Brew Detective: Mikkeller Bar SF

Hallo Ich Bin & Fruit Face

If you live in or near San Francisco, or for that matter LA and San Diego, do yourself a favor and visit Mikkeller Bar. Indulgence is a given, their amazing food and libations, put simply, sets a new standard. The two of us were wowed by all of the gluttonous goods we consumed. Mikkeller Bar is an oasis, literally. As you wonder whether or not you're in the right place, you approach the oversized red hanging sign, just go inside and begin purging yourself of the City's detritus.  

It just so happened to be a day to celebrate, so we kind of went off. Starting with two Mikkeller SD offerings, we opted for the raspberry Hallo Ich Bin Berliner Weisse and Fruit Face. Hallo is a deliciously tart wheat ale that punches with flavor, leaving room with a low ABV of 3.7%. Another Berliner, Fruit Face is brewed with dragonfruit, passionfruit and pink guava—another round was in order. This funk-forward, fruit-backed session is amazing and weighs in at a slender 4%.

Fruit Face & Simcoe Eyes

We moved on from the Weisse's and went for a Mikkeller Chill Pils Orange. A pilsner-style ale brewed with, you guessed it, orange. Talk about a summer crusher at an easygoing 4.7%. We tried Mikkeller SD California Dream next. California Dream is a pilsner brewed with Galaxy, Simcoe and Amarillo hops. At only 4.2% I could have knocked these flavorful dreams back all day, but alas, there were more taps to try. Hopping right along (see what I did there), Simcoe Eyes had been whispering to me from the moment I read the description on the draft list. There are multitudes of hop varietals now in circulation, Simcoe is definitely tried and true. Mikkeller went ahead a brewed a hazy New England-style IPA with just one type of hop. The result is a beer that looks juicy, but tastes like an IPA (6.5%). I've been digging the unfiltered vibe, change is good. It was unimaginable not long ago, to question whether the west coast would have to adjust in regards to IPA production. Again, change is good. I wish I had been able to bring some of this home. 

Draft beer isn't the only heavenly indulgence coming from Mikkeller Bar, the back of the house is cooking it up too yo. The salt and pepper fries are a must. We've all ate fries a million times, but you haven't had fries like these. If Caesar salad is a fresh option you typically enjoy, then you should most certainly rock the Dill Caesar with sour Rye croutons. Who'd a thunk dill could be so down with Caesar? If poultry is something you're into to, definitely add the house-smoked chicken, it's  succulence is matched by the perfect amount of smokiness. Don't stop there, you have to have the Mac n Cheese. It's probably the best restaurant-made M&C I've ever had, and I'm a self-appointed connoisseur of M&C. Please just try it. There's Monterey Jack, Parmesan Reggiano, Danish fontina and Pt. Reyes Blue covering the elbow noodles, which comes to you in a piping hot cast iron skillet.

Don't forget to check out the funk cellar downstairs. Most people just use the restrooms and fail to even notice the other hidden gem within this hideout. Hopefully this review will coerce you into experiencing Mikkeller Bar, because that's what it is, an experience. Enjoy.

eightychoices.

PUBlication: California Beer Festival

Do you enjoy beautiful scenery, epic beer and nice weather? Of course you do, there's probably something wrong with you if you don't like those things. Therefore, if you have an extra $50, maybe there's a trip to Marin in your future—so you too can drink and be merry. The California Beer Festival takes place at Stafford Lake in Novato this Saturday. (1:00-5:00pm). Drink Responsibly. 

eightychoices.

PUBlication: Brew Detective

AleSmith Brewing Company

Thank you San Diego, your bounty runneth over. AleSmith Brewing Company creates a flavor profile in their X-Extra Pale Ale that could lead to addiction. It may have an appearance that is light-gold when poured, but don't let its looks fool you.

A crisp cleanliness is produced in color and taste. There's a grainy quality that works in cooperation with the slight hop bitterness and notes of citrus. The X-Extra Pale Ale is a strong candidate for representing what an American pale ale should taste like. Locally I'm able to score this delicious ale in a 22 ounce bottle. 5.25% | 35 IBU

eightychoices.

PUBlication: Workhorse IPA

Workhorse IPA | Laurelwood Brewing Co.

A former national IPA champion, Workhorse exemplifies the NW's epic beer scene. Laurelwood Brewing Company out of Portland should be on every one's list. The first thing I noticed was its potent scent. Once poured the copper color reveals a faint sweetness below the white foam.

Three types of malt help to fuse some luscious notes into a blend of hops which include Citra, Galaxy, El Dorado and Columbus. This odoriferous medley is added to the kettle and again during two separate stages of dry hopping. Having had this only once out of the bottle, I look forward to savoring it the next time. Be on the lookout for Workhorse IPA. 7.5% | 80 IBU

Drink responsibly,

eightychoices.

PUBlication: Citrus Mistress

Citrus Mistress | Hop Valley Brewing Co.

Hop Valley Brewing Company hails from one of my favorite places, Eugene (Go Ducks). Oregon is a mecca for tasty suds. The artisans at Hop Valley brew an array of amazing beers, I particularly enjoy their line-up of IPA's. One of the freshest tasting they put out is the Citrus Mistress.

This seasonal IPA starts with aromatic punch and finishes with the refreshing quality of citrus. Four types of hops are used in the brewing process, along with grapefruit peels. First you notice the lush scent of the Mistress, a tropical bouquet. It pours a bit darker, perhaps due to the rich Munich malt. Initially the pallet registers grapefruit and a subtle bitterness through the hops. The malt has less of a presence in tasting. After that it's simple, enjoy the pure drink-ability of Hop Valley's Citrus Mistress IPA. 6.5% | 80 IBU 

Grab a 22oz. or a six pack to enjoy this well-crafted seasonal India Pale Ale. Drink responsibly. 

eightychoices.

PUBlication: Grapefruit Sculpin

Ballast Point Brewing Co. | Grapefruit Sculpin | IPA

San Diego, aka San Dog, is a wonderful city with a long term weather forecast that makes the rest of the country jealous. By virtue of being so geographically blessed, the residents of San Dog brew some of the best beer in America. Ballast Point is a pillar among the plethora of top-notch breweries—go ahead and try to visit every brewpub within the city limits in a weekend, I dare you. 

One of their year round jewels is Sculpin, a five-stage hopped IPA that has won awards, and more importantly, inspires one to love craft beer. Rounding out at 7% ABV, this tasty adult beverage is worthy of inquiry. Ballast Point also brews a Grapefruit Sculpin, which quite frankly, is ridiculous. Grapefruit Sculpin is one of the best beers out of the bottle. The lush citrus communicates perfectly with the bouquet of hops. It's not too sweet, it's not to bitter, it's just perfect. There's also a Habanero Sculpin, for those that want some heat, it doubles as an amazing base for soups and chili's. I recommend having a supply of this fascinating ale.

Nice weather helps to conjure up the hankering for a good beer. I suggest Grapefruit Sculpin, maybe it will make its way into your fridge. Drink Responsibly. 

Cheers,

eightychoices.

PUBlication: Pliny the Younger

Pliny the Younger | RRBC

Russian River Brewing Company released Pliny the Younger on February 6th. Annually this limited monster gets tons of hype, rightfully so. Luckily I got a chance to sip on this tasty draught this past Tuesday—it's who you know. The scene on fourth street has turned into a bit of a circus over the past few years, so much so, that the line to get in wraps around the block. Or you have friends in high places and swoop in through the back.

This year's Younger was very fruity up front and in the nose. It still had that toughness in the mouth, engaged by the seven varietals of hops loaded into this triple IPA. The finish is amazingly smooth, considering the ABV is 10.25%. Leisurely paces are encouraged with this beast of a beer, a pint of water per pour doesn't hurt either. Slower is a term I attached to this 11th annual Younger batch. By that I mean, all of its traits unfold a bit slower, it's not so in your face. The River did an awesome job of creating a more balanced, brighter Pliny the Younger, without sacrificing the punch it has become known for. Those who get in are limited to three Youngers or three hours...

If you do make your way to the brewery, be sure to taste some of their other fine offerings. For starters, both the STS Pilsner and the Simcoe hopped Row 2 pale ale, are a must-have. I recommend knocking back a Parking Violation, an in-house IPA they had not brewed in some six years—it's one of my favorites. Russian River Brewing Company is truly at the forefront of inventive and award wining craft beers. They rightfully deserve every accolade, as their reputation continues to swell. Enjoy SF Beer Week responsibly. 

eightychoices.

What ALES You?

The Great American Beer Festival wrapped up not too long ago and a couple of the winners are close enough to visit, at least over the course of a weekend. With craft beer continuing to grow, almost everyone can now enjoy a cold one from their own neck of the woods. Those of us in northern California are obviously blessed with an abundance of amazing high-end oat sodas and barley pops. 

The next time I'm headed to Tahoe I'll try and blast over to Reno in order to hit up Brasserie Saint James, awarded best mid-sized brewpub and brewer of the year. Showing good taste, Saint James tends to brew a broader range of ales, going against the grain of the west coast's hop obsession. The Pils De Resistance is a lager fermented near freezing temperatures. They produce a Kolsch inspired by a performance at the Cologne Opera House, the Köln Concert. Daily Wages is a traditionally brewed, herbaceous Saison, which won gold for best French/Belgium Saison. And for the warmth of the golden hour there's California Steamin'.  It's only 5.5% and has a surprisingly low IBU of 39, considering they use four different hop varietals. Not only do they create quality beer, their menus look amazing too.  

Long Beach has the other approachable winner. Beachwood BBQ and Brewery may need to update their website (eek), but apparently their crushing it where it counts. Beachwood was named best large brewpub and brewer of the year. Mocha Machine took the gold for best coffee beer and Un Atout won silver behind Saint James in the Saison category. Beer and barbecue is always a good combination. Hopefully I'll make it down to the LBC. Until then I'll be on the look out for these and others while perusing the beer aisle or at the bar of a good tap room. Cheers.

eightychoices.

Biketoberfest

BIKETOBERFEST | FAIRFAX, CA | OCT. 11th

Guess what goes well together? Bikes and Beer. Fairfax, the birthplace of mountain biking, hosts Biketoberfest this Saturday from noon to 5:00pm. There will be 70 bicycle exhibitions, 22 west coast breweries, plenty of tasty edible options, and three Bay area bands playing live music. This celebration of two-wheelers is free. If your affinity for beer overwhelms, you can purchase a bottomless 8 ounce souvenir glass. This interactive event benefits the Marin Bicycle Coalition and Access4bikes. VIP parking is available for those that pedal. Enjoy the weekend—North Bay style.

eightychoices.

Boonville Beer Fest 2K14

It Truly is Legendary!

It's that time again, when you dust off the camping gear and fill up the cooler, for what has become an annual first camping trip each year. There's no better way to ring in spring than the Boonville Beer Festival. It's a must for any fan of oat soda or barley pop. This year's celebration of suds is on Saturday, May 3rd. The glorious taps will be flowing from 1-5 pm. This event is well worth the cost ($41+). Bring cash and don't forget your A game, trust me I know what the alternative looks like and it isn't pretty. I also recommend carpooling, you'll save a little dough and you'll help everyone in the camping area by limiting the number gas guzzlers. Have fun and drive safe. Be prepared to get after it.

eightychoices.

14th annual legendary boonville beer festival

on may 8th, catch one of the best times each year with the legendary boonville beer festival. not only do you get to knock back premium micro brews from the west, you camp on location, thereby prolonging the all day/night debauchery. my friends & i have made this a yearly ritual of sorts. it's good old fashioned fun fueled by exceptional beer. often times this marks the beginning of the camping season. bring your gear & an appetite for beer, it doesn't get much better. arrive early to get an ideal camping site & prepare yourself for the drinking experience you so desire. the gates open at a quarter to noon, saturday, may 8th. taps will be flowing from 1 until 5. be mindful however, many of the the smaller brewers were tapped out early last year. find your favorites & try the exotics.

~eightychoices