On the outside, mistakable-for-a-warehouse Eagle Rock Brewery is easy to miss. But don't overlook one of the first breweries in over half a century to have operations based in LA, 'cause on the inside their brews are unique, the vibe is chillaxed, and the family that runs it couldn't be nicer.
To kick off the 4th of July weekend, Eagle Rock Brewery will be having cul-de-sac food truck parties with Fresh Eats & Beats, Friday 6-10pm, and Frysmith, Saturday 7:15-10pm. Taproom opens at 4pm.
The Washdown:
- coffee nose, not too thick, hint of sweetness Solidarity English Style Black Mild 3.9% ABV, $5
- golden yellow, hoppy bitter, smooth Revolution American Extra Pale Ale 4.8% ABV, $5
When I say Eagle Rock Brewery is chill, I really mean it. For example, Mr. Brew Mission (a.k.a. my hand model) and I walked in 5 minutes before closing time, and Donna & daughter-in-law Lynn welcomed us in with open, come-hither, swingin' arms. Even as we browsed the menu, and asked some questions, still no sense of hurry or stress was in their aura – these people are super cool. And their air-conditioning is cranked high, too.
We decided to have a pint of Solidarity and Revolution. (The beers are served in the Brewery's own "Beer for the People" pint glasses for sale at $5 each.)
I really, really enjoyed the Solidarity. It's dark like Guinness in color, but light-bodied, so you could drink it all night long. My first reaction was "Mmm, kinda tastes like dessert." But as I ate the complimentary peanuts Donna & Lynn told us would help bring out more flavor, I tasted coffee, chocolate, spices, and a roasted flavor I couldn't quite put my finger on – that is until they offered us a last minute tour.
In the first part of the Brewery Tour, Steve the Brewmaster showed us the barley they use to make the beer. He gave us a grain and told us to lightly crack it with our teeth – not to crunch it all at once – so that the flavors could slowly seep out. And there it was. That roasted caramel, almost like cereal, flavor I was missing in the Solidarity.
Next up, Mr. Brew Mission ordered the American Extra Pale Ale (shocker!), Revolution. (I stole a few sips, naturally :) It has a beautiful golden yellow color. It definitely has a hoppy bitter taste of grass and citrus rinds, but it's still really smooth.
Eagle Rock Brewery also has a few more House Taps, like Manifesto Belgian Style Witbier 6.4% ABV, and 5 Guest Taps ($6-7) that rotate. They also carry a fantastic assortment of Guest Bottles ($8-18) like Hazelnut Brown Nectar and La Trappe Isid'or.
So get your American spirits high this 4th of July weekend (on the actual 4th they'll be closed) with American Craft Brews from LA-based Eagle Rock Brewery.
3056 Roswell St., Los Angeles, CA 90065. 323-257-7866. Open Fri-Sat 4-10pm. Sun 12-6pm.
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