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 Alamo Beer Company in San Antonio, Texas for a beer. I decided to go with the flagship Golden Ale and was not disappointed. This is a bright, crisp beer with low alcohol. Delicious!
I stopped in at Kona Brewing in Kona, Hawaii. Their flagship beers, Longboard Lager, Big Wave Golden Ale, Castaway IPA, and Fire Rock Pale Ale are no strangers and always delicious. I found that the Magic Sands Saison was a delicious mango beer and the Hanalei POG IPA was a very drinkable, flavorful IPA. But, sadly, you’ve got to fly to Kona to enjoy these. I’m glad I did. Also, the pizza was wonderful as well. Kona Brewing is an awesome stop – well worth the trip!!!
I stopped in at Triple Crossing Brewing in Richmond, Virginia and enjoyed their Element 79 Summer Golden Ale which was one of the more refreshing and enjoyable beers I have ever tasted. It was light enough that it didn’t feel too filling. At the same time, it was flavorful, slightly fruity, definitely malty, but with crisp hoppiness. This beer had everything a beer should have.
I stopped in late to try the beers at North Mountain Brewing Company in Phoenix, Arizona. Their C.R.E.E.M. golden ale is simply delicious. It is refreshing and flavorful. The Belay IPA has to be one of the best IPAs I’ve tasted – at least according to my tastebuds. The Spiral Man Oatmeal Stout was a tasty end to the evening.
I stopped in at Kelly’s Caribbean Bar Grill and Brewery in Key West, Florida. Kelly’s has the distinction of being the southernmost brewery in the continental United States. Since it was happy hour I enjoyed $2 pours of their three flagship beers, Southern Clipper wheat, Havana Red, and Key West Golden ale. Of the three I enjoyed the Havana Red the most. If you’re in Key West and walking around Duval Street, Kelly’s is only a block away on Whitehead and worth a stop. It is also located in the original Pan Am Airlines headquarters building, which is historically cool as well.
I Stop For Hops 