Your Next Pint

A Thanksgiving Spicy Pumpkin Ale to go with your Pumpkin Pie

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If you're looking to add a little spice to your meal this Thanksgiving Day, grab a 6-pack of Indian Wells Brewing Co. Spicy Pumpkin Ale. It's super light, not filling, so there's no need to change into your stretch pants. It has that extra pep to keep your tastebuds talkin'. And it's easily accessible since it's sold at Whole Foods.

The Washdown:

- fizzy, gingery, almost apple cider seltzer-like Spicy Pumpkin Ale (Indian Wells Brewing Co. in Inyokern, CA)

I'm almost inclined to say that this one's for the kids. So toss that bottle of Sparkling Martinelli's Apple Cider out – but don't get me wrong, this one's not sweet as sweet as you think.

It has a strong nose, smelling like Ginger Ale and it tastes like it too, but with all the sugar sucked out. Layers of Spicy Gingeriness are accompanied by faint Whiskey, Apple Cider, Nutmeg & Cinnamon with a Pumpkin finish. It's golden brown in color, and super carbonated too.

Made from Pure Artesian Water, this Ale is seriously bordering on Soda Water, making it probably the best tummy-pleaser after stuffing your face with all that Turkey 'n Potatoes.

Feel free to drink this one with your meal or alongside a slice of pie (or two).

Happy Pinting!

Escape Thanksgiving weekend family gatherings with 40+ pints at The Crow Bar & Kitchen in OC

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Next Thursday is Thanksgiving, meaning it's time to start thinking about Your Next Gastropub to escape your family from, like The Crow Bar & Kitchen in Corona del Mar, OC. With 20+ pints on tap, 25+ bottled beers, and 2 guest kegs it's the perfect refuge – just like I discovered 3 years ago on their opening day (Black Friday).

The Washdown:

- it smells like Bear Republic Racer 5, but tastes creamier with a touch of honey Walker Union Jack IPA (Firestone in Paso Robles, CA) 6.5% ABV $6.50

- good 'ole fashioned standby with half the fat and extra follow thru Black & Tan (Half Bass/Half Guinness)

I remember Thanksgiving 2007 like it was yesterday – the leaves were falling, the Santa Ana's were blowing, the family was bickering, and the newly opened Crow Bar & Kitchen on East Coast Highway & MacArthur Blvd was booming. Naturally I HAD to check it out. Coincidentally all my grade school friends did too.

3 years later, my hand model & I still go regularly. And he happened to choose this same spot for his (if you've been keeping track of the last few YourNextBite.com & YourNextPint.com posts on La Parrilla & Nibble Bit Tabby Brewery) 3rd Birthday Celebration.

A huge fan of Racer 5 IPA's strong ABV & hoppy, bitter flavor, he started with the Firestone Union Jack IPA. It has the same Piney, Grapefruit scent as Racer, but is more Amber in color with a creamier, more mellow 'n sweet finish. (Probably one of my new favorite beers, and with a name like Union Jack, how did it take this Half Brit so long to find it?!?)

Next up, the classic Black & Tan (Black Guinness Stout & Tan Amber Bass Ale.) It's the perfect combination to keep you going all night – not as filling as a Guinness, and not as light as an Ale with the right balance of bold meets smooth flavors.

If the ABVs start getting to you, and the Tryptophan Coma from the Turkey Day prior finally wears off, you might be tempted to try the following:

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The Grubdown:

- seriously like crack, I shoved 15-in-a-row down my throat, garlicky, salty, greasy Grilled Green Bean "Fries" with lemony Whole Grain Mustard Aioli ($6)

- too char-burnt, thick molasses-like sweet, at least with a tangy cheese relief Grilled Stuffed Dates with Chorizo, Leure Chenel Goat Cheese Filling & Port Syrup on a bed of Arugula ($9)

- so-much-bang-for-your-buck, thinly pounded & breaded, crunchy Grilled Organic Bone-in Pork "Schnitzel" with Honey/Thyme Roasted Apples, Seasonal Vegetables & Whole Grain Mustard Cider Jus ($17)

- way too thick cream cheesy, tender 'n crisp Grandma Jane Burger on a Toasted Bay's English Muffin with Herbed Cream Cheese, Sliced Red Onion, Vine Ripe Organic Tomato & Onion Sprouts ($7)

Between The Crow Bar & Kitchen's Pints and Bites, you'll find there's lots to be thankful for.

2325 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar, CA 92625. 949-675-0070.

Nibble Bit Tabby Brewery Pint Preview

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If you heard the rumors during the summer of a new brewery set to open in downtown LA they're true – just probably not 'til a year from now. Introducing Nibble Bit Tabby Brewery off Santa Fe Avenue on the east side of downtown. Your Next Pint was lucky enough to secure a private tour.

The Washdown:

- peppy carbonation yet still smooth, twangy, sour citrusy, red-orange colored Red Ale

- mild, creamy, malty 'n sweet, black coffee like colored ESB

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First off I gotta start by mentioning how cordial – and I ain't talkin' liquor – part owner Brian was for getting my hand model, friends, and I a semi last minute private tour. Secondly, if you're wondering where the name of the brewery came from, here's the story: it was extra chilly one night when Brian and friends were out drinkin' at a bar. Upon stepping outside, Brian's friend clutched his own arms in a shiver and said, "it's a nibble bit tabby outside tonight" – and the brewery name was born.

The 2,000 square foot Nibble Bit Tabby housed in a building from 1903 is still fresh inside – as in very unfinished, even with construction blueprints up on the wall. But after listening to Brian's plans for a grand tasting room addition, I'm anxiously awaiting their public opening.

Out of the 2 brews to sample, I enjoyed the Red Ale more. While it was still young, it had a nice Citrus sour grip with good carbonation and a little extra something compared to the flatter, creamy, Malty, and sweeter ESB (Extra Special Bitter).

You don't have to wait a year to try them yourself, as both beers are sold now on tap at the Eagle Rock Brewery.

2001 S. Santa Fe Ave., Unit E, Los Angeles, CA 90021

P.S. If you're headed to the Tabby it's kind of a scavenger hunt to find, behind the backside of a building in the alley off the main strip. Keep your eyes peeled for dual spray painted signs.

Introducing the 2010 Sierra Nevada Harvest Northern Hemisphere

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Like last week's Juggernaut Fall Seasonal "wet hop" Red Ale, newly released Sierra Nevada Northern Hemisphere Harvest Ale shares the same fresh-picked, un-dried "wet" Cascade hops from Yakima Valley, but with Centennial hops too for a brawnier beer with no frou-frou.

The Washdown:

- lemon scented, bold 'n hoppy, super crisp 'n bitter with a touch of pine Northern Hemisphere Harvest Ale (Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in Chico, CA) 6.7% ABV

This beer is "hop" off the presses, literally. Introducing Sierra Nevada's 2010 – and freshly renamed – Northern Hemisphere brew ripe from the prime 2-month Yakima hop picking season.

When you uncap the bottle, the first thing you smell is lemon. Bring it to your mouth and the crisp carbonation slaps you in the face, followed by a Bitter Hoppy hit, and a Pine pinnacle. Swirl it around on your tongue and you may catch a Loafy flavor, but the Sweetness doesn't last more than a second.

The head is fluffy and the color is a stunning burnt orange red. Pair it with a block of cheddar and call it a night.

(Consider this your bold beer to get you through the sugar-soaked holidays.)

Follow @SierraNevadaCA for more breaking brew news.