Oh, I've fallen!

The Brewery Project: Fezziwig's

 

Beer.  Steampunk.  Litigation.  These words don't seem to go together, but wrap harmoniously into the brewery currently known as Fezziwig's Brewing Co.  Perhaps "harmoniously" is the wrong word to use when it comes to the litigation part.  Named after the classic Dickens character from A Christmas Carol, the name embodies the heart and soul of what this brewery is all about.  A love of Dickens, the steampunk culture, and beer all come together in a brewery nestled quietly in the seaside community of Carlsbad, California.  Meanwhile, across the country in the bustling metropolis of Boston, Massachusetts, The Boston Beer Co., largest craft brewer in the country and maker of Samuel Adams beers, including the seasonal brew, Old Fezziwig Ale, decides to take issue with the fact that a small craft brewer in California took a fancy to the same name they use in a beer only available a few weeks out of the year.  The result?  Notice the above use of the word "currently".  Unfair as it may be, and in order to avoid the aforementioned litigation, the name must be changed.  I don't know the new name yet, but will post it as soon as it is released.  A name, however, means nothing without a good product behind it.  I found the beer to be very good.  The standout for me was the Tiny Tim Cream Ale.  The 4.8% alcohol, 15 IBU brew was smooth and easy to drink.  One of my favorite things about visiting new breweries and sampling their beers is that I typically get to try styles that are out of my comfort zone.  Before this I wouldn't have looked twice at a Cream Ale, but I would order a pint of this any day.  I recommend a trip to this brewery, whatever its name, to check out all the beers for yourself.  A final word to Jim Koch of The Boston Beer Co.  "Can't we all just get along?"

The Brewery Project: Butcher's

 

I posted here that Manzanita's old brewing facility in Santee had been taken over by Butcher's Brewing, but that I didn't know the status of the tasting room.  I'm happy to report that as of this past Wednesday, May 1st, the tasting room is officially open to the public.  I was excited to see it transformed from the last time I was there, back when Manzanita was still occupying the space.  I didn't feel like a new brewery was operating out of "Manzanita's old building", but that the décor reflected the new owner's point of view and made for a great place to enjoy a new product.  Although not new to the San Diego craft beer scene, having brewing space of their own is a nice change for the brewery, who used to contract with Orange County's Bayhawk Ales to brew their beers.  Owner-brewer Rey Knight roved about the tasting room chatting and answering questions about his brews, and even pulled some Double Shaka, a delicious 10% alcohol IIPA, off the bright tank for those in attendance to sample.  I was highly impressed by Rey and the beers he presented.  The one that took me by surprise, so much so that I ended up taking a growler of it home with me, was Iron Hide ESB.  Extra Special Bitter is not a style I have explored very much, but this beer definitely turned my head.  Rey explained that the specialty malts used in the brew along with an experimental hop variety were to credit for its unique taste.  I recommend trying it for yourself to fully appreciate all the nuances this beer has to offer.  Ultimatum IPA was also awesome, but I honestly found each beer on the board to be excellent, and would have a hard time advocating one over another. With multiple styles represented, the best thing to do is to make your own trip to Santee and see what strikes your fancy.  I have a feeling there will be surprises with each visit, which is why I'll be back again soon myself!

At home with Stone's Greg Koch

San Diego Magazine did a nice spread on the abode of Stone Brewing Co. CEO and co-founder Greg Koch.  Check it out here.  I am particularly envious of the beer fridge featured in one of the shots, apparently one of several throughout the house.  I can imagine being invited over and having the pick of one of the many awesome brews inside.  Hey, I can dream!

It's baaack!

Beer Bottle Physics

This is an interesting, albeit slightly above my head, article about the physics of differently colored beer bottles.  Basically, it scientifically tests the sun's affect on beer in amber, green, and clear bottles.  Although the science may be a bit much for a simple beer drinker like myself, the results are clear.  Pun intended.

Who said that?

"Fermentation may have been a greater discovery than fire."
- David Rains Wallace