verse

Spring is upon us! The sun is peeking through, trees are sprouting leaves, flowers are blooming and drinking outside has once again become a pleasant possibility. There is something about seeing the first blossoms of warmth makes us crave a saison—more than usual, of course. 

Sacramento, CA-based Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse has made quite a name for themselves since they opened to the public in May 2018, becoming known not only for creating award-winning beers but also for their succulent Texas-inspired, California-influenced BBQ. Read More

Roses’ Taproom | Lite Brite

Roses’ Taproom in the Temescal neighborhood of Oakland, California is ushering in a new wave of breweries by reimagining what a taproom can be. They’re bringing their own style to an ever-growing and expanding beer community in the East Bay.

Walking through the door, some may get a hipster, bougie vibe from the space. But, it’s clear that immense thought and care has gone into every detail. From the teal fish scale backsplash behind the multi-curved spindle tap handles to the luscious greenery and warm lighting, visitors are made to feel comfortable and welcome to share a beer or two with friends in this stylish space.

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