Your Next Pint

Yes You Can, Free Sierra Nevada Brewery T-Shirts

As if drinking the delicious nectar that is Sierra Nevada Pale Ale couldn't be enough, (see previous blog), the brewery is now offering FREE T-Shirts.

To kick off the new Pale Ale and Torpedo Extra IPA cans sold at your local grocery store (don't worry, bottles aren't going away any time soon) Sierra Nevada is asking you to share photos of yourself enjoying life outdoors. In turn, they'll give you a free t-shirt.

To enter, visit www.palealecan.com and simply follow the directions. My photo submission was taken last Friday while in Tahoe, CA right before it dumped 40 inches of fresh powder! What an amazing trip only bested by the friends I visited and the delicious beer we drank – on snow, not ice.

Does Seismic IPA Really Shake Things Up?

Like yesterday's day of debauchery, drinking too much beer can literally knock you off your feet. SoCal Brewery Seismic IPA figuratively boasts that its flavors will do the same. But for a West Coast brewer, I was hoping for more of a hop-quake, considering so many greats come from this part of the nation.

The Washdown:
- burnt caramel in color with a good sized head, expected hoppy smell that drinks smooth but bites light in bitterness, Seismic IPA (SoCal Brewery in Modesto, CA) ABV 6.7%

I wasn't completely disappointed by this pint because at least it drinks easy. But there's definitely still room for growth – like an empty Southern California blvd. hungry for a strip mall.

 

Three LA Irish Spots Since Tom Bergins Isn't Open

This year the iconic Tom Bergin's on Fairfax has closed its doors for the first time in 75 years. In the meantime, here are a couple of spots that are just as much fun to enjoy on St. Patrick's Day!

The Washdown:

1.) The Varsity LA
Wilshire District - Best Dressed Contest - DJ - and $4 Guinness, Heineken, and Green Beer ALL DAY!!

2.) The Original Farmers Market LA
Fairfax district - Celtic Music and Beer on Tap 6-10pm

3.) Henry's Hat
Studio City - Answer some trivia questions for a chance to win a free Shot, Beer or Dessert! 4pm-Close

In Love with Lagunitas Imperial Red Ale

Who can forget 1993's one hit wonder, Haddaway's "What Is Love", immortalized with the head bangin' sketch from Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan on Saturday Night Live? Well, another oldie but goodie from that same year is the Lagunitas Imperial Red Ale.

The Washdown:

- hoppy in smell right out of the bottle with a warm amber (naturally) red color that drinks easily despite its robust alcohol content, Imperial Red Ale (Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma, CA) ABV 7.8%

In answer to Haddaway's burning question, Lagunitas Imperial Red Ale IS Love for me. However, one question still remains: since it's so loveable, why dont they continue to brew it?

Baby, don't hurt me. No more.