I stopped in at Highland Park Brewery in Los Angeles, California. For dinner I enjoyed beet salad and cauliflower tacos and paired with their Timbo Pils. Let’s talk about Timbo Pils. I love this beer. It’s a Pilsner so it’s a bit lighter than IPAs. It’s fresh. At the same time it has hop notes of West Coast IPAs. It’s simply toned down a bit. Plenty of flavor, just not in your face. So fine.
California
6th & La Brea Brewery, Los Angeles, CA
I stopped in at 6th & La Brea Brewery in Los Angeles, California. I enjoyed their Get Buzzed Golden Ale which is delicious with tremendous honey sweetness. I paired their Brussels Sprouts appetizer and Kale salad with the beer for an absolutely fabulous dinner.
Bolt Brewery, San Diego, CA
I stopped in at Bolt Brewery in San Diego, California on my way to the airport. This was a great last stop. I enjoyed the Mahi Tacos very much and they paired well with both the ESB and the Batch 24 IPA. I enjoyed Bolt Brewery so much I also purchased a t-shirt to remember my time there. And, I’m eager for my next visit to San Diego to return. Great beer and great food.
Resident Brewing Company, San Diego, CA
I stopped in at Resident Brewing Company in San Diego, California and enjoyed their Chasing Citra American IPA. Good choice. Solid IPA. West Coast style. Nice and hoppy.
Mission Brewery, San Diego, CA
I stopped in at Mission Brewery in San Diego, California. Clearly, the Guava IPA was calling out to me from the tap list. And it did not disappoint. Mission Brewery is a long-standing well-known brewery in San Diego. I actually had the opportunity to stop in years before this blog started. Mission has been brewing west coat IPAs for years. This Guava IPA is delicious with the clean, crisp hoppiness I expected with enough guava taste without being too fruity. And, the tap room is really cool. Much the same it was on my last stop. In the old Wonder Bread building.
Knotty Brewing Company, San Diego, CA
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.
TAPS Fish House & Brewery, Irvine, CA
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.
Smog City Brewing Company, Los Angeles, Ca
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.
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.