Blog Archives

Tehachapi Mountain Brew & Grill Fest!

Saturday the first inaugural Tehachapi Mountain Brew & Grill Fest was launched. In my humble opinion it was a huge success. 10 BJCP judges were on hand to judge commercial craft beer and home brew entries. I was happy I agreed to judge and will participate if invited next year. The Best of Show winner is… Mission Brewery in San …Read more »

Moylan’s Moylander Double IPA

We dined al fresco this evening as we enjoyed the Moylan’s tap takeover on Pint Night. The Moylan’s DIPA (Double/Imperial India Pale Ale) was the star of the show this round. The pour encouraged a big creamy white head that lasted forever. A beautiful rich copper color that was a little cloudy. The aroma was malty with pretty strong pine …Read more »

High Sierra Tap House

Carson City Nevada is home to the High Sierra Brewing Co. They had a big beautiful facility with brew house and spacious tasting room until they lost their lease. They moved to a temporary location adjoining space with the Fox and Firkin. High Sierra will be opening the new brew house at Baldini’s Casino in Sparks this fall. The beers …Read more »

Sierra Nevada’s 30th Anniversary Ale

It was difficult to part with any of this Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Black Barleywine Ale for my 4th of July brine. At 10.2% abv and as big and rich and hoppy as it was, 22oz was more than I needed. Happy 4th of July!!!

Huntington Beach Brewing Co

Huntington Beach Brewing Co is located in downtown Huntington Beach near the pier, upstairs. The beer was good, but they had far more guest beers than their own. The bartender and the brewer (Brandon) were both very friendly and helpful. We ordered Main Street Wheat and Brickshot Red.

Newport Beach Brewing Co

I stopped by Newport Beach Brewing Co. in Newport Beach CA and talked to head brewer Derek Bougie. Derek is making some really sound beer. Derek started as a server in the brewpub. He was a home brewer and started volunteering his time to assist with brewing. Eventually it lead to the head brewer position that Derek totally enjoys. Top …Read more »

Unexpected Summertime Pairing

Wow, what a pleasant surprise! A little out of character I ordered dessert after dinner tonight. I usually save the calories for an after dinner barley wine or some kind of big, imperial deliciousness. I went for the Key Lime pie. I love the tart bite and balanced sweetness the lime delivers to the palate. I had just ordered a …Read more »

Pilsner Urquell #1 Import…In 1919

Pilsner Urquell was the #1 imported beer in the U.S. before Prohibition. Now they rank 32nd. The current # 1 import is Corona Extra. Salud!

Gravity

Original gravity, final gravity or “Gravity” the movie? Yes! I went to the theater last night to see “Gravity” in 3D. Sandra Bullock is nominated for Leading Actress for her portrayal of medical engineer Dr. Ryan Stone.The movie received 10 total nominations including Best Picture. Definitely edge-of-your-seat entertainment. Dr. Stone was constantly dodging untethered objects, but when she started to …Read more »

Bún and Ba Ba

While exploring new restaurants in Oakland California we stopped in at Le Cheval. A great restaurant with a large and varied menu specializing in Vietnamese cuisine. Excellent food. Saigon Export and Saigon “33” Export (Sometimes called “ba ba”. Ba is three in Vietnamese) seemed like the making for a perfect Vietnamese pairing. I have to say that both were not …Read more »

Handcrafted Beer Cap Neckwear

32,10,0,70,1
600,600,60,1,3000,5000,25,800
90,150,1,70,12,30,50,1,70,12,1,50,1,1,1,5000
Stone Brewing is located in Escondido, California and is known for hugely hoppy and high octane, malt-rich beers. Stone Brewing Co. was founded in 1996 in San Marcos, CA. The Double Bastard this cap sealed uses huge amounts of hops, but the type of hops used is not released. The necklace shown here was previously crimped on a bottle of Double Bastard Ale. The beer is orange-light brown in color and has a hoppy and malty nose. A mouth full of hop flavor and a rich malt and bitter/dry and finish. The hop types and IBU\'s are \"Classified\" according to Stone Brewing, but the alcohol is plentiful at 11% abv! This artisan piece was handmade using that recycled bottle cap. The cap was domed and filled with 2-row malted barley and caramel malt similar to that malt commonly used in similar beer styles. The malt is set in resin and helps add weight. This is a must have item for beer enthusiasts, craftbeer enthusiasts, Stone Brewing fans, IPA, DIPA fanatics, San Diego beer lovers or anybody that enjoys truly unique, handmade jewelry. Each piece is different as each cap has been treated differently through their travels to my beer fridge. Additionally, each cap reacts differently to the doming process. Cracks and chips may result naturally and add to the unique, unduplicated, rustic character of the finished product. The cap artwork represents the Stone gargoyle logo.
Stone-Double Arrogant Bastard
The beer cap shown here was previously crimped on a bottle of West Coast Double India Pale Ale (DIPA). The beer is orange-copper in color and has a hoppy and malty nose. A mouth full of hop flavor and a bitter/dry and finish. Clean and refreshing even though this beer weighs in at 95 IBUs and 8.1% abv!
Green Flash West Coast Double IPA
The necklace shown here was previously crimped on the bottle of Blue Moon Belgian White. Blue moon uses 2 row barley, white wheat and oats in their grain bill. They also use Valenica orange peel and coriander to give the beer the signature aroma and flavor profile of a traditional Belgian white. The specific gravity is 1.053, IBUs-9 and weighs in at a moderate 5.4% abv. The aroma is malty with a bit of orange. The flavor has a sweet start with a bit of spicy orange flavor and a nicely balanced finish from the hops. The addition of oats provide a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
Blue Moon Front
This artisan piece was handmade using that recycled bottle cap. The cap was domed and filled with real 2-row malted barley and white wheat used this beer style. The barley and wheat is set with casting epoxy to hold the grain in place and add weight.
Blue Moon Back
Blue Moon beer cap from the side
Blue Moon Side View
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