Beer Blotter: Seattle based. World focused.

The Tap List at Hamiltons Tavern. Glorious.

(4 to go! We are dedicated!)

Hamiltons Tavern
1521 30th St.
San Diego, CA 92102

(619) 238-5460

Hours: M-F, 3PM-2AM and Saturday/Sunday 1PM-2AM

Rank: 4.2/5

Type of Establishment: A place to disappear from the sunny outdoors and get lost in a beer or 5.

Visit: This was stop 3 or 4 during out San Diego Beer Week trip. It was Marin Brewing Co. night with tons to offer from the Northern California brewery.

Beers on Tap (at time of visit):

There are so many, but here goes most of them.

Marin San Quentin Breakout

Marin 2009 Old Dipsea

Marin Tiburn

Marin Hoppy Holidaze

Marin St. Brendans

Marin Tripel Dipsea

Marin 2008 Chocolate Porter

Marin Star Brew

Big Sky Moose Drool

Marin IPA

Marin 21 Something Year Old with Brett

Marin 2007 Old Dipsea

Marin 2008 Old Dipea Bourbon Barrel

Green Flash Fizzy Yellow

Bottle List:

With an updated bottle list on their website, Ill let you check it out for yourself! Beers of note: Brewdog / Mikkeller Devine Rebel; Deschutes The Dissident; Firestone Walkers 13th Anniversary; Alesmith Decadence 2009 and so many more, all at reasonable prices!

Food Options:

Usually there isn’t a menu. The day we went, we were lucky enough to encounter a full spread buffet with cupcakes to top it all off. But on your average day, come full or leave hungry.

Bar Opinions:

After hitting up several amazing beer locations in San Diego, we wanted to keep the vibe and our buzz going so we headed to Hamiltons Tavern.

The sun was blazing outside, but as we stepped inside, I felt worlds away. Hamiltons Tavern is just that, a tavern. When I think of a tavern, I think of a dark, eclectic space with minimal access to the outside world (maybe a couple of windows in front). Hamiltons is lit in a way that creates a comforting ambiance, one that protects you from the mutation of impending drunkenness. Well not really, but it sure feels that way.

Today, Hamiltons was packed with beer lovers as Marin Brewing Co. was featured across the taps. We had the pleasure of trying Marin’s 21 year old (old ale) with Brett, Brass Knuckle IPA on cask and Old Dipsea Barleywine. We sipped on these amazing brews while chatting with the head brewer of Marin. A passionate, humble man who knows his beer and brews some pretty incredible recipes.

We stayed at Hamiltons for quite some time, admiring the beer while chatting up locals, brewers and bartenders. Hamiltons is spacious (although cramped today) with a long wooden bar, pool tables and high ceilings. A great place to spend a laid back Sunday afternoon or a energetic Friday night.

Stop by the Library Ale House this week! Happy 2011!

The New Year quickly descends upon us. What will you be drinking to ring in 2011?

After a trip to Ohio full of endless Great Lakes Christmas Ale, we arrive back in Seattle. But now for your week in beer.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Meet the Bruery Fundraiser: Santa Monica, California

6:00PM-9:00PM @ the Library Ale House

The Bruery is one of the newer, yet highly acclaimed breweries in Southern California. Tonight, they will be tapping kegs of 3 French Hens and Rugbrød. Rare bottles of Workman’s Friend Imperial Porter will also be available. A flight of all three will be available for purchase. In addition small bites for pairing will be provided:

- Workman’s Friend with Turkey Meatloaf
- Rugbrod with Jerk Chicken
- 3 French Hens with Bread Pudding

Fellow SoCal brewery Port Brewing will have Santa’s Little Helper for your enjoyment.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Pint Night with Breckenridge Brewery: Exton, Pennsylvania

6:00PM-11:00PM @ The Drafting Room Taproom and Grille

Pint Night at The Drafting Room Taproom & Grille
featuring Breckenridge Brewery

Join us on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at 6:00
On Tap from Breckenridge:
Christmas Ale (Winter Warmer)
Lucky U IPA (American IPA)
Avalanche (American Amber)
471 IPA (Imperial IPA)
Vanilla Porter
Regal Pilsner (Imperial Pilsner)
Oatmeal Stout

Hope to see you there

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Founders and Friends Benefit and Tasting: Columbus, Ohio

7:00PM-11:00PM @ Bob’s Bar

All things good in the Midwest (and more) will be available on tap tonight!

1) Founders Brewing – Backwoods Bastard Tapping
2) Columbus Brewing – 12 Hops of XMas (Firkin)
3) Fatheads – Headhunter IPA (1st columbus tapping) –> THIS BEER IS SO GOOD!!!
4) Stone Brewing – First tapping of their collaboration with Fatheads (brewed during Cleveland Beer Week)
5) Sierra Nevada – Celebration and 30th Anniv.
6) North Coast – TBA
7) Troegs – Mad Elf and perhaps a little surprise from the brewery

Friday, December 31, 2010

New Beer’s Eve: Chicago, Illinois

4:00PM-12:00AM @ Fountainhead

Ok this event is only $30.00 per person and the beers on tap and the food look amazing- this might be the best New Year’s Eve deal in the country.

On Draft,
New Belgium/Allagash – Vrienden
Left Hand – Fade To Black
Bierbrouwerij Emelisse – Triple IPA
Two Brothers – Bare Tree Weiss Wine
Dogfish Head – Bitches Brew
Bear Republic – Apex Imperial IPA
Mikkeller – Rauch Geek Breakfast Stout
Anderson Valley – Imperial Boont Amber
Half Acre – Big Huggs

On Cask,
Bells Two Hearted
Three Floyds Alpha King

New Beer’s Eve Pre-Fix Dinner:

1st Course:

Choice of:

Beer Cheese Soup, Spicy Beer Cheese Soup with Potatoes, Lime Cream, Bacon, Grilled Rye & Sourdough

or

Crispy Salad, Spiced Walnuts & Diced Apple with Goat Cheese over Mixed Greens & Cherry Vinaigrette

2nd Course

Choice of:

Pot Roast, Rioja Demi and Root Vegetables over Parsnip Puree

or

Bourbon Maple Glazed Salmon with Root Vegetable Succotash and Celery Root Salad

3rd Course

Generous slice of Belgian Chocolate Bread Pudding with Caramel and Candied Pecans

Each course paired with a beer by our Beer Director

Pre-Fix Dinner by reservation only, 4-8 pm, $30 per Person

Please email by Wed. Dec. 29th with Preferred Time, Number of People, & Course Choices to: phil@fountainheadchicago.com
New Beer’s Eve Small Plates, 8-11pm

Saturday, January 1, 2011

20 Stouts on Tap: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

12:00PM-12:00AM @ Monk’s Cafe

Yep, we’re doing it again. Every line will have a stout running though the spout. As always, we’ll have some recognizable stouts and a few keg that most of you have not tasted before. Come in out of the cold and warm up with some hearty food and robust stouts.

Cash Bar, starts around noon.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

All of the events I can find today are not worth going to. Sit at home with some friends and break open something from the cellar.

Cheers!

Monday, January 3, 2010

Diners, Drive-In and Dives Party: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

10:00PM-11:00PM @ Memphis Taproom

The Memphis Taproom will be featured on the Food Network’s show, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Tonight, celebrate with PENNY DRAFT BEERS for one half hour! During commercials only — when the show’s on, you will have all eyes on the TV!

If you want me to post about an event, want to talk about an event you went to or just want to talk about beer, email me at jess@beerblotter.com or leave a comment!! Cheers!

Picture courtesy of sdbeersquad.blogspot.com. I currently do not have access to ours.

Week 44 of 52- 8 MORE!

Alpine Brewing Co.

2351 Alpine Boulevard
Alpine, CA 91901
1 619 445 2337 (BEER)

Rank: 4.4/5

Type of Establishment: Brewery, hangover cure, the mecca of IPAs

Visit: A highly anticipated trip to SoCal and Alpine was at the top of our list.

Beers on Tap (at time of visit):

Pure Hoppiness

Captain Stout

Duet

Bad Boy IPA

Nelson

O’Brien’s IPA

Chez Monieux

Great (barleywine)

Bottle List:

They have bottles to go of most beers, but they don’t always have them in stock. Today we left with a bottle of Duet, a Pure Hoppiness and Ichabod (a sour pumpkin ale).

Food Options:

They have several options (nachos, wings) but their menu is focused on BBQ- pulled pork sandwiches, brisket, the works!

Bar Opinions:

After a night of bar hopping during San Diego beer week, we rolled up to Alpine Brewing Co. and I was in a bad state. The thought of getting on a plane later and worse, returning to work the next day did not help my mood. Alpine was one of the most anticipated stops on our trip so when we got out of the car and saw that the open sign did not have neon pumping through the glass tubes, I almost fainted.

We peered in and saw an employee. After locking eyes, he opened the door and informed us that the hours had changed and we had an hour to kill. Phew. Coffee- stat. Alpine is a beautiful little town with a frontier meets artsy vibe. Exactly an hour later, we showed back up at Alpine. bb.com=Beer stalkers.

The pub just opened in 2010 and has a diner quality to it with black and white checkered floor, a raised bar and shiny, plastic stool and chair covers. Almost immediately we strike up a conversation with the very nice staff members. Since they could sniff out our eagerness to experience all that is Alpine, we got a lot of attention during our stay.

At this point in my day, beer is the only thing that will make me feel better. We each order our own beers to start, a Great barleywine and Chez Monieux, their kreik. Both were amazing. The Great is a big beer with a thick body and a distinct alcohol taste. The Chez was light in body, tart yet refreshing and not syrupy.

Next up, an IPA tray. Alpine, like many Southern California breweries are known for their amazing IPAs. SoCal IPAs generally have heavier citrus notes and are light and refreshing. Our tray served in taster glasses placed in a muffin tray included: Duet, Pure Hoppiness, Bad Boy, Nelson and O’Brien’s IPA. Nelson was one of my favorite beers during our trip.

A Golden Rye IPA
An outstanding hop from New Zealand, Nelson Sauvin (hops), is generously used throughout the brewing and dry-hopping of this unique beer. European rye is added for a smooth, malty addition to flavor. 1.065 OG 7%ABV

Wings were ordered (of course) and they are the full wing! They have a smoky flavor to them, plenty of meat on the bones and are down right tasty.

Alpine did not disappoint, in fact, it proved to me that they brew a line of quality beers- IPAs and beyond. Visiting the town, interacting with the lovely people at Alpine (very knowledgeable and they love their beer) and drinking all of their beers side by side was an experience all beer drinkers should have.

To do for 2011: Purchase plane ticket to SoCal.

Mug's Alehouse in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY

Oh Thanksgiving – I miss you already. Alas, there is one heck of a week ahead.

A first pouring of our 1st Anniversary beer met a quite amazing meal on Thursday. We followed that up with a journey out to Kitsap, stopping by Silver City Brewing, Der Blokken Brewery and 7 Seas Brewing, along the way. I have got to say that Kitsap is one heck of a trip. The beer gets better each time I visit.

After a day at Mt. Baker on Saturday, we got our first ever taste of the Beer Shrine – North Fork Brewery. Later this week, expect some write ups on some of these wonderful excursions.

Lets embark on a new week in beer:

Monday, November 29, 2010

21st Amendment Beer Dinner: New York, New York

6:00PM-9:00PM @ Spring Lounge

The first of these events features 21st Amendment’s Fireside Chat (in a can!), the newest winter seasonal by 21st Amendment Brewery of San Francisco, and is catered by Jeff Maslanka, head chef of Black Shack Burger in midtown and 67 Burger in Brooklyn. He’ll be serving up short ribs braised in Fireside Chat, along with some seasonal sides that will both highlight and be highlighted by the taste of the beer.

 

The food is complimentary, the beer is not. So bring your wallet and your appetite.

We’ll also be featuring these great brews by 21st Amendment on draught – Brew Free or Die IPA, Back in Black, and Hop Crisis

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Yeast Strains with Mikkeller: New York, New York

7:30PM-9:30PM @ Jimmy’s N0. 43

Join in the sampling of 6 different beers from Mikkeller‘s Yeast Series. This will only cost you $10 and these beers are not only delicious, but will provide insight into this innovative, international brewery.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Holiday Ale Festival: Portland, Oregon

2:00PM-10:00PM @ Pioneer Courthouse Square

Its that time of the year, so gear up for some Christmas beer drinking fun!

The 15th annual Holiday Ale Festival will begin on Wednesday, Dec. 1, and continue through Sunday, Dec. 5 at Pioneer Courthouse Square, located at 701 SW Sixth Ave at the intersection of SW Broadway and Yamhill Streets, immediately on the MAX Light Rail line.

Hours:
Wednesday 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Thursday, Friday, Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Admission & Costs:
*FREE* re-admission into the Festival all 5 days with wristband and current year’s mug!

To enter and taste beers, the purchase of an initial tasting package is required. Advance tickets cost $20, or $25 at the door. This package includes a souvenir mug and 10 beer tickets.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Big Wood Barrel-Aged Beer Festival: Seattle, Washington

11:00 AM-Close @ Brouwers Cafe

You’ve read about it here on BeerBlotter.com. This is one of those “can’t miss” beer events that happen in Seattle. The initial tap list has already been handed down by the good folks at Brouwers Cafe. We are astonished at some of the iconic names, including a rare appearance by the elusive Russian River Deviation (a Bottleworks Anniversary beer from several years back).

The event begins at 11:00 AM and will continue through the weekend. If you are trying to sample the big guys (HOTD, Russian River, The Bruery, Lost Abbey), I would suggest getting there early on Thursday. See you there!

Friday, December 3, 2010

Founders Brewing Co. Sampler: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

4:00PM-6:00PM @ Bell’s Beverage

As you might already know, Founders is a Beer Blotter favorite. Although I do not know what beers are pouring- Founders will not disappoint!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Strong Ale Festival: San Diego, California

11:00AM-11:00PM @ Pizza Port Carlsbad

The 14th San Diego Strong Ale Festival at Pizza Port Carlsbad will be held Friday and Saturday, December 3rd and 4th. The festival will feature more than 75 beers all over 8% alcohol from all over the United States. Admission is $30 and includes 8 taster tickets each good for a 4 ounce pour. If you can’t make it today, Pizza Port always has stellar beers on tap!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Belgium to Brooklyn: Brooklyn, New York

11:00AM- 11:00PM @ Mugs Ale House

Oh my- this is epic and actually begins on Saturday, December 4th. 5th Annual Belgium 2 Brooklyn Mug’s Ale House Belgian Style Beer Festival: Saturday 12/4/10 & Sunday 12/5/10 from 11 AM onwards. No entrance fee, pay as you go. Over 40 Belgian Style Ales on draft + Mug’s Ale House usual enormous bottle selection.

Check out beeradvocate.com for a full tap list!  Highlights include, ‘t Smisje Speciaal 2009 10.5% ; Struise Tsjeeses 10% ; Mikkeller Santas Little Helper 10.9% and Dogfish Head Au Courant 2003 7% among so many more!

If you have an event you are going to or have an event you want us to post about, please email me at jess@beerblotter.com. Cheers!

Stop by and taste BrewDog's rare and extremely potent beers at Birch and Barley

Its Thanksgiving week which means a short work week and snow for people in Seattle- a rare occurrence, I might add. This weekend I warmed up with some Firestone Walker Double Jack, Stone‘s 2008 Russian Imperial Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout (unreal), The Bruery‘s Autumn Maple Strong Ale and Upright‘s 5 Rye Saison. But now for your week in beer!

Monday, November 22, 2010

BrewDog Night: Washington, D.C.

4:00PM-9:00PM @ Birch and Barley

Tonight, Birch and Barley will be serving the insanely potent Sink The Bismarck (a Quadruple IPA at 41 % abv) and Tactical Nuclear Penguin by BrewDog (Uber Imperial Stout at 32 % abv) in 1.5 oz. pours beginning at 4 PM! Come and taste these singular libations and discover that there is much more too them than hype!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Firestone Walker 14th Anniversary Release Party: Seal Beach, California

7:00PM-10:00PM @ Beachwood BBQ

I recently had this beer in San Diego and it is out-of-this-world! Beachwood BBQ will be taping a keg of Firestone Walker‘s 14 as well as Union Jack, Double Jack, Velvet Merlin, Solace, Pale 31, and DBA.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Emerald City Brewing Co. Tasting: Seattle, Washington

6:00PM- close @ Jillian’s

Check out our article about this event. Emerald City Brewing Co. is new to Seattle, so get out and discover all the beers this brewery has to offer.

Thursday, November 25, 2010
HAPPY TURKEY DAY from bb.com!

What beers will you drink today?

Friday, November 26, 2010

Black Friday: Chicago, Illinois

10:00AM-12:00PM @ Goose Island Cylbourn

Join Goose Island on Black Friday for a special preview of the much anticipated Rare Bourbon County Brand Stout. The Goose Island Clybourn Brewpub will be tapping a few barrels of the Rare that morning at 10am. Once it’s gone, it’s gone and we expect it will sell out fast. Aside from this special tapping the only time you’ll see Rare Bourbon County Brand Stout on draft will be at select beer festivals and promotional Goose Island events in the future.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

HOPSGIVING: Barto, Pennsylvania

12:00PM-10:00PM @ Union Jack’s Old Congo Hotel

No cover- pay as you drink. Check the list. Its pretty amazing.

PORT HIGH TIDE
GREEN FLASH IMPERIAL
STONE RUINATION
PORT HOP 15
DOGFISH HEAD 90 MIN
NOGNE O
PLINY THE ELDER
BLIND PIG
SOUTHERN TIER UNEARTHLY
ROGUE XS IPA
GREAT DIVIDE FRESH HOP ALE
BEAR REPUBLIC RACER X
AVERY MAHARAJAH
VICTORY HOP WALLOP

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Freakin’ Firkin Sunday: Benton Harbor, Michigan