I stopped in at Smog City Brewing Company in Los Angeles, California. Unable to decide on a specific beer I went with a flight. Good decision! Coffee Porter is tasty – coffee – medium dark – smooth – rich. Kumquat Saison is fruity but not too fruity – slightly tart – easy to drink. White Peach Saison is tart, sour, delicious. Sabre-Toothed Squirrel hoppy amber is smooth with a bite! and Smog City IPA is a solid IPA. Great breadth of beers. Tap room also has great vibe.
Monkish Brewing Company, Los Angeles, CA
I stopped in at Monkish Brewing Company in Los Angeles, California. After a conversation with the bartender I decided to try Subliminal Sequel. This blonde ale is nicely hopped and crisp. I enjoyed it with some of their complimentary pretzels while wandering through the brewery/tap room. Also watched some basketball and enjoyed the vibe. Great beer and great place to stop and enjoy.
Hop Nuts Brewing, Las Vegas, NV
I stopped in at Hop Nuts Brewing in Las Vegas, Nevada. I really enjoyed this spot. Unlike many Las Vegas breweries, where you still get the vibe with slot machines, etc. this felt more like a brewery atmosphere. Chill. Their Passion Fruit Sour was really tasty. Crisp. Fresh. Light. I loved it and enjoyed relaxing and drinking it and taking in the experience in this little brewery escape from Las Vegas.
Black Swan Brewpub, Plainfield, IN
I stopped in at Black Swan Brewpub in Plainfield, Indiana on my way to the airport for a quick beer. The bartender recommended the Blood Orange IPA and I was not disappointed. This is a tasty IPA with citrusy notes. Not too fruity. Hoppy but not too hoppy. Very nice and easy to drink.
Terre Haute Brewing Company, Terre Haute, IN
Being in one of the first nine commercial breweries in the U.S. and the second oldest at that was quite an honor. I stopped in at Terre Haute Brewing Company in Terre Haute, Indiana for lunch and a beer. Their Barbacoa Tacos were outstanding and quite meaty. Two tacos was plenty for lunch for me. Their The Local Golden Ale was very drinkable and paired well with the tacos. Great beer and food!
Turoni’s Pizza and Brewery, Evansville, IN
I stopped in at Turoni’s Pizza and Brewery in Evansville, Indiana last night and enjoyed their Honey Blonde Ale. I can see why this beer is so popular. Smooth. The honey adds great smoothness to the beer. Makes it very easy to drink. If I hadn’t already had dinner I would have wanted to enjoy some pizza or appetizers and had several beers. Sadly, it was too late for that but I’m glad I had the chance to enjoy this wonderful beer.
Green Flash Brewing Company, San Diego, CA
I stopped in at Green Flash Brewing Company in San Diego, California. It’s been nearly ten years since I first stopped in here (predating this blog). It was like visiting an old friend. Great tap room vibe. I enjoyed their Soul Style IPA. Nice and citrusy. Green Flash is well known for their west coast style IPAs. I also wanted to try something different so I tried Old Sharemore Wee Heavy and enjoyed that as well. The caramel and butterscotch really come through. It is rich and malty. The food truck out front was a great source for some garlic parmesan fries that I shared with industry colleagues who were with me. Great stop and great beers.
Mamut Brewery Company, Tijuana, Mexico
I stopped in at Mamut Brewery Company in Tijuana, Mexico. Their I Feel Mosaic Hazy Pale Ale is really tasty! Hoppy and light enough to drink more than one. Finding Mamut took some help from folks on the street. The tap room is really neat and has a balcony overlooking the street and city. Awesome décor.
Norte Brewing Company, Tijuana, Mexico
I stopped in at Norte Brewing Company in Tijuana, Mexico. Fortunately I found someone on the street who was able to direct us to the location because it is difficult to find. Their 4Play Session IPA was very tasty. The views from their tasting room were remarkable. Great stop in Tijuana!
Border Psycho Brewery, Tijuana, Mexico
I stopped in at Border Psycho Brewery in Tijuana, Mexico. I enjoyed the Guera Prieta Coffee Cream Ale. Light with enough coffee flavor but not overpowering. Great stop in downtown Tijuana.