Bluebird perfect day here in the Healdsburg. Dave ordered the sampler tray, which looks like it has 20 4oz pours on it. We may be carrying him out of here. Bartender did not have kind words about the Chardonnay Barrel Aged Hop Rod Rye with 5% Chardonnay in it. “I wouldn’t serve it if I didn’t have to.” Apex IPA is fantastically bitter and grassy.
If memory serves, on this first morning in San Francisco, we made it to the Toronado, Memphis Minny’s, and Absinthe. Half the group also found the R Bar and a few others. Hangovers abound, so we’re off to three breweries: Russian River, Moylans, and Bear Republic. Wish us luck.
Rolled into the city last night around 7 PM courtesy of Thom’s mad driving skills and the Bay Bridge. There was a fair amount of thirst accumulated, thanks to our stop at In and Out in Redding, where Jay sampled the “Animal Fries” and Dan took down TWO double-doubles.
After checking into the hotel (where our car proved too giant for the valet lot), we wasted no time setting out for Toronado. Per usual, it was jam-packed, but the legendary beer list didn’t disappoint. I sampled “Original Albion,” on tap to commemorate San Francisco Beer Week, based on the original recipe from New Albion Brewing, one of California’s first microbreweries. A fairly standard pale ale, but well made and interesting to taste. Next, I tried Pliny the Elder on tap, amazing as always, and other folks tried Pliny the Younger. I made a mistake going for the oldster – the Younger came in a goblet and tasted like hop heaven. Echt Kriekenbier from Verhaege was also on tap. Interesting to sample this from a keg – it did taste a little metallic compared to the bottled version I tried a few weeks ago.
And after Toronado? There was some barbecue, some bar-hopping, and ultimately, absinthe (washed down with Houblon Chouffe IPA) … a very SF night that I am paying for this morning. Some Advil should help, I think. On to Bear Republic, Russian River and Moylan’s! The show must go on!
Everyone is bellied up to the bar with their samplers at Mt. Shasta Brewery. No surprise — Bob Marley on the speakers when we arrived. Bartender here has some crazy stories about this town. Something about a garage full of “organic produce” and a city councilor. At least everyone was of age in their political scandal. What? Too soon?