Hooch and Hopsters- I am happy to announce a new edition to the Hooch and Hops family. Steve is an East Coast transplant who is now in school out in Northern California and will be covering craft beer and spirit happenings out west. Please welcome Steve to the Hooch and Hops family.
Under the Bridge Downtown
Davis, CA. June 2, 2012
Huge Crowds are a Common Sight at Craft Beer Events These Days
Despite the venue (under an I-80 overpass), this weekend’s Davis Beer Fest 2012 held adjacent to local Sudwerk Brewery in Davis, CA, offered a great opportunity to escape from the heat and enjoy a selection of Northern California’s finest craft brews. As might otherwise be envisioned hangin’ under the bridge, no 40oz. malt liquors in brown paper bags were to be found as over 40 regional breweries offered selections of over 100 beers to patrons heeding the urge to Drink Better. Sacramento’s oldest brewery, Ruhstaller Brewery, founded in 1881, sampled a superb Black IPA, while Michael Frenn, owner and brewer for the smallest licensed brewery in California, Old Hangtown Beer Works, showed up in his “Ale-Camino” and served up a creamy dark stout in what is now my favorite way to tailgate.
“Ale-Camino.” Love it…
Often touted as one of the most innovative craft-brewers around, Vinnie Cilurzo’s offerings from Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa, CA, included their world class Double IPA, Pliny the Elder, as well as a complex offering, Supplication; a sour brown ale aged in pinot noir barrels with Sour Cherries and brewed for over a year using multiple fermentation organisms. Definitely try one of these on for size if you get the chance.
Russian River’s Supplication
Whether an occasional beer drinker or avid connoisseur, beer festivals offer a great opportunity to interact directly with local brewers and brews and create a memory that lasts long after the taste fades from the palate. I was lucky to be joined this weekend by my brother from NY and as can be seen from the picture of him before, and after, trying the aptly named, Evil Twin West Coast Red Ale from Heretic Brewing Company, I think he’ll be wishing he could find more of this back on the East Coast. So check your local listings for a beer festival near you and enjoy!
Drink Better!
Steve
Before and After Pics. Heretic Evil Twin= Happy Zev.
