Fieldwork Brewing | Convergence DIPA

July 19, 2016 | John Brooks

ABV: 9%

When Fieldwork opened in Berkeley a year ago, I was stoked, and not just because it was a 10 minute walk from my old apartment. I had read that the co-founder and head brewer, Alex Tweet, had done stints at Ballast Point and Modern Times, where he came up with beers like the Indra Kunindra, Booming Rollers, and yes, the Grapefruit Sculpin. When Fieldwork first opened, however, the beer was great, but I can’t say the taproom was exactly packed. Read More

Wicked Weed Brewing | Pernicious IPA

June 28, 2016 | John Brooks 1

ABV: 7.3% | IBU: 70

Asheville, NC is a hip southern mountain town sought out by many beer fans. I was fortunate enough to make a brief pilgrimage there on a recent road trip across the country. The town hosts many excellent breweries, just some of which include Asheville Brewing Company, Green Man, Burial Beer Company and Wicked Weed. I only had time to visit one, but made a great selection in choosing Wicked Weed.

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Almanac Beer Co. | Apricot De Brettaville

May 25, 2016 | John Brooks 1

ABV: 6.5%

Almanac Beer Co. makes “Farm to Barrel” seasonal beers, inspired by the culinary tradition began by Bay Area celebrity chef Alice Waters. Founded in 2010 by then-homebrewers, Jesse … Read More

Pizza Port Brewing | The Kook DIPA

March 23, 2016 | John Brooks

ABV: 8.5%

Many craft-beer fans know Port Brewing and Lost Abbey Brewing, thanks to their great reputations and relatively wide distributions. A bit less well-known, however, is Pizza Port Brewing Company, … Read More

Cellarmaker Brewing | Tremont IPA

February 29, 2016 | John Brooks

ABV: 5.8%, | IBU: 29

Cellarmaker Brewing’s co-founder, Tim Sciascia, previously worked for Boston Beer Company, where he was told he would never be allowed in the brewhouse without a … Read More