Your Next Pint

Taste Beer and Finish the "Honey Do" List all under one roof

Whole Foods Market has always been a great spot to pick up a 22oz of your favorite brew, while shopping for expensive locally grown, organic goods. Now, you can delight in a cheap – yes, I just said "Whole Foods" and "cheap" in the same sentence – and fun way to taste beers that you might never thought of pulling off the shelf before.

For a mere $5, you can experience a tasting of some of the best pints Whole Foods has to offer with a side car of Cheese, Pate, Nuts, and Crackers. Of course, all accoutrement are organic and designed to enhance the beer tasting experience.

Currently, my favorite WF tasting location is Huntington Beach where Greg – the resident beer department head – will be happy to explain the origin, flavor, and design of the beers he has selected. He definitely knows how to make your next beer tasting experience one to remember.

So, the next time you've got a shopping list to tackle, I suggest you stop into Whole Foods for a beer – or wine, if that's your thing – tasting.

You never know, the grocery store may become your next secret watering hole. (I hear chicks dig the place too.)

The Washdown:

- Monday, October 3rd 5:30pm-7:30pm

TARZANA- KING RAMM (IRAN) *Bootlegger's Brewery Craft Beer Tasting
18700 Ventura Blvd. in Tarzana

VENICE- OF VERONA (US)/BIRDS OF NEW YORK (US) *Bootlegger's Brewery Craft Beer Tasting
225 Lincoln Blvd. in Venice

- Tuesday, October 4th 5:30pm-7:30pm

ARROYO- RISERS (US)/THE LONELY WILD (US) *Bootlegger's Brewery Craft Beer Tasting
465 South Arroyo Parkway in Pasadena

Check out WholeFoodsMarket.com for tasting schedules. @WholeFoods

Coronado Islander IPA

If I was on an island with only three wishes, Coronado Islander IPA might steal them all. This great IPA delivers all that you'd expect from a West Coast Imperial Pale Ale with a fresh hoppy aroma, unique bitterness, and high alcohol content.

A silver medalist in 2007 at the LA County Fair, Coronado Islander has been proven to be a winner and still reigns today.

The Washdown:

- amber colored, 2 finger head, light carbonation with citrus notes, mild bitterness, and hoppy nose, Islander IPA (Coronado Brewing Company in Coronado, CA ) 7% ABV

All in all, this beer can be enjoyed all year round – desert island summer heat or not.

Happy Fall!

Stone 15th Anniversary Escondidian Imperial Black IPA

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Normally I'm not a dark beer drinking enthusiast because A: it reminds me of Guinness which sounds more like a meal than a drink. B: It's usually accompanied by several calories, which, lets all admit, is a beer drinker's kryptonite. C: It simply looks like engine oil – not appetizing in the least.

However, my growing IPA interests have encouraged new frontiers and to my surprise, I've been pleasantly surprised with Stone 15th Black.

The Washdown:

- pours dark and thick with a small to medium head and mild aroma, doesn't hit with heavy hops, nor does it have a heavy hand in sugary malt, Stone 15th Anniversary Escondidian Imperial Black IPA (Stone Brewery in San Diego, CA) 10.80%

For one who is genuinely on the fence about most thick dark beers, Stone 15th Black IPA is a great bridge beer that stands out with all the appearance of a thick dark malt, but greets the palette with a delicious Coffee note that's accompanied by rich IPA hops and bitterness.

This weekend: OC Brew Ha Ha!

Photo courtesy of ocbrewfest.com

The Orange County Brew Ha Ha takes place this Saturday, September 10 in Irvine, CA – and by no means is it a laughing matter. To start, the organizers have pulled together over 50 breweries (including some personal favorites like Port, Anderson, Firestone and Sierra Nevada) making over 100 craft brews for your beer tasting pleasure.

In addition to the beer, the whole family can relax in the park setting with lots of shaded seating, or be entertained by two bands playing music all day long. Don't worry, your hunger won't be overlooked either, as plenty of food trucks have been promised to roll up with all the fix-ins, as well as a few local restaurants encouraging Your Next Bite, like the Side Door Pub in Corona Del Mar, CA.

With lots of free-bees like parking, water, soda – even designated driver options – this event is a great way to responsibly enjoy the last sips of summer in sunny southern California.

Stone IPA Dinner at The Foundry on Melrose

Photo courtesy of TheFoundryOnMelrose.com

On Wednesday September 7th, The Foundry on Melrose will be hosting a special "5 Beers Paired with 5-Courses" Dinner.

For $59 you can indulge in Chef Eric Greenspan's creations like Pork Belly & Mustard Spaezle paired with Duvel Hennepin Lessan, and Hanger Steak & Yogurt Gnocchi Masala with Arrogant Bastard Ale.

Dinner starts at 7pm and reservations are required, so make sure to reserve your spot.

The Washdown:

- Duvel Maredsous Abbaye Abdij (8% ABV) paired with Scallop Ceviche, Grapefruit, Horseradish & Celery Root

- Stone IPA (6.9% ABV) paired with Halibut, Cilantro Pesto, Pickled Red Onions, Hominy & Caramel Corn

- Duvel Hennepin Lessan (7.7% ABV) paired with Pork Belly, Mustard Spaeztle, Apples & Peppercorn Sauce

- Arrogant Bastard Ale (7.2% ABV) paired with Hanger Steak, Yogurt Gnocchi, Roast Peppers, Raisins & Masala

- Duvel Liefman's Cuvet Brut (6% ABV) paired with Sour Cherry Madeline, Dark Chocolate Ganache & Salted Creme Fraiche Pudding

7465 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036. 323-651-0915.