Your Next Pint

This Sunday: Craft Beer Tasting at Whole Foods in El Segundo

Miss last week's 20% off beer sale at Whole Foods? No worries. Because this Sunday, January 29th from 1-4pm, you can get your bargain beer fix at the El Segundo Whole Foods Beer Festival. For only $15 the festival boasts over 20 beer vendors, complimentary snacks, and A FREE BEER GLASS with admission (while supplies last). 

Let them know your attending on Facebook, then buy your tickets in store at 760 S. Sepulveda Blvd., El Segundo, CA 90245. (310) 333-1900. For more information email [email protected].

All attendees must be 21 years or over. ID required. Designated drivers encouraged.@WholeFoods

 

 

More Brown Than Black IPA is a fashion so so

It may be "A Brad Brad World" in fashion, where black and brown are never meant to be seen together. But in the beer world, when three breweries – The Alchemist, Ninkasi, and Stone – blend the two creating More Brown Than Black IPA, the outcome isn't as disastrous as one would think, but rather so, so.

The Washdown:

- pours dark as expected with a thick brown head and strong hop aroma, More Brown Than Black IPA (a Stone Brewing Co. collaboration from Waterburg VT and Eugene OR to San Diego CA) 7% ABV

As IPA's go, this Ale is no Goeoge Clooney sporting Tom Ford on the red carpet. But then again, neither is it the Fashion Police's worst dressed nominee. It does hit some fundamental aspects that make for a great Ale (hoppy, malty, easy going down). However, none of the elements stand tall, leaving room for improvement.

Blackball Belgian IPA wipes out

It seems as if every Tom, Dick, and Harry brews a "different" style just for different sake without addressing the real issue – do the added flavors make for exceptional taste, or does it make you feel good on the inside?

Karl Strauss from San Diego – ironically a mecca of great microbrews – has come up short with the Blackball Belgian Style IPA. In theory, this brew should stand out as a winner, but unfortunately it wipes out hard.

The Washdown:

- strong hoppy nose with overwhelming Coriander and Malt tongue making it too sweet when combined with the heavy west coast hop infusion, Blackball Belgian Style IPA (Karl Strauss Brewing Co. in San Diego, CA) 8.5% ABV

This brew tries too hard to stand out by putting a spin on a trusted American classic. Like bedazzling a pair of Levi's 501, Blackball stands out, but for all the wrong reasons.

A Pub Crawl in charming Chester, England

• 
• 
• 
• 

Your Next Pint spent her British family holiday sight seeing, eating Fish 'n Chips & Meat Pies, then washing it all down with pulled Pints and Ciders. One of the many spots visited whilst in Britain was the charming town of Chester, England near Wales.

Upon arriving, the weather was typical – cold, misty, windy, and rainy. So what better way to spend our time than strolling thru the black & white cottage lined streets in search of the next warm pub.

The Washdown:

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

1.) The Falcon – Samuel Smith Bitter: mild, not as hoppy or carbonated as in the states 3.8% ABV

One major difference I noticed from US to UK beers is that British ones really don't have as many flavor combinations, more like categories (stout, lager, ale, cider). Being drawn by oak aged barrels, the beers are flatter, frothier, and milder.

The Falcon pub itself was a sight to be seen. The foundation and beams were built in the 1400's and its original archway in the basement was still in tact. John, the bartender, was more than happy to show us below.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

2.) The Bear & Billet – plump juicy 'n crisp Fish 'n Chips, tender 'n tangy Chili, tasted more like Christmas Turkey than traditional Indian Curry

This pub is definitely where the locals go, and has more of an upscale, gastropub vibe. I drank a Lager here, but the purpose was really to come for the food.

• 
• 
• 

3.) The Watergates – pop in for a crisp Cider or Pilsner, and definitely the Old Crypt architecture dating back to 1180 A.D.

• 
• 
• 

4.) Old Custom House Inn – the hoppiest of everything I tried yet still mild with a strong alcohol finish Marstons Old Empire India Pale Ale 5.7% ABV

The bartender was friendly as can be, and taught us many things – like how their beer gets drawn from barrels downstairs. Typical English Ale is brewed via open fermentation, so the beer is constantly changing, unlike American carbonated kegs. Because the holes in the beer barrels (for pulling ale up) are exposed, all the enzymes & yeasts that naturally occur change according to the environment and temperature – meaning you could literally drink the same beer at two different pubs, and each one will have different flavor notes based on how they're stored.

All in all, Chester made for a great town of downing pints. And these were just 4 of many more.

For a more civilized experience, enjoy Your Next Bite's review on High Tea at Chester Grosvenor & Spa.