S E R V I N G T H E S A N D I E G O C R A F T B E E R C O M M U N I T Y


but something like Warm Waters Wheat should do the trick. Whatever you choose, stick to just one as the next stop isn’t far away.


TABLE OF CONTENTS Mission Opens in Downtown 2 Letter from the Editor


3


Santa Barbara Beer Scene 4 Old World Travel New World Travel


Colorado Beer Scene Guest Tap


The Nameless Beermaid


6 7 8 9


10


KnB’s Beer Camp Roadtrip 10 Directory


11


Tour de Pizza Port Coastal bike route hits three brewpub locations


By Jeff Hammett


than down the coast. At about 35 miles and with a few hills in the way (but only one major climb), this is a ride for cyclists and non-cyclists alike. In addition to the gorgeous ocean views, this ride conve- niently goes right past three of Pizza Port’s four locations, making it easy to stop in, carbo-load and get rehydrated. Starting down south, pick up the


Y


Southland Suds LA’s sprawling beer scene


By Brandon Hernández


have a love affair with the City of Angels. However, over time, I’ve hit LA’s few popular beer locales and ferreted out some harder-to-locate spots. In honor of West Coaster’s travel issue, I’m sharing what I’ve learned to make finding quality craft beer in Los Angeles easier on my fellow San Diegans.


A


It seems strange that the closer you get to LA, the fewer breweries there are, but despite a severe deficiency, there are some spots where you can get a taste straight from the source. Angel City Brewing (216 S. Alameda St., angelcitybrewing. com) just moved into downtown LA’s Arts District and features a stable of beers that, unlike most Southern California brewer- ies, is nearly a 50/50 ale/lager split. They have yet to establish regular tasting hours at their new digs, so call if you’re in need of mid-city craft beer relief. Then there’s Eagle Rock Brewery (3056 Roswell St., eaglerockbrewery.com), where they not only let visitors sample their wares like Manifesto Eagle Rock Wit and Revolution XPA, but siphon from guest taps featuring


beers from other SoCal breweries. Eats come into the equation when numerous food trucks pull up Thursday through Saturday for added value. Further north in Agoura Hills, but worth the trip for the most exotic brews the area has to offer, is Ladyface Alehouse & Brasserie (29281 Agoura Rd., ladyfaceale.com). They’re all about western European-meets-Western U.S. brewing techniques. The result is a wide-ranging line of beers that feature largely botanical notes and crisp, dry finishes. With few tasting rooms to be had, it’s a good thing there’s no shortage of bars


in LA, a rising percentage of which have craft beer on tap and in bottle. When it comes to sheer volume, the best bet is Naja’s Place (154 In- ternational Boardwalk, najasplace. com) in Redondo Beach, a beer bar that boasts 88 draft selections in an unpretentious setting mere feet from the waterfront. The vintage kitsch Verdugo Bar (3408 Verdugo Rd., verdugobar.com) in Glassell Park is all about good times fueled by beers, booze and beats, making it a good spot for nighttime imbibing. West


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s a native San Diegan who’s not only joined in, but started many a “BEAT LA” chant, I don’t exactly


ou would be hard-pressed to find a more scenic and relatively easy bike ride in San Diego County


Coaster at Old Town; the ride to the Carlsbad Village station costs $5.50 and takes slightly less than an hour. From the station, head south past Rotary Park and about two blocks east on Carlsbad Vil- lage Drive to Pizza Port Carlsbad (571 Carlsbad Village Dr., pizzaport.com), the 2009 and 2010 GABF Large Brewpub of the Year award winner. With a lot of riding ahead, it’s best to start with something on the lighter side. The tap list at each of the Pizza Port locations changes frequently,


Head back west on Carlsbad Village Drive and turn left onto Carlsbad Blvd. From here, it’s pretty much a straight flat ride to Pizza Port Solana Beach (135 N. Highway 101, pizzaport.com). With 13 miles down and about 22 to go, this is a great time to load up on carbs – time for Beer Buddies and another beer. Just like in Carlsbad, it’s best to stick to the more refreshing, lower alcohol beers; something like Baja Session Ale should hit the spot right about now. Once refueled, ride south down High- way 101.


About 4.5 miles past Pizza Port Solana Beach begins the only major climb of the whole ride: Torrey Pines. Lasting about a mile and a half, it can be a bit grueling, so you’ll be glad to have not over-imbibed. Once to the top, follow Torrey Pines Road past UCSD and know that it’s mostly downhill from here. Turn right onto La Jolla Shores Blvd. and follow it until it meets back up with Torrey Pines Rd. and takes you into La Jolla. Take another right on Prospect and wind your way through La Jolla to La Jolla Blvd. which you’ll fol- low all the way to Mission Blvd. in Pa- cific Beach. Cruise down Mission Blvd. to West Mission Bay Drive and take the first right on Quivira after the first bridge. Continue to Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and hop on the Ocean Beach Bike Path once you cross the San Diego River.


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Eagle Rock Brewery’s Jeremy Raub, with beer-to-go Photo: DrinkEatTravel.com

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