PUBlication: Brew Detective

Georgetown Brewing | Seattle WA

Georgetown is on the up and up. No, not that one, I'm talking about the south Seattle neighborhood. When I lived up there it wasn't as hip. Now it's bustling with brew pubs and artists. Georgetown Brewing is one of the establishments that has helped to reshape this district, both physically and socially. I recently had the chance to enjoy their Lucille IPA.

Georgetown has done one hell of a job blending Columbus, Centennial, Amarillo, Simcoe and Cascade hops into a well-crafted IPA. The initial fragrance is a mixture of leafy-earth and citrus, creating a vibrant nose. A refreshing detour from those that smell too piney. On draught it settles into a golden-orange. Bitterness prevails early, lingering a bit before almost disappearing. It has a slippery quality to it, perhaps due to lower carbonation, which I liked. Lucille can be appreciated by hop-heads or the curious. Enjoy this IPA when given the chance. 7% | 85 IBUs 

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de Young

J.M.W. Turner: Painting Set Free | Herbst Exhibition Galleries

J.M.W. Turner

Almost hidden in Golden Gate Park is San Francisco's de  Young museum. Currently there are a couple of exhibitions worth noting.

Imagination and technique, Mr. Turner had his way with both. He is often regarded for his portrayal of light and celebrated as one of the greatest British painters of the nineteenth century. Painting Set Free focuses on his late career, an era punctuated by motifs of nature, history, and theology. Running through September 30th click here for tickets. Enjoy the fine arts museums of San Francisco.


                                                                                                                                                        

Shaping Abstraction | Gallery 11

B. Diller | Second Theme #272 | ca. 1934-36

Drawing from the early to mid 20th century, the American Abstractionists presented in this de Young exhibition, are the New York-based artists who helped to drive the explanations of abstraction. Shaping Abstraction offers some robust examples of the art that would spawn The AAA. American Abstract Artists (AAA) pushed for the acceptance of this art form in the U.S. Many of the works are gleaned from generous local collections. This event runs through August 30th.

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Far West Fest

Far West Fest | Point Reyes

West Marin has plenty of adventure to get caught up in. The Far West Fest is this weekend at Love Field in Point Reyes. Surely one of the better festivals in Marin, this year marks the 10th anniversary of the event, which has raised over $300,000 for local charities. Four stages of live music is always a welcomed destraction. Ozomatli and the Monophonics will probably draw the largest crowds. Local bands such as Aaron Harris & the Bad Farmers, El Radio Fantastique, and the Kyle Martin Band, will hopefully grab the attention of festival goers. 

Fresh oysters, cold Lagunitas and Iron Springs beer, delicious wine and camping, in case you're having too much fun, are available on site. The event begins at 10am and runs through 7pm. If you don't have any weekend plans consider attending the Far West Fest this Saturday, July 25th. Enjoy.

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PUBlication: Hops of Wrath

Hops of Wrath | Dust Bowl Brewing Co.

Those at Dust Bowl Brewing know how to embrace legacy. Their flagship IPA, Hops of Wrath is a delicious staple found in our local market. Trust me, it tastes good. Besides, it's inspired by the families who moved west. 

When cracked open you get that distinct IPA nose, yet it's not too bold. Once poured, the clean golden hue produces a faint aroma from the malt character. The resulting head showcases the nice level of carbonation. It's mildly sweet on the palette and smooth on the back end. It's subtlety is its strong point—even with five varieties of hops. I mean come on, with a name like Hops of Wrath. As the good people at Dust Bowl like to say, Turn it wrong side up...responsibly. 6.6% | 50 IBUs

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Local Flavor

Cloverdale hosts The Stone Foxes this Friday. After attending the blistering performances by JP Harris & the Tough Choices, as well as, Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds, I plan on making each Friday Night Live that grabs my attention. The Stone Foxes are a no frills rock and roll band who hit hard and go fast. That sounds good doesn't it? There's no opener at this week's show, so be sure to get there on time (7pm). Below are a couple of tracks to tempt your appetite. Speaking of which, there's a food tent that serves up some of the best grass fed burgers I've had in Sonoma County. There's no shortage of munchie options. I also recommend walking down to the artisan end of the farmers market, which boasts an inspiring minimalistic potter and a handmade soap stand—our two favorite vendors. Enjoy live music and eat good food while supporting local farmers and artisans in Cloverdale. See you there.

The Stone Foxes | Psycho


The Stone Foxes | I'm A King Bee


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The Lowest Pair

The Lowest Pair

 Olympia and Minneapolis, two places I know something about. They also happen to be the cities in which The Lowest Pair call home. Kendl Winter and Palmer T. Lee craft American songs as their harmonies drape over the twang of two banjos. His Midwestern croon meshes seamlessly with her penetrating vocals, an assemblage that is hauntingly beautiful. They have smithed two records; 36¢ and The Sacred Heart Sessions—the latter was recorded in Duluth, MN at an old church. Bending like the hanging limbs of a willow tree, their music sways along the lines of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, with lyrical honesty resembling Townes Van Zandt.

This well traveled duo is currently on tour. They play at the enchanting Viracocha Wednesday night (15th). I thoroughly suggest making this engagement if time permits. The setting and the sound will surely subdue. On Thursday (16th) they play at the Fifth Street Farms in Berkeley. After a quick run to British Columbia they return for the Redwood Ramble in Navarro, CA. Go see something new, go feel something with meaning, go support The Lowest Pair.

The Lowest Pair | Rosie


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Fort Ross Festival

Fort Ross Festival 

Historic Fort Ross will host its annual festival July 25th from 10am-6:30pm. This year's celebration will honor the diversity of past cultures who have called Fort Ross home. The Kashia (a Band of Pomo Indians), Russians, Alaskan Natives, and California ranch people will be recognized for their legacies as they pertain to the Fort. Hands-on crafts based on each heritage, along with cannon firings and a food bazaar, are just some of the unique amenities being offered. There will also be a California brewery sponsored beer garden. I recommend hopping in a carriage pulled by Draft horses—it's too cool pass up. See you along the Sonoma coast for some good old fashioned fun. 

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Forecast: Dead Weather

Third Man Records | Vault 25

They're back— Jack White, Alison Mosshart, Dean Fertita and Jack Lawrence are set to release a new Dead Weather record, Dodge & Burn. Lucky subscribers to The Vault, Third Man's one-of-a-kind mail-order service, will be treated to a limited edition copy of the LP. Multi colored vinyl, exclusive alternate cover art and a limited bonus poster are what set this release apart from the worldwide arrival in September.  Recorded in Nashville, Dodge & Burn will showcase eight brand new songs, along with four other remastered tracks that were released as 7" singles (Vault #18 & #21). Vault package #25 also includes another 7" single and a deck of custom playing cards! Below are some clips from the upcoming album. Enjoy and subscribe. 

The Dead Weather | Dodge & Burn sampler



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PUBlication: Brew Detective

Kern River Brewing Co. | Just Outstanding IPA

East of Bakersfield and nestled into the southern stretch of The Sequoia National Forest, near Isabella Lake, is the town of Kernville. I hadn't heard of it until a friend brought me a 22oz of beer. It happened to be Just Outstanding, an absurdly good IPA from the folks at Kern River Brewing Company. 

The nose on this ale is delicate. Simcoe and Amarillo hops create a nice bouquet. Initially the taste is really clean. This IPA is a smooth criminal—not too malty, not too bitter. Your palette will thank you. Weighing in at 6.8% it finishes nicely. Distribution hasn't made its way this far north yet, maybe someday soon it will. Drink responsibly.

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