Monthly beer tasting: Grab a pint of Fool's Gold

In honor of a recent weekend excursion to the foothills, this month’s tasting will be Auburn Alehouse's Fool’s Gold Pale Ale. “The Pale that Packs a Punch,” as they proclaim, is made just up the road in Placer County.
At first glance, the off-white head is generous, dense and foamy. The aroma is fresh and bready, and the body is pale, golden straw in color.

The taste is immediately fresh and light – a real easy drinker, but with a warming alcohol finish. This brew is 7.8 percent ABV, surprisingly high for a “pale ale” – rightly so, as they refer to it more specifically on the label as a West Coast strong pale ale. Others refer to this type of beer as a strong American blonde, or more simply, a strong ale.

The body is perhaps the best characteristic of Fool’s Gold. The medium body and creamy head are full enough to leave a feeling of weighty satisfaction on your tongue without ever being excessive. Combine that with the warming aftertaste, and the flavor profile is complete without trying to do too much.

 

Sometimes it’s nice in this complicated world to sip on something full-flavored, simple and balanced. If your brain is tired, you are feeling like a zombie and all you want is a little satisfaction and a few warm feelings, not much is better than a well-made strong blonde. It’s not bitter, not sweet, not heavy, not sour, not light or fizzy, not pretentious or complicated… no frills when you’re not in the mood, just a damn good beer for the 21st century.

Other local and regional variants of this style (by no means all identical) include the well-known Mendocino Brewing Company’s Eye of the Hawk, Loomis Basin Brewing Company’s Alohawk, and a certain Big Blonde Zombie said to be coming soon from rising local star New Helvetia Brewing Company.
Fool’s Gold is great alone, but would pair nicely with something simple, creamy and nutty – Danish Fontina cheese and whole grain crackers come to mind. Trade sips and bites and you’ll soon feel alive again.
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Don't forget to check out our upcoming beer event while you're at it! “Taste, Review & Brew” will be held next week at New Helvetia Brewing Company.

Originally published at http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/82870/Monthly_beer_tasting_Grab_a_pint_of_Fools_Gold on May 21, 2013.

Choose your own adventure: Brew up a road trip

Russian River Brewing Co. (image by Patricia Willers)

 

Now is the time for a semi-local brew road trip. Pick a couple of friends, find a designated driver, promise him or her a growler of choice – beer to go, fresh from the brewery tap – for the end of the trip, and visit one, two or all of the mouthwatering breweries just west of Sacramento. Road trip!

Starting from home, you might want to first hit up your favorite growler stop, though this all depends on where you plan to spend the night. Don't let it get warm! Track 7, Hoppy and Berryessa all have growlers. Toss a cooler stocked with ice in your trunk for growlers and 22-ouncers that you pick up along the way.
Did you remember to find a designated driver? Be sure to do so – and not just your best friend's pregnant wife, because that's just not fair. Suck it up and take turns. Just imagine the intelligent conversation you could have sober with brewmaster Vinnie Cilurzo at Russian River Brewing Company.

Head west on Interstate 80 towards Davis. Here's where you make your first decision. You could take State Route 113 north all the way to Main Street in Woodland if you'd like to check out Black Dragon Brewery – either for the taproom or for homebrewing supplies.

Your other option is to get off in Davis and take Russell Boulevard, aka Lincoln Highway, west towards Winters. Stay glued to Russell (it becomes Grant Avenue in Winters, so no worries if it changes on you), and just after you get through town you'll run into Berryessa Brewing Company. It's almost impossible to get lost; there's just not that much else around.

Your next stop depends on the car you're driving – at least, it does for me.

View Map
Somehow I live in the valley without air conditioning, so I hug the bay for as long as possible. If you are in a similar position or simply prefer to road trip with the windows down and the breeze on your face, I recommend heading south on I-505 to I-80 and then curving west on Route 37 in cooler air. This also adds the possibility of a stop at Moylan's. This brewery and restaurant is located in Novato just north on U.S. Highway 101 after the junction of 101 and 37. You can even see the brew tank from the highway. Growler refill opportunity! If traffic is bad, perhaps you should stay for a bratwurst and sauerkraut as well.

 

  "Around the World" taster at Lagunitas Brewing Co. (Image by: Patricia Willers)

 
You are now about to enter the beer wonderland that is Highway 101. Lagunitas Brewing Company is in Petaluma – go "Around the World" with friends and try 16 of their beers as part of a lengthy tasting. After that is Santa Rosa, where you will find yourself in heaven drinking Pliny the Elder and munching on Pliny pizza bites at Russian River Brewing Company (obvious growler opportunity as part of your Pliny parade).

View Map
2. Wait, were you totally repulsed by the idea of freeways and Marin County gated communities? There's some relief for you on State Route 128. From Berryessa Brewing Company, Grant Avenue will become winding 128, taking you through the Putah Creek Wildlife Area and on to Lake Berryessa, where I've been known to seek sweet lakeside ecstasy on a 100-degree day.

 

Berryessa Brewing Company (image by Patricia Willers)

After a fair to moderate amount of curving up, around and over hills, you'll find yourself heading through vineyards, fields of wild mustard and beautiful vistas on the way to St. Helena. I know, the wineries are tempting, but remember, this is a beer road trip. Stay focused. Highway 128 gets a little messy on the way there – why weave south and then west and north? I prefer to stay northbound and simply continue on Silverado Trail. From St. Helena, go west on Route 12 to Santa Rosa. Please note: If you choose this route, you will have to (and should) hit up Lagunitas on the way home, because you will not be passing through Petaluma.

Head west out of St. Helena on Spring Mountain Road. This will meet up with Calistoga Road and feed into Santa Rosa and your subsequent Pliny parade.

 

Appropriate growler care (Image by: Patricia Willers)

 
Itching to continue? Drive just a half-hour farther north to the town of Healdsburg, the home of Bear Republic Brewing Co.

Cloverdale is just past Healdsburg, yes, still on 101, and next is Ukiah, where you will find Ukiah Brewing Company's organic brewpub and restaurant.

From there? Well, you might as well just persevere and head to the North Coast. An Old Rasputin Russian imperial stout is all the better with the rough coastal winds beating against the window panes in whatever small, cozy Fort Bragg establishment you choose for the evening.

And that's it! You have everything you need for the beer weekend of a lifetime. Can you believe all these amazing breweries are within range? Thank you, NorCal.

Tips for a good time? Make it a long weekend, book a couple of budget hotels or campgrounds and switch drivers daily. But remember to switch. Your friend will never forgive you if you skip your turn and they miss out on Berryessa, Bear Republic and Russian River, you douche.

Good luck, and cheers!

 

Russian River Brewing Co. (image by Patricia Willers

Originally published at http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/82058/Choose_your_own_adventure_Brew_up_a_road_trip on April 30, 2013.

Perfect weather and a beer, anyone?

New taps at Dad's Kitchen

 

April and May are the perfect months for enjoying the Sacramento sun. Sure, you can drink a decent beer outside on many a streetside table, but this is about back patios, gardens and out-of-the-way spots to drink out of doors. A lack of car traffic is key, and both fountains and live music earn you extra points.
Before long it will be far too hot to sit and bask with a beer, so without further ado, here are five excellent places in the area to enjoy a beer outdoors.  If you agree, disagree, or wish to share your favorite spot in the area, I invite you to do so – secret spots welcome!

Bows & Arrows

 

The Bows & Arrows back patio (Image by: Bows & Arrows)

 
This collective has a nice, albeit generally minimal, selection of beers; excellent food made by in-house chef Gabriel Nokes; a great back courtyard and a constantly changing supply of art throughout the complex. Going to Safeway for groceries? Why not stop for a drink and bask in the sun for an hour or two on the way?

They are set up to sell almost anything in the place – clothing, art, jewelry, you name it. Don’t be intimidated – this is a benefit. There are things you are going to want. If you haven’t been, go. It’s a fountain oasis back there.

The Shack

 

The Shack's front patio (Image by: The Shack)
 
The Shack has amazing beer and plenty of it – and a fire pit for breezier evenings. They also have live music Thursday nights, mussels on Belgian Beer Night (Tuesdays) and Sacramento Beer Week master Dan Scott hosting trivia on Wednesdays.

Belgian beers, local beers, lambics, saisons, German beers – The Shack has choices for everyone. In fact, they have so many beers that you won’t know where to start.

Dad’s Kitchen

 

The back patio at Dad's Kitchen (Image by: Patricia Willers)

 
Dad’s Kitchen, featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives back in 2011, opened a new tap room and expanded patio on Tuesday night. The shady back patio can get rather packed, but the atmosphere is fun and the staff very friendly. They also frequently have live music. They stock numerous local brews, and as you may have guessed, their food is terrific and goes well with beer - health food fanatics need not stop by.

“Holy crustification,” Guy Fieri said about the Dad’s Burger, a burger encrusted with blue cheese and bacon. Pairs well with an IPA.

Notable facts: All-day happy hour Tuesdays means all beers are $4. During regular happy hours they have a $7 pitcher of PBR, plus one featured craft beer – usually for $4. They also serve Temple coffee if you are headed there for brunch and prefer not to drink in the morning.

Berryessa Brewing Company
This one is a must. It’s true, Berryessa Brewing Company probably isn’t within walking or biking distance of home, but it’s well worth the drive to Winters. They make great brews and the location is picturesquely situated between a vineyard and an orchard. In fact, they share the property with Berryessa Gap Vineyards. They also have frequent live music and along with it, a food truck or specialty caterer such as The Pasta Queen, The Hotdogger or Fuzion Eatz on site. You can also bring a picnic of your own.

 

Sacramento Beer and Chili Festival in Fremont Park (image by Patricia Willers)

Festivals
I admit, this is not a place, per se; you cannot just stop by any day of the week. But on a perfect spring day with sun and just the right amount of heat, there is no better place to be than at an outdoor beer festival. Fremont Park, Discovery Park, Raley Field - picture it.
 
There is an abundance of outdoor beer festivals in the Sacramento region, starting with the Sacramento Beer and Chili Festival at Fremont Park last Saturday and the Bockbierfest at the Sacramento Turn Verein, also this past weekend.

 

Friends and fun at the Sacramento Beer and Chili Festival (Image by: Patricia Willers)

 
If you missed last weekend, fear not. There are many more opportunities to come. Pick your favorite locale and get yourself a ticket. Bring friends and enjoy the beautiful weather and the insane variety of beers to choose from.

Upcoming festivals include the Capitol City International Beerfest at the Sacramento Turn Verein (STV) on Saturday, April 27. Proceeds from this event will go to the United States Handball Association FirstAce. The STV’s annual Maifest will take place on May 5 from noon to 5.  Now there’s a way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Of all the beer festivals around, those hosted by the STV are the most family friendly. Before you are done with a liter, your son or daughter may be signed up for German language classes, dancing lessons or the STV soccer team. They also generally serve up some pretty delicious traditional German eats.

The West Coast Brew Fest will be Saturday, May 18 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Miller Park – a great spot right on the Sacramento River - and the 7th Annual Raley Field Brewfest will take place on Friday, June 7. Tickets are already on sale, so check it out for your chance to have a beer in the outfield.

If you’re a real planner, the California Brewers Festival at Discovery Park has already been set for Sept. 21, 2013. This festival serves as a terrific sendoff to the summer heat.

 

  California Brewers Festival 2011 (Image by: Matt Doyle)

 

Honorable Mention goes to Lagunitas in nearby Petaluma. It’s not local, but it just isn’t right to have a list of outdoor drinking spots without mentioning them. Actually, next week here at the Sacramento Beer Writer we will be laying out a beer road trip. Block off a weekend in your calendar because you're not going to want to wait long before giving it a try.

Originally published at http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/81441/Perfect_weather_and_a_beer_anyone on April 11, 2013.

Beer Review: Logsdon Farmouse Ales Seizoen Bretta

Logsdon Farmhouse Ales Seizoen Bretta is a specialty organic farmhouse ale from Hood River, Oreg.
For a saison, the beer is alcoholically strong (8 percent ABV) and slightly sour, owing to the use of wild Bretta yeast. The yeast that is used results in slightly sour undertones, countered by the ample use of sweet crystal malts. Together, the beer is incredibly complex, at the same time sweet, dry, sour and fruity.

The color is a rich and unfiltered golden straw yellow. The large bottle is perfect for sharing; open a bottle with a couple of friends and drink it together while comparing opinions. Seizoen Bretta is so complex that everyone will notice something different, while someone will insightfully summarize its various palatal pleasures.

A couple of other things should be mentioned. A beer of this style should be served at about 50 degrees, meaning you should let it warm out of the fridge for about 25 minutes before opening. When pouring, use a smallish, stemmed glass, not a pint glass. This type of glass is much better at holding temperatures and capturing yeasty aromas. If you don’t have beer glasses like this, wine glasses will do the trick.

Seizoen Bretta is typically available at Capitol Beer and Tap Room and The Davis Beer Shoppe in 750 milliliter bottles for about $10, but don’t wait too long to seek it out. What’s on the shelves now won gold in the American-Style Brett Ale category at the 2012 Great American Beer Festival.
Image by: Allison Joy
Image by: Patricia Willers

Previously published at: http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/79946/Monthly_beer_tasting_Logsdon_Farmhouse_Ales_Seizoen_Bretta on March 18, 2013

The Switch to Spring Beers

Now that you’ve gotten over your beer week hangover, restored your previous sleeping habits and saved up some cash, take a few weeks to enjoy the changing season. Yes, we all love IPAs, but what else out there can ease us into the warm spring afternoons? The answer is the saison.

On cool nights, get your last few sips of the beers that are going out – barley wines, porters and sweet stouts. These rich varieties tend to go out of favor after the temperature gets above 80.

To be clear, there is no need to get rid of these beers. Strong, dark beers generally age very well. Find a dark, cool place to store them for the summer and they will be even better next fall. Heed the warning on storage though; both light and drastic temperature changes are dangerous for beer of any style.

Now on to the saison, a farmhouse ale. Lately, I just haven't been able to stop thinking about a light and refreshing 750 milliliter bottle of saison and how perfectly it pairs with the spring weather. I have tried something like eight in the last eight days – the perfect ratio for these fine afternoons we’ve been having. A saison is a Belgian beer, though not your typical Belgian beer. It is generally lighter in body, earthier and much more mellow. This type of beer, traditionally drunk in spring in Wallonia - the French speaking southern portion of Belgium – is normally bottled in a wine bottle and corked due to the high amount of carbonation.

Logsdon Farmhouse Ales Seizoen Bretta is a personal favorite. Check out my recent review here on The Sacramento Press site. It may be a little hard to find, but it’s worth it. Lately it has been available at both The Davis Beer Shoppe and Capitol Beer and Tap Room.

Beware that certain farmhouse ales, usually those of a lighter hue, contain what is known by beer connoisseurs as a “funky” yeast. If you want to be technical about it, Brettanomyces Bruxellensis. This yeast is most unfortunately known for having the very distinct aroma of…horsehair.

Yes, horsehair. Some people actually like a certain amount of this flavor in a beer.

If it really gets to you, let it warm for a few minutes and it will lessen. The other option is to stick to the slightly maltier varieties such as the aforementioned Seizoen Bretta, North Coast Brewing Company's Le Merle or Hennepin, Brewery Ommegang's Farmhouse Saison. Saison Rue from The Bruery is yet another nice option. If you find yourself really enjoying this type of beer, expand your search to include all farmhouse ales and the always haughtily enticing French country ales.

 
Image by: Patricia Willers

You may have heard that Odonata Beer Company has plans to return to life in the near future. Its flagship beer was a saison that received 98 out of 100 at RateBeer.com. Unfortunately, this beer is currently only available as a limited-edition reserve release, available by special request or for special events.

In other news, we are about to see the end of blow-your-mind IPA season. Pliny The Younger season is over, but there are still a couple of interesting developments to look forward to. The first is Knee Deep Brewing Company’s Hopoholic 4x IPA. It should be released on tap and in bottles in the very near future – as soon as later this week – I suggest staying glued to their Twitter feed for updates.

The second development worth watching is Stone’s “Enjoy By” series. Enjoy By 04.20.13 will be available in Sacramento after March 20. Talk to your local beer proprietor to see if it’s going to be on their tap or bottle list. This particular version of the limited-release series is a double IPA at 88 IBUs and 9.4 percent ABV. It was bottled just last Friday and is the fifth in Stone’s “Enjoy By” series, Enjoy By 02.15.13 being the most lavishly hailed so far.

Stone chooses a number of sites around the country for each limited distribution, so not every release will be available in Sacramento. Enjoy by 04.20.13, though, is going to be available in pretty much the stoniest places in the country – Colorado, Alaska, Washington and Sacramento. Well done, Stone.

Previously published at: http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/80552/The_switch_to_spring_beers on March 18, 2013

Good beer vibes at the Capital Beerfest 2013

Saturday afternoon visitors from all over the region headed to the Capital Beerfest for beer, fun and food trucks. Like last year, there were tons of local breweries pouring, but unlike last year, the locals were the stars this time around. Move over Sierra Nevada.

Highly enthused visitors streamed into Cal Expo starting at noon. At 2 p.m. when general admission opened there was a flood of new people and the exhibition hall was soon packed. The first two hours of the festival food was available, but it came with a price – a long line and precious pouring time wasted. Thankfully, there were also more than enough great food trucks, so no one went home hungry.

 

Newly opened New Helvetia Brewing Co. straddles the line between Midtown and Land Park. (Image by: Matt Doyle)

 

The selection of beers poured was undeniably great. There were just under 100 breweries and almost everyone was pouring their best.

Sutter Buttes Brewing had Franklin Jr. on tap. At more than 158 IBUs (International Bittering Units), they call it an Imperial Triple Hop made especially for hop heads. I call it delicious, unique and worth a try. Loomis Basin Brewing Company poured Avenger XX IPA. Although it was a bit bitter for my taste, the aroma was terrific.

Black Diamond Brewing had a really nice Imperial Hoppy Red called Fracas. Assistant Brewer Paul Mallory was on hand talking to visitors about their new initiative to brew an experimental beer each month. Mallory also said that while their previous brewpub in Walnut Grove closed, they have a new tap room open in Concord.

Belgo Hoptologist was on cask at Knee Deep Brewing Company’s booth – a delicious treat while it lasted - but this wasn’t the biggest news coming out of Knee Deep. Brewer Jeremy Warren confirmed that they had brewed a quadruple IPA. Word is that it’s just over 12 percent, but Warren stated that the official laboratory results are yet to come in. Knee Deep will be working on several trial versions in the coming months. Many are skeptical about the possibility of creating a quality beer that is hoppy enough to be called a quadruple IPA, but they have accepted the challenge.

Speaking of imperial IPAs, Moylan’s poured Hop Craic XXXXIPA. Is this truly a quadruple IPA? Probably not, but with Hop Craic and Hopsickle, they will surely be continuing on the race towards IBU bliss.

 

Track 7 and Knee Deep tents (Image by: Matt Doyle)

 
Knee Deep in Beer Week, the collaborative brew, was available both at Knee Deep and Track 7 during the festival. Both breweries brewed a slightly different version, and I’m hopeful that either one or both will become permanent Sacramento beers. As you can tell from the photo above, there was never a dull moment at their tents. It was great to see two young local breweries doing so well and pouring such high-quality beers.

The absence of homebrewers put a bit of a damper on the day for some. Around and around you could go, but you would find no local homebrewers at this year’s Capital Beerfest. The Greenbelt Brewers Association, which meets at Sudwerk Brewing, got a call on Friday at 3 p.m. that said they were out, so all their bottles and kegs (including one on nitro) had to be left at home come Saturday. The exact reason that they were unable to participate this year was unclear, but regardless, their presence and fresh ideas and brews were missed. In a word, lame.

 

  The Greenbelt Brewers Association had no booth at this year's Capital Beerfest (Image by: Matt Doyle)

 

Also missing from the action was North Coast Brewing Co. Just where were you last Saturday, Old Rasputin?

Despite the almost complete and total hop takeover of the California beer scene over the last year or two, there were still a few good spots at the beerfest for those uninterested in hops. Sierra Nevada had their Ovila Quad on tap, Stone Brewing Co. poured oak-aged Old Guardian – always a treat – and Oakland had something unique and not hoppy as well. Their Saison du Madre was a very healthy saison. The body was a touch sweet and the spritzy carbonation did it good.

Runnin’ For Rhett volunteers did the pouring and benefited from the proceeds of the event. The positive energy they bring to the beerfest each year is always a terrific addition to the day. Runnin’ For Rhett provides scholarships to college students enrolled in special education teaching programs and helps fund youth fitness programs for Sacramento area schools. They truly know how to “Uplift, encourage and move,” as their mission statement says.

So many breweries and so many great brews – just imagine all that is to come for this beer scene. Until next year, Sacramento Beer Week; until next week, Sacramento Beer Readers.

 

Odonata Beer Company announced their return just in time for SBW 2013. (Image by: Matt Doyle)

Originally published at http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/80037/Good_beer_vibes_at_the_Capital_Beerfest on March 4, 2013.

Pliny the Younger: Another 5 ounces, please

 

Pliny the Younger, Russian River Brewing Company's 10.25 percent ABV triple IPA, was featured on another local tap Thursday afternoon. One of the coveted 5-gallon kegs was tapped at Burgers & Brew in Davis on Thursday afternoon. Lines began forming around noon, although at 2 p.m. there were just around 70 people. Burgers & Brew had given Pliny enthusiasts plenty of time to prepare - they had posted the release date and time already on Monday on their Facebook page - so there was plenty of talk of rearranging work schedules. It might come as a surprise, but beer lovers can be quite organized and resourceful when it comes to limited-release brews.

Around 4 p.m. it seemed that the keg was running dry, and those still in line began to meander off sadly. All in all, the situation wasn't bad, even a few that came as late as 3 p.m. got a taste. The last 5-ounce pour was given to the three people still standing hopefully in line. The pour was shared happily.

Each customer got one 5-ounce pour for $2 - enough to taste, but nothing more. Burgers & Brew was also pouring Pliny the Elder, Firestone Walker Double Double Barrel Aged and Black Butte XXIV, as well as numerous other great beers, so at least thirsty patrons had something to turn to once the Younger was gone.

 

Image by: Patricia Willers

 

 

Image by: Patricia Willers

 

 

Image by: Patricia Willers

 

 

  Image by: Patricia Willers 

   

  Image by: Patricia Willers

 

 

Image by: Patricia Willers

   

  The things many will do for a taste of Pliny the Younger (Image by: Patricia Willers)

   

  Image by: Patricia Willers

 

 

Image by: Patricia Willers

Originally published at http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/79945/Pliny_the_Younger_Another_5_ounces_please_Photos on February 28, 2013.