I stopped in at Knotty Brewing Company – actually twice in one night – in San Diego, California. I stopped in by myself and enjoyed the Tom Tom Blonde which was smooth and easy drinking. Very nice beer. Then I had dinner with a friend and we went back for another beer afterward. That time I enjoyed Transfixed Irish Red. Malty, sweet, delicious and tasty to drink. Great beers and a neat place to stop in right in downtown San Diego.
I stopped in at True Respite Brewing Company in Rockville, Maryland with my son-in-law for a beer and some time to talk. I tried a few beers on the tap list and landed on Country Picnic. This Belgian wheat ale is clean and crisp. The ginger and coriander give it the crispness and its also slightly tart. The brewery and tap room is new, fresh, and clean and just ready to be a gathering place for many thirsty locals and visitors. The brewing equipment is clean and organized – clearly the work of engineers. I’ll be looking forward to returning with friends and family in the future.
After a long day of travel I stopped in at TAPS Fish House & Brewery for dinner and a beer. Being a sucker for Grapefruit IPA’s that’s what I went with to drink and was not disappointed. Also, being a sucker for scallops, that’s what I went with for dinner and they were delicious! A delicious meal and beer. Great pairing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
I Stop For Hops 