I stopped in at Hermitage Brewing Company in San Jose, California. I tasted the Maltopia Scotch Ale and it finished a bit more bitter than I prefer. I also tasted the Single Hop Citra IPA which was delicious. And I ordered a 408 Session IPA that I thoroughly enjoyed. Smooth IPA with just the right bitterness. Not too much alcohol which means you could drink a few of these. Almost smooth. Very Nice!
I stopped in at Hapa’s Brewing Company in San Jose, California, and at the recommendation of the bartender I enjoyed their The Cannery Kolsch. Great choice. This is a fabulous, clean, well-balanced beer. Light maltiness and light bitterness. Very drinkable and enjoyable.
I stopped in at Uproar Brewing Company in San Jose, California. I asked the bartender for a taste of one of their beers and he told me they do not provide tastes. The beer I eventually ordered I did not enjoy. I’ve been to over 500 breweries and this was the first time I’ve not been able to try a beer before ordering it. I did enjoy their pumpkin salad, though.
I stopped in at Santa Clara Valley Brewing in Santa Clara, California and enjoyed their New Almaden Red Imperial Red Ale. This is a strong smooth red ale. Deceivingly strong and deceivingly smooth. Very nice beer. Easy to drink. Its malty and delicious.
I stopped in at Golden State Brewery in Santa Clara, California for a beer. Surveying the alternatives I settled on their Cranberry Ale which did not disappoint. From Thanksgiving to Christmas you jus can’t get enough cranberry. This is a tasty sour with lots of flavor, delicious to drink, and easy to drink several. Great beer!
I stopped in at Coronado Brewing Company in Coronado, California and enjoyed their Guava Islander Tropical IPA. I enjoy IPA’s and I really enjoy guava. Combining these two is a real treat. And, my wife, who typically doesn’t like beer, tasted this and liked it. There’s nothing wrong with that.
I returned (3/29/18) with industry colleagues for dinner. The Grilled Wahoo Fish Tacos are delicious! Their Coco Chaos IPA was delightful! I solid IPA with a hint of coconut flavor. Enough coconut to taste it but not overpowering. Great beer!
I stopped in at Napa Smith Brewery in Napa, California and tasted their beers. My favorite of all was the Bourbon Barrel Aged Hop Java. This coffee ale tasted rich and delicious aged in bourbon barrels. Very nicely done! Worth the stop.
I stopped in at Heretic Brewing Company in Fairfield, California for a beer. I tasted the Evil Twin Red IPA which was extremely good. But I wanted something different so I went with the CHP Chocolate Hazelnut Porter. Such a smooth, malty, sweet drink. Perfect to end the evening. It really delivered.
I stopped in at Downtown Joes Brewery & Restaurant in Napa, California for dinner and a beer. I enjoyed blackened cod fish tacos for dinner – very tasty – paired with the Triple Dog Dare Triple IPA. Fortunately I went with a half pour because this beer clocks in at over 13% alcohol. It’s tasty but its strong.
I stopped in at Sonoma Springs Brewing Company in Sonoma, California to try a beer. Looking at the tap list my eyes went directly to Daedalus – Barrel Aged Rye in Whiskey. Considering I enjoy both beer and whiskey, this was delicious. If you enjoy both of these flavors I definitely recommend this beer.
I Stop For Hops 