Wooderson The Ageless Outlaw IPA
mmmm good.
Posted on 02/16/2018 9:30:23 PM PST by nickcarraway
For the past two weeks, Santa Rosa streets have been lined with Pliny pilgrims eagerly awaiting a sip on Russian River’s most coveted brew. While this February frenzy has become a cherished annual event for many, standing in line for five plus hours is not for everyone. If you lack the patience necessary to taste Pliny the Younger or didn’t get a chance to try the famous beer this year, we have picked out five Sonoma County brews you may not have heard (as much) about but that are just as good and definitely worth seeking out. Click through the gallery above for all the details.
Death & Taxes, Moonlight Brewing: Moonlight head brewer Brian Hunt has been making craft beers since the early '90s. When he opened his brewery in 1992, it was the first microbrewery in Santa Rosa and has since become a destination for beer enthusiasts. Hunt's "Death & Taxes" San Francisco-style lager is the brewery's flagship beer. This deceptively light, black beer was for years only available at restaurants and taprooms in California. Today, fans can visit the Santa Rosa brewery to have a pint and fill a growler.
For the past two weeks, Santa Rosa streets have been lined with Pliny pilgrims eagerly awaiting a sip on Russian River's most coveted brew. While this February frenzy has become a cherished annual event for many, standing in line for five plus hours is not for everyone. If you lack the patience necessary to taste Pliny the Younger or didn't get a chance to try the famous beer this year, we have picked out five Sonoma County brews you may not have heard (as much) about but that are just as good and definitely worth seeking out.
Big Chicken Double IPA, HenHouse Brewing: Since its debut, HenHouse Brewing's limited-release "Big Chicken" DIPA has become one of the most sought after beers made in Sonoma County; Wednesday, February 14, marked its sixth annual release. Only available for two days per year, and only at a few locations, the annual release of Big Chicken sends Bay Area beer lovers on a frantic search for the rare bird, which disappears quickly. This hop-forward beer is brewed, kegged and delivered to taprooms and beer stores on the same day in order to preserve its freshness (this is also the reason why the production and distribution is so limited). The ABV (alcohol by volume) changes each year, this year it’s 10.3 percent. If you're lucky, you might still find Big Chicken on draft at Local Barrel in Santa Rosa, Oliver's Market and HenHouse's Santa Rosa taproom
Row 2 Pale Ale, Russian River Brewing: While the Plinys (Younger and Elder) are responsible for turning Russian River Brewing into a beer behemoth, there's definitely more to Russian River than Pliny. The "Row 2" pale ale, named for the area in Washington in which its hops are grown, is a hidden gem and locals' favorite. Brewed with 100 percent Simcoe hops, it is loaded with hop character but is light bodied and has a clean top finish. An added bonus is its relatively low alcohol percentage (ABV 6%), so there's no need to worry about having a pint, or three.
Clear & Loathing Double IPA, Cooperage Brewing: Cooperage owner and brewer Tyler Smith is always coming up with new recipes. Locals flock to the Santa Rosa taproom daily to check out what's new on tap and visitors are lucky if they stumble upon the taproom since, other than some local accounts, this is the only place to taste Cooperage beers. Their "Clear & Loathing " DIPA is hopped up on Mosaic, Simcoe, Galaxy and Sitra and comes in at 8.4 percent ABV. It's available on draft now at the Santa Rosa taproom.
Dark Sarcasm, Barrel Brothers Brewing: Recently expanded Barrel Brothers, run by brothers-in-law Daniel Weber and Wesley Deal, produces excellent seasonal beers and a few flagship brews available year round. Their Dark Sarcasm porter has garnered a following for its smooth finish and surprisingly light body. It is loaded with flavors of vanilla, mocha and chocolate and the ABV is 7 percent. You can find this beer locally on draft and in bottle, or at the brewery in Windsor. (Brothers-in-law Wesley Deal (left) and Daniel Weber at Barrel Brothers Brewing in Windsor)
Death & Taxes, Moonlight Brewing: Moonlight head brewer Brian Hunt has been making craft beers since the early '90s. When he opened his brewery in 1992, it was the first microbrewery in Santa Rosa and has since become a destination for beer enthusiasts. Hunt's "Death & Taxes" San Francisco-style lager is the brewery's flagship beer. This deceptively light, black beer was for years only available at restaurants and taprooms in California. Today, fans can visit the Santa Rosa brewery to have a pint and fill a growler.
I didn’t know there were any other craft beer folks in here. I used to do a thread “what’s everyone drinking” or something like that, it’s been so long I forgot what it was called.
Love me my double IPAs and imperial IPAs
Mmmm mmmmm good
My new favorite is a can triple IPA out of Orange County called Hop
juice
Avail at 7/11. 2.79 16 oz
10% abv
Can’t beat it
Thanks for posting. I’ve had Pliny...yes, OUTSTANDING. I’ll check these others out.
Come, come, come and make eyes at me
Under the Anheuser Bush.
Come, come, drink some Budweis with me
Under the Anheuser Bush.
Hear the old German band.
Just hold your hand in mine, Ja?
Du, Du, come and have a pint or two
Under the Anheuser Bush.
I've asked about Pliny at upscale liquor stores down here in Orange County. They know all about it but tell me it's unavailable down here.
Have you ever heard of a WhaleSlayer bottle opener?
Last i had Pliny the Elder, was at a small bar in downtown San Diego (I was there on vacation last August). It was very hard to find.
Pliney the Elder is available year round in a a few liquor stores in San Diego in pint bottles. A bit hard to find, but if you know what day it's delivered... Pliney the Younger is only released once a year to select pubs, and you have to wait in line to get a pint or two in the morning/early afternoon. Pretty much a one day thing down here.
Ohm, me, too!! Double hopped IPA is just perfect for my pallet. I have gone several extra miles just to “try” one that comes highly recommended!!
Thank you for sharing this.
Whatever happened to beer-flavored beer that tastes like real beer?
Bad enough I had to give up Rolling Rock my grandfather’s favorite because they moved the brewery to New Jersey but I tried a `craft’ beer at a party & it tasted like what our utility closet smells like where the kitty pans are.
Orange flavored beer? Please......
Wooderson The Ageless Outlaw IPA
mmmm good.
Hamburg IPA in Western New York is a favorite right now with the Hoppy crowd.
Here in Michigan, we have M43 by Old Nation brewing company and also have Shorts brewery from Belair MI. Both breweries have a large following.
Russian River Brewing. Great beer, great food, horrible service. I haven’t yet been there where they didn’t comp me a beer or appetizer.
We mostly brew our own craft stuff. I’m tired of every brewer in America seeing how much hops they can stuff in a bottle.
L
Expect to be indicted by Mueller anytime now.
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