I stopped in at Modern Times Beer in San Diego, California. Great location not far from the airport. Also on the way to my hotel. The bartender was really cool and helped me pick out a flight. Although I enjoyed all of the beers, I’m really into the Blazing World Hoppy Dank Amber. This is everything I want in a beer. Smooth, malty, almost sweet, with a hop bitterness. Delicious.
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 Pizza Port in Ocean Beach, California. I threw caution to the wind and had a slice of pizza – mind you, I haven’t had carbs in four months and have dropped 50 pounds – and it was delicious! I did also have a big kale salad as well. Their Jetty IPA was a perfect pairing. I need to drop another 50 before I’m back in the area again so I can have another slice!
I stopped in at Half Door Brewing Company in San Diego, California for dinner. The Victorian house they occupy right down the in Gaslamp District near Petco park is wonderful. It feels like the Irish pub that it emulates. Their food and beer are delightful. I enjoyed the Hanger Steak and my wife said the Scottish Salmon was one of the best dinners she’d ever had. Roark Red Ale is a malty treat that paired well with dinner. And rather than dessert, their Gimmick Ale did not disappoint as an after-dinner drink. Think golden stout with hints of white chocolate and peanut butter. Like a white chocolate peanut butter cup in a glass.
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 Stop For Hops 