So.
Just got back from a trip to California. Went out to take the kids to Disney Land and hit up Stone brewing for a fresh pint. No, really. That's the point of the whole thing. See, me and Jody had a pint of Arrogant Bastard in 2007 in Denver, CO while out at GABF that was *so bitter* that it could not be finished. We were just under the impression that Arrogant Bastard was just *that* arrogant. Then, in the fall of 2009, we went back and tried that same beer again, in the same bar (Falling Rock Tap House) at the same weekend (roughly) and it was not so arrogant. We drank the whole thing. So, now the question was, will the real Bastard please stand up? To answer this question, a pint of this Bastard right at the brewery where it's made would be the only real answer, so, this trip was designed to answer that question. Oh, sure, my wife will tell you it was a family vacation to take the kids to see Disney Land and visit with some family out there, but I know better. You do too.
In either case, we'll answer this in a later posting, as this update will have to take place over several postings. A lot of pics and info was gleaned. Firstly, here's an important photo of me, sportin' my CT's favorite beer hat on one of the surfing beaches in CA. Dig it. Then, realize I was there in April and got massive sunburn. Now, be jealous.
Here's another shot of said character, drinking beer from a screw top container. No alcohol is actually allowed on the beach, so.. improvise. Dig it.
Here's a pic of the happiest guy in the world, just leaving a warehouse of alcohol, with six 22oz bombers of the best West Coast IPA's in the US of A. He is very excited, as you can tell..
I figured I'd be able to do two of these a night, after diner, and have a little space left over. You know, we'd be there for 4 nights, 5 days. Short trip.. but that's enough time, right? Stand by on that..
Well, that above-mentioned plan worked OK the first night for sure. Here's the first beer I opened. Two pics of the same one, because I couldn't decide which photo was the better.. Adrienne stuffing her face:
..or Aaron stuffing his face! In ether case, here's the info I typed into my iPod Touch for note taking while I was there.
Both photo's are just awesome.
Moylans IPA 6.5% abv
Hops evident but sorta has a restrained aroma. Drinking with cheddar cheese and potato chips. Hop variety not listed, but first attack is high cohumulone and it finishes with an earthhy flavor. No citrus evident, seems to be a high cohumulone hop variety here. Works wonders with this cheese! Easy enough to drink from this 22 oz bomber I'm sharing. Pine coming through in flavor now in aspiration through the nose. This beer is bitter and partially arrogant!
Then there was this beer:
Firestone Walker 'Union Jack' IPA 7.5% abv
Very similar to Moylans above except a more smooth tasting beer. Lower cohumulone hops lending a more citrus midrange flavor. More drinkable as a result, though there is more alcohol in the house. Not to be confused with a citrus flavored beer, just more than the *above* mentioned beer...
As a parting shot, this is a pic of the view out of the rear slider of the house I stayed at while out there. Check that hillside view! You'll have to check it in the afternoon, cause the smog obscures it during the morning. ;-)
That's all for now. Tune in later for the rest...
