Pacific
Karl Strauss Brewing Company | Boat Shoes Hazy IPA
June 13, 2019 | Jaclyn Menendez
In the late 60’s and early 70’s, the music of the West Coast had a distinct sound. This sound was ringing down from Laurel Canyon in the Hollywood Hills. This music was complex and challenging, bringing the flavors of folk, bluegrass, country, funk, Latin, rock and roll, and the blues and blended them all together into something big. This stuff was smooth, it was easy to listen to, but it still had some soul and some groove. The era of Yacht Rock was here.
Event Recap | 2019 Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest
June 5, 2019 | Krisstin Sibley
Many of you may still be riding the excitement from another successful Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest this past weekend. As one of the most sought out festivals among beer … Read More
2019 Firestone Walker Invitational Pour List | Event Preview
May 30, 2019 | David Thompson
Among the long list of beer festivals each year, there are a handful that stand out as can’t miss events. There are even fewer select events that are “beer lovers bucket list” type events. The Firestone Walker Invitational is one such event.
For a decade, the Firestone Walker Invitational has been putting together a festival that brings together world class craft beer, food from the best chefs in California’s Central Coast, and some amazing music all in a setting that allows for beer enthusiasts to engage with the people who make the beer.
Ultimate 6er | “Cuz I Love You” California Women in Beer
May 15, 2019 | Danielle Engel
Melissa Viviane Jefferson was born April 27th 1988. Almost 31 years to that date, she would drop her 3rd studio album, “Cuz I Love You” under her stage name of Lizzo. The album is a beautiful and fun ode to womanhood. She has willingly and knowingly set America up for a summer of putting her record on repeat. Since her first album in 2013, Lizzo has been putting out feminist, body-positive songs that make you feel in her own words “Good As Hell”. Her songs scream female-empowerment; and we are here for it.
JuicyBrews West Fest Brought Out the Rarities Over 420 Weekend
April 24, 2019 | Danielle Engel
April 20th started out overcast and gloomy in Oakland, CA. With a chilly wind blowing off the Bay, it didn’t seem like the sun was going to come out to … Read More
Event Preview | Juicy Brews WestFest
April 16, 2019 | Danielle Engel
On April 20, 2019, Hop Culture Magazine will return to Oakland for the second year in a row to host Juicy Brews WestFest Craft Beer Festival. Hosted in partnership with Drake’s Brewing Company at Drake’s Dealership ( 2325 Broadway, Oakland, CA), the crew has put together an impressive lineup.
Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse | Tomorrows Verse
April 16, 2019 | Danielle Engel
Spring is upon us! The sun is peeking through, trees are sprouting leaves, flowers are blooming and drinking outside has once again become a pleasant possibility. There is something about seeing the first blossoms of warmth makes us crave a saison—more than usual, of course.
Sacramento, CA-based Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse has made quite a name for themselves since they opened to the public in May 2018, becoming known not only for creating award-winning beers but also for their succulent Texas-inspired, California-influenced BBQ. Read More
East Brother Beer Co. | Oatmeal Stout
April 9, 2019 | Constance Del Rio
In a world filled with outlandish new beer style varieties, sometimes you just want a classic style: something without all the bells and double dry-hopping. After a long day, no matter the season or temperature, a stout sounds like a nice way to end my evening. I escaped my Oakland/Berkeley/Hayward/San Leandro bubble the other weekend and made my way up to Richmond (it’s really not that “far”) and I was a happy lady! East Brother Beer Co. is nestled over by Point Richmond and has the classic beer style game down. That’s their schtick: classic styles done well.
Urban Roots Brewing | A Momentary Lapse of Judgement
April 4, 2019 | Robert French
How much do you love collaboration beers? This collaboration was brewed and packaged at Urban Roots Brewing, with the Alvarado Street crew coming to Sacramento for the brew day. The name pokes fun at some of the beer names and labels that appear to “borrow” trademarked artwork. While the name of the beer is A Momentary Lapse of Judgement, the label includes a large eagle carrying the C & D letters.
The Rare Barrel & Side Project Brewing | Avec des Amis
March 28, 2019 | Constance Del Rio
With spring fast approaching I find myself looking for stone fruit, both the actual fruit and in beer! The Rare Barrel collaborated with Side Project Brewing to bring about a beacon that spring is finally here. I was able to speak with Alex Wallash, founder of The Rare Barrel, about this collaboration brew and he provided some insight to the making of Avec des Amis.
Roses’ Taproom | Lite Brite
March 21, 2019 | Danielle Engel
Roses’ Taproom in the Temescal neighborhood of Oakland, California is ushering in a new wave of breweries by reimagining what a taproom can be. They’re bringing their own style to an ever-growing and expanding beer community in the East Bay.
Walking through the door, some may get a hipster, bougie vibe from the space. But, it’s clear that immense thought and care has gone into every detail. From the teal fish scale backsplash behind the multi-curved spindle tap handles to the luscious greenery and warm lighting, visitors are made to feel comfortable and welcome to share a beer or two with friends in this stylish space.
San Francisco Beer Week 2019 | Opening Gala Recap
February 6, 2019 | Constance Del Rio
San Francisco Beer Week is in full swing and our Pacific team got a great head start by attending the Opening Night Gala. Over 125 breweries converged at Pier 35 in San Francisco to showcase their tasty wares – 400 plus beers, food trucks, and craft beer lovers galore. Read More
San Francisco Beer Week | Can’t-Miss Events February 5-10
February 5, 2019 | Constance Del Rio
How are y’all doing? I am hoping San Francisco Beer Week (SFBW) hasn’t been too rough: We still have six days to go! SFBW is an amazing craft brewer’s guild event marathon with multiple events all over the greater San Francisco Bay area. The five guilds (San Francisco, East Bay, Silicon Valley, Coast and North Bay) gather together for tap takeovers, collaboration releases, food pairing events and many other types of fun times.
Working in the industry, there are two moods when you see SFBW approaching: Either you are hella pumped or you start chugging coconut water! Below are some can’t-miss events for the rest of the week. Get pumped and honestly—I suggest stocking up on coconut water.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Acquires Sufferfest Beer Co.
February 4, 2019 | Karen Mills
We’re only one month into the new year and Sierra Nevada is already making big moves. Today, the Chico, CA-based brewery announced the acquisition of Sufferest Beer Company marking the company’s first-ever acquisition. In their announcement, the two breweries stated that shared values, commitment to innovation, and common goals as the root of the new partnership. Needless to say, this is an exciting development for both companies.
CANarchy & Brooklyn Brewing Begin NorCal Distro During SF Beer Week
February 3, 2019 | Constance Del Rio
As if San Francisco Beer Week (SFBW) wasn’t crazy enough with all of the Greater SF Bay Area breweries converging on Pier 35, three big-name breweries, Three Weavers out of LA, … Read More
San Francisco Beer Week | Can’t-Miss Events February 3-4
February 3, 2019 | Justin Carter
Hello darkness, my old friend…San Franciso Beer week is here again. This celebrated week that runs February 1 – 10 is a collection of curated events, spanning multiple days, that celebrate craft beer and the craft beer community. We’ve rounded a handful events you don’t want to miss today and tomorrow. Read More
San Francisco Beer Week 2019 | Opening Gala Preview
January 31, 2019 | Constance Del Rio
That’s right, San Francisco Beer Week is BACK! #SFBW2019 kicks off on Friday February 1 this year, a little earlier than in previous years, and ends on February 10. Our Pacific regional team is amped up and ready to conquer this beer week – RIP to their livers – and you can find below the list of all breweries that will be in attendance and the beers they will be pouring. Oh, and check out the 1st timers – breweries that are new to the Craft Beer Scene.
*All pour lists are subject to change.
Will Travel For Beer | One Man’s Quest to Visit 100 Breweries Every Year
January 25, 2019 | Robert French 4
Do you plan your travel around beer? I do. In fact, I visited 100 breweries last year, and I plan on doing that every year.
In the past, when possible, I’ve always tried to include at least a few local brewery stops while on vacation. Four years ago I made a list of all the breweries I visited that year. Without knowing or even planning, I visited 99 different spots. The following years, I started to track more diligently, with the arbitrary goal of hitting 100 each year–that’s a lot of local beer. To be a little more precise, that’s 8.33 different spots each month, which may sound very do-able until you have a few hectic months and you hit zero new breweries.
Lagunitas Adapts its Packaging to Evolve its IPA Portfolio
January 24, 2019 | Taylor Laabs
Lagunitas Brewing Co. is a massive brewery with a global reach. Yet, they still remain nimble enough to adapt to the changing drinking preferences of today’s craft beer consumers. From draft, to bottles, to cans, the preferred drinking vessel for many in America has changed over the past decade. Largely because beer became more intertwined with the unplanned outings and weekend activities of enthusiasts. With an eye on appealing to consumers on-the-go and in the midst of day-drinking activities, Lagunitas has decided to make two drastic updates to their canning portfolio. Their bellwether Lagunitas IPA arrives in 19.2oz stovepipes and sessionable DayTime IPA comes to 12oz cans. We asked Lagunitas’ Communications Director, Karen Hamilton, about the news.
The Bruery | Weekday Stout Lineup
January 11, 2019 | Eric Griffin
Exclusive…Brues? I love lists. With craft beer, it has never been any different. When I first started drinking craft, The Bruery’s Black Tuesday quickly came onto my radar. With its exclusive nature, only being available once a year on the final Tuesday in October, I made it a mission to get a hold of one. I quickly discovered that not only was there Black Tuesday, but The Bruery brewed arguably even more exclusive Stout releases for other days of the week, using Black Tuesday as the base beer and then adding different adjuncts to each other day. These other variants were available to Reserve Society Members only.
recent comments