Being a nationwide chain, I've never really looked at
Rock Bottom as being much of a force in the local craft beer scene. With a couple of locations around town, I decided to visit my favorite one in
La Jolla. I have always found their food
and beer solid, but not outstanding. I went in with a different eye this time, putting my main focus on the quality of the
beer. Right away I noticed several prestigious awards on the wall, and learned that San Diego Brewers Guild president Marty Mendiola was at the helm of the brewing operations. This was a good start! I ordered the sampler, which included all of their core beers, a rotating "Dark" beer, and a "Brewmaster's Choice", for which I picked their Rocktoberfest. Once again I found them all solid, and the Rocktoberfest was quite good, but I wasn't blown away by any of them. I also ordered another seasonal called Legally Red, which was good, but filling. I
was impressed to see it served in an imperial pint glass, something you don't see too often, especially in a chain restaurant. I left feeling about the same as I do every visit, satisfied but not awed. I've had bigger beers from this large franchise which were excellent, but these were absent this visit. I enjoyed the visit and will be back, but still can't see them as a formidable contender in the world of San Diego craft beer.
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