Pacific
Karl Strauss Brewing Co. | Aurora Hoppyalis
September 5, 2019 | Seth Garland
Once in a while, some news story comes out talking about how the Northern Lights are visible from not-too-far away. This excites us sky geeks. For most of us in the U.S., unfortunately, the caveats are extreme (e.g. hiking three miles into un-mapped forest in the hopes that the sky is clear enough during the five-minute window when the Aurora Borealis can actually be seen). Finding a good location that’s dim enough to see this spectacle of nature is a challenge if you live in the lower 48.
On the other hand, if you live in a hot craft beer city like San Diego, it’s real easy to find quality beer. So save the skywatching for your bucket list vacation to Iceland, or if you have to lay low for a while and need to move to Alaska. We’re not here to judge; what you do in the privacy of your own back-alley gambling hall is your own business. Beer though…that’s our business. And business is booming, dammit.
Ultimate 6er | Easy-Drinking Beers for Football Season
September 4, 2019 | Karen Mills
Now that the last NFL pre-season game is in the books, it’s time to get serious. Week one starts this week, and it’s game on! The Packers take on the Bears for Thursday Night Football and wraps up with the Broncos playing the Raiders on Monday. Needless to say, the lineup in between will be awesome! As you’re completing your Fantasy Football drafts or simply reaching for a nice, cold craft beer to sip on as you’re cheering on your favorite team, here’s a few beers that will go great with the games as week one is set to begin.
Event Preview | Stone Brewing 23rd Anniversary Grand Celebration
August 17, 2019 | Drew Troller
Stone Brewing is turning 23! To celebrate, Stone is hosting the Stone Brewing 23rd Anniversary Grand Celebration this weekend! The event will be held on Sunday, August 18 from 3-6 p.m. More than 50 breweries will be pouring (including Stone, of course). Along with the complimentary tasting glass and a new pour list, there will be food, music and an amazing new venue. Here’s everything you need to know! Read More
Karl Strauss & Russian River Brewing | New California IPA
August 15, 2019 | Jadon Flores
It’s not often two giants in the beer industry get together to collaborate on a singularly fantastic beer, but that is exactly what Karl Strauss and Russian River Brewing did to make what they call the New California IPA. This beer has a piney and resinous front with hints of dank greens in the back. It has firm but not overwhelming bitterness and a palate cleansing kind of clean on the tongue. The IPA is complete with faint raspberries and rhubarb as it warms for a refreshing summer crispness. After talking with Matt Johnson, Brewmaster of Brewery Operations at Karl Strauss, and Vinnie Cilurzo, Co-Owner and Head Brewer at Russian River, I was able to get some insight into this wondrous amalgamation of talent and hops!
2 Days 2 Nights | Honolulu, Hawaii
July 23, 2019 | Karen Mills
Over the years, the craft beer scene on the island of Oahu, specifically in the Honolulu area, has grown tremendously. More and more local breweries are popping up to cater to the growing interest in independent beer. With many visitors and college students coming from areas that have a booming craft beer scene, it’s only natural that the trend continues to grow on the island.
Although you’ll probably be spending more than two days and two nights if you’re making the trip to the Aloha State, here’s a round up of some breweries to visit if you want to dedicate a couple days just to visiting the local breweries.
A Classic, Now Unfiltered: The Inspiration for Lagunitas’ Little Sumpin’ Hazy
July 18, 2019 | Taylor Laabs
Their IPA might be their most well-known and widely-distributed, but my favorite Lagunitas Brewing Company offering is a beer that blurs the lines of the drinking experience. A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ is a classic that can be enjoyed rain or shine, sun or snow. Its hearty ABV, unique wheat body, and complex flavor profile have made it a fan favorite for years. It’s also an employee favorite, says Lagunitas Brewmaster Jeremy Marshall. While the original has its perks, Lagunitas employees and brewers have had access to a version of A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ that has never graced retail shelves before now: an unfiltered-version designed to taste like you’re drinking it straight from the tank. That was the inspiration for their newest offering and Sumpin’ Sumpin’ sibling, Little Sumpin’ Hazy.
Local Brewing Company | Duboce IPA
July 8, 2019 | Danielle Engel
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.
Karl Strauss Brewing Company | Boat Shoes Hazy IPA
June 13, 2019 | Jaclyn Menendez
In the late 60’s and early 70’s, the music of the West Coast had a distinct sound. This sound was ringing down from Laurel Canyon in the Hollywood Hills. This music was complex and challenging, bringing the flavors of folk, bluegrass, country, funk, Latin, rock and roll, and the blues and blended them all together into something big. This stuff was smooth, it was easy to listen to, but it still had some soul and some groove. The era of Yacht Rock was here.
Event Recap | 2019 Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest
June 5, 2019 | Krisstin Sibley
Many of you may still be riding the excitement from another successful Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest this past weekend. As one of the most sought out festivals among beer … Read More
2019 Firestone Walker Invitational Pour List | Event Preview
May 30, 2019 | David Thompson
Among the long list of beer festivals each year, there are a handful that stand out as can’t miss events. There are even fewer select events that are “beer lovers bucket list” type events. The Firestone Walker Invitational is one such event.
For a decade, the Firestone Walker Invitational has been putting together a festival that brings together world class craft beer, food from the best chefs in California’s Central Coast, and some amazing music all in a setting that allows for beer enthusiasts to engage with the people who make the beer.
Ultimate 6er | “Cuz I Love You” California Women in Beer
May 15, 2019 | Danielle Engel
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.
JuicyBrews West Fest Brought Out the Rarities Over 420 Weekend
April 24, 2019 | Danielle Engel
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
April 16, 2019 | Danielle Engel
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.
Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse | Tomorrows Verse
April 16, 2019 | Danielle Engel
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
East Brother Beer Co. | Oatmeal Stout
April 9, 2019 | Constance Del Rio
In a world filled with outlandish new beer style varieties, sometimes you just want a classic style: something without all the bells and double dry-hopping. After a long day, no matter the season or temperature, a stout sounds like a nice way to end my evening. I escaped my Oakland/Berkeley/Hayward/San Leandro bubble the other weekend and made my way up to Richmond (it’s really not that “far”) and I was a happy lady! East Brother Beer Co. is nestled over by Point Richmond and has the classic beer style game down. That’s their schtick: classic styles done well.
Urban Roots Brewing | A Momentary Lapse of Judgement
April 4, 2019 | Robert French
How much do you love collaboration beers? This collaboration was brewed and packaged at Urban Roots Brewing, with the Alvarado Street crew coming to Sacramento for the brew day. The name pokes fun at some of the beer names and labels that appear to “borrow” trademarked artwork. While the name of the beer is A Momentary Lapse of Judgement, the label includes a large eagle carrying the C & D letters.
The Rare Barrel & Side Project Brewing | Avec des Amis
March 28, 2019 | Constance Del Rio
With spring fast approaching I find myself looking for stone fruit, both the actual fruit and in beer! The Rare Barrel collaborated with Side Project Brewing to bring about a beacon that spring is finally here. I was able to speak with Alex Wallash, founder of The Rare Barrel, about this collaboration brew and he provided some insight to the making of Avec des Amis.
Roses’ Taproom | Lite Brite
March 21, 2019 | Danielle Engel
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.
San Francisco Beer Week 2019 | Opening Gala Recap
February 6, 2019 | Constance Del Rio
San Francisco Beer Week is in full swing and our Pacific team got a great head start by attending the Opening Night Gala. Over 125 breweries converged at Pier 35 in San Francisco to showcase their tasty wares – 400 plus beers, food trucks, and craft beer lovers galore. Read More
San Francisco Beer Week | Can’t-Miss Events February 5-10
February 5, 2019 | Constance Del Rio
How are y’all doing? I am hoping San Francisco Beer Week (SFBW) hasn’t been too rough: We still have six days to go! SFBW is an amazing craft brewer’s guild event marathon with multiple events all over the greater San Francisco Bay area. The five guilds (San Francisco, East Bay, Silicon Valley, Coast and North Bay) gather together for tap takeovers, collaboration releases, food pairing events and many other types of fun times.
Working in the industry, there are two moods when you see SFBW approaching: Either you are hella pumped or you start chugging coconut water! Below are some can’t-miss events for the rest of the week. Get pumped and honestly—I suggest stocking up on coconut water.
recent comments