The West Coast Beer Thread

[bigliver]

Dedicated to the fine West Coast breweries.

I just finished a few Red Rocket Ales and have moved on to some Speakeasy Pale Ales.

What do you like? Everything from Red Hook to Stone, from Seattle to San Diego and beyond.

What do you like?

[JohnnyFlake]

I am not really into beers that much, however, my favorite West Coast Beers, when I do get the urge, are Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Full Sail Amber Ale!

[jquirit]

I am partial to the micros out of Portland and the surrounding area. Places like Roots (100% organic and 110% tasty!) and Rouge (Hazelnut Brown Nectar is outstanding). Though, I have been known to imbibe a few stouts from Lagunitas in California. They do make a quite tasty stout.

[Bruzee]

I love Sierra Nevada, Red Hood and Red Tail..... I also love the brews from Sequoia Brewing Co.... They have a really good IPA.

[bigliver]

I am partial to the micros out of Portland and the surrounding area. Places like Roots (100% organic and 110% tasty!) and Rouge (Hazelnut Brown Nectar is outstanding). Though, I have been known to imbibe a few stouts from Lagunitas in California. They do make a quite tasty stout.

I have never had anthing from Roots. Howevewr, I do enjoy Rogue. I was in Seattle, Issaquah rather, for the new re-release of their Yellow Snow Ale. A little different than previously, but good nonetheless.

Lagunitas is another sleeper that is overlooked. Their Imperial Red Ale out this season is very tasty, although I found the carbonation a bit lacking.

Jason

[bigliver]

My first experience with Green Flash Brewing Company. I'm enjoying their West Coast IPA. It's not as "hoppy" as most IPA's I've had, but it's very drinkable. The malt is definately prevalent on the front, but the backside is definately hoptastic. It's a nice balance between a pale ale and a CA IPA, not Stone, but not water either.

[jquirit]

I have never had anthing from Roots. Howevewr, I do enjoy Rogue. I was in Seattle, Issaquah rather, for the new re-release of their Yellow Snow Ale. A little different than previously, but good nonetheless.

Roots is a really small place as they haven't seen widespread distribution yet. Last time I talked to the owner he was actually getting to put his brew in one of the taps at the Rose Garden.

http://www.rootsorganicbrewing.com/

What I need to do is go back to Roots so I can try their seasonal: EPIC ALE (yes, that is the way it's spelt). 14% ABV and only sold in 10 oz glasses. Woo!

Never tried Rogue's Yellow Snow before. Will have to keep an eye out for it the next time I'm shopping.

[bigliver]

Never tried Rogue's Yellow Snow before. Will have to keep an eye out for it the next time I'm shopping.

I haven't found it here either, but I'm hoping it will be available to the public soon.

jason

[Skywalker]

Sierra Nevada and Lost Coast!!!

[bobarian]

The original, Anchor Steam Brewing Co!:dance:

[bigliver]

I've been enjoying more than a good portion of Sierra Nevada's Celebration Ale throughout the day and I have come to the conclusion that it's a bit more harsh than last year's iteration. I'm not saying it's not good; the several empties sitting outside testifies to that. This is the one seasonal brew I really look forward to every year, but I'm not completely satisfied with their release this year. Anyone else feel this way or is it just me?

[Darrell]

I enjoy anything from Rogue or Stone. :dr

[Skywalker]

I've been enjoying more than a good portion of Sierra Nevada's Celebration Ale throughout the day and I have come to the conclusion that it's a bit more harsh than last year's iteration. I'm not saying it's not good; the several empties sitting outside testifies to that. This is the one seasonal brew I really look forward to every year, but I'm not completely satisfied with their release this year. Anyone else feel this way or is it just me?

I'm with you on this!!! I have been enjoying the Harvest Ale much more!!!

[theonlybear4CORT]

bear republic http://www.bearrepublic.com/

[BHowe]

Eel River makes some great stuff!

[icehog3]

The original, Anchor Steam Brewing Co!:dance:

Gotta agree, I love their Porter, especially when I can find it on tap. :dr:al

[bigliver]

bear republic http://www.bearrepublic.com/

Their Red Rocket Ale is my other favorite beers along with North Coast Brewing Red Seal Ale.

[mooremedic]

Also try Pryamid Snow Cap Ale....nice winter ale....

[BengalMan]

I just returned from Hawaii and drank a ton of Hawaii micro's, the best came from the Maui Brewing Company. Their Bikini Blonde and their Coconut Stout were both AMAZING.

[bigliver]

Picked up a six pack of Anchor Steam Summer Ale from the BevMo up the road today. I know it's December, but I needed a break from all the heavy winter brews. This beer really gets better after sitting for a few months, and it's been a very nice change in course.

[Darrell]

Picked up a six pack of Anchor Steam Summer Ale from the BevMo up the road today. I know it's December, but I needed a break from all the heavy winter brews. This beer really gets better after sitting for a few months, and it's been a very nice change in course.

You pick that up after you left my office?

[bigliver]

You pick that up after you left my office?


Yep, took a trip over to Salinas today.

[Mark C]

I enjoy anything from Rogue or Stone. :dr

:tpd: I'm fortunate to have a few good liquor stores nearby that stock most of the brews from these two. I've got some Rogue Mocha Porter and a Christmas Ale in the fridge now, and the last Stone I had was the Bitter Chocolate Stout. Might need to pick up another one of those stouts, it was fantastic.

[mrreindeer]

PLINY THE ELDER!!!

Russian River Brewing Co.: http://www.russianriverbrewing.com/

My recent fave; find it if you can.

A bar in Redondo Beach occasionally has this on tap and I've picked up a couple bottles at a liquor store in Culver City/Marina del Rey.

Awesome, awesome stuff. A double IPA.

[Heatmiser]

Absolutely love the Stone Smoked Porter. Mmmm, mmmm good!

[Skywalker]

Sierra Nevada just released their Early Spring Beer (ESB)!!! Should be in stores soon!

[goatfarmer]

Anchor steam selections, Sierra Nevada, and Red Tail are among a few North West beers I can get into, I will have to keep a watch for the Sierra early edition. :dr

[bigliver]

Sierra Nevada just released their Early Spring Beer (ESB)!!! Should be in stores soon!

I'm ready. I just hope it doesn't disappoint like last years Celebration did.

[Sauer Grapes]

I thought ESB stood for extra special bitter?

[Sauer Grapes]

PLINY THE ELDER!!!

Russian River Brewing Co.: http://www.russianriverbrewing.com/

My recent fave; find it if you can.

A bar in Redondo Beach occasionally has this on tap and I've picked up a couple bottles at a liquor store in Culver City/Marina del Rey.

Awesome, awesome stuff. A double IPA.

Have you tried the younger? I live the Elder, but really want to try the younger sometime.

Having a Green Flash Hop Head Red right now. Great beer.

[bigliver]

I thought ESB stood for extra special bitter?

Normally so, but not in this case.

[Skywalker]

I thought ESB stood for extra special bitter?

Normally so, but not in this case.

So right!!! This stuff is yummy with some hoppy notes!!!:dr

[Drat]

[SIZE="7"]Russian River Brewing Co.: http://www.russianriverbrewing.com/

They regularly rate as one of the best breweries in the US. I can't find it anywhere out here though...

Since I'm from CA, I have a lot of favorites out there, but here's a short list:

Sierra Nevada is the readily available standby. Visit their brewery and have the "every beer they make" sampler. Just get a cab back to your hotel.

Mirror Pond (oregon) is one of the best pale ales I have ever had

Alcatraz brewpub in Orange CA has finally perfected their IPA. Worth a visit if you're driving the 5.

[Skywalker]

Sierra Nevada is the readily available standby. Visit their brewery and have the "every beer they make" sampler. Just get a cab back to your hotel (or home):tu

[Drat]

Sierra Nevada is the readily available standby. Visit their brewery and have the "every beer they make" sampler. Just get a cab back to your hotel (or home)
:tu

Had a work-paid trip to Chico a few years back. Some damn good bars in that college town! And you can't beat eating at the brewery for free....

[Skywalker]

Had a work-paid trip to Chico a few years back. Some damn good bars in that college town! And you can't beat eating at the brewery for free....

You can say that again!!!

I have a couple of SN gift cards from Christmas that I plan on using soon!!!

[bigliver]

I'm officially done with Celebration Ale...back to SN Pale Ale for the weekend. I'll probably pick up a couple of six's of Red Rocket Ale from Bear Republic and maybe some Red Seal Ale from North Coast to restock the fridge in the bunker as well. What's everyone else having this weekend?

[Skywalker]

I'm officially done with Celebration Ale...back to SN Pale Ale for the weekend. I'll probably pick up a couple of six's of Red Rocket Ale from Bear Republic and maybe some Red Seal Ale from North Coast to restock the fridge in the bunker as well. What's everyone else having this weekend?

Have you had the North Coast Old Stock?

[bigliver]

Have you had the North Coast Old Stock?

I have. It's not bad, but the alcohol taste kind of does it in for me. The malt flavors on the front are great, but when I feel like I just did a shot afterwards, I get a little turned off. That's just my :2 anyway.

[Skywalker]

I have. It's not bad, but the alcohol taste kind of does it in for me. The malt flavors on the front are great, but when I feel like I just did a shot afterwards, I get a little turned off. That's just my :2 anyway.

It seems to go good with cigars!!! At least it does for me!!!

Heck, everything seems to go good with cigars!!!:ss

[bigliver]

Back to the old staple...Sierra Nevada Pale Ale for tongiht.

[JE3146]

Opened up a bottle of Deschutes Black Butte XX last weekend. Beyond good. :D

[Skywalker]

It seems to go good with cigars!!! At least it does for me!!!

Heck, everything seems to go good with cigars!!!:ss

Yesterday, Bear Republic Red Rocket!!! Great with cigars!!!:ss

[bigliver]

Yesterday, Bear Republic Red Rocket!!! Great with cigars!!!:ss

+1 for that. I just wish Costco carried them by the case.

[Skywalker]

+1 for that. I just wish Costco carried them by the case.

My Costco doesn't carry Red Rocket at all!!!:(

[bigliver]

My Costco doesn't carry Red Rocket at all!!!:(

Mine doesn't either. But if they did, I would want them by the case.

[Skywalker]

Mine doesn't either. But if they did, I would want them by the case.

Me too!!! Mine carries Sierra Nevada Pale, Harvest and ESB!!! And Lost Coast Great White

[Skywalker]

Yesterday, Bear Republic Red Rocket!!! Great with cigars!!!:ss

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/1655/gar01vg8.jpg

That was a good day!!!:tu

[JohnnyFlake]

Try the Sierra Nevada Amber Ale, with your next cigar. IMHO, it's a great match with a cigar!

Also Full Sail Amber Ale, goes well with cigars!

[Skywalker]

Try the Sierra Nevada Amber Ale, with your next cigar. IMHO, it's a great match with a cigar!

Also Full Sail Amber Ale, goes well with cigars!

I think I have tried every SN there is but I haven't heard of the Amber Ale, unless you are talking about the Pale Ale which is an amber ale!

I haven't tried Full Sail Ale yet! Thanks for the suggestion!!!

[JohnnyFlake]

I think I have tried every SN there is but I haven't heard of the Amber Ale, unless you are talking about the Pale Ale which is an amber ale!

I haven't tried Full Sail Ale yet! Thanks for the suggestion!!!

Hey Bro,

You may be right. I just took a look at my last bottle of the SN Ale, which is actually amber in color, and for some reason, I always refer to it as an Amber Ale! Full Sail is actually called "Amber Ale", which probably helped in my confusion. Any way, The SN Ale and the FS Amber Ale are both very good with cigars. At least IMHO!

[Nick]

Anchor Steam and Firestone

[Sauer Grapes]

Having my last Pliny tonight. No special occasion, it's just a couple months old and I needed to drink it before the hoppiness started to decline too much.

Sad day.

[Skywalker]

Hey Bro,

You may be right. I just took a look at my last bottle of the SN Ale, which is actually amber in color, and for some reason, I always refer to it as an Amber Ale! Full Sail is actually called "Amber Ale", which probably helped in my confusion. Any way, The SN Ale and the FS Amber Ale are both very good with cigars. At least IMHO!

Your post got me all excited!!! I thought maybe there was new Sierra Nevada beer I had not tried!!!

BTW - I did try a new one Friday night! SN Imperial Porter!!! Very nice espresso notes!!!

[Skywalker]

Just found out that Sierra Nevada Bigfoot 2009 was just released!!!:al

[bigliver]

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/1655/gar01vg8.jpg

That was a good day!!!:tu

You have inspired me. Gonna go with a couple of sixers of these for the weekend.

[Skywalker]

You have inspired me. Gonna go with a couple of sixers of these for the weekend.

Glad to hear it!!!

BTW - We missed you Saturday at Bob's!!!

[bigliver]

Glad to hear it!!!

BTW - We missed you Saturday at Bob's!!!

Wish I could have made it. Hopefully I will be at the next one.

[Skywalker]

Wish I could have made it. Hopefully I will be at the next one.

I brought SN 2009 Bigfoot and Torpedo Extra IPA (a new release by SN)!!!

The next big herf will be in Chico. We will probably go to the Brewery for lunch and back to my house for cigars!!!

It would be nice if you could make this one!!! I think we share the same love for beer!!!;)

[bigliver]

I'll do what I can. Where did you get the Torpedo Extra, I haven't heard of it?

[teotides]

I went to a junior college in the mountains near Chico (Quincy, Ca) about 15 years ago. Sierra Nevada was sold cheap there! We used to party in the winter and stash the beers in the snow while playing music. Spring was like Christmas and Easter all rolled into one. We'd walk around the yard and find Big foot ales, porters and stouts left over from previous parties as the snow thawed.:D
Mendo and Humboldt counties make some pretty good beers too: Lost Coast and North Coast breweries.

[Skywalker]

I'll do what I can. Where did you get the Torpedo Extra, I haven't heard of it?

I picked it up at the brewery just before I left for Bob's Herf!!!

I went to a junior college in the mountains near Chico (Quincy, Ca) about 15 years ago. Sierra Nevada was sold cheap there! We used to party in the winter and stash the beers in the snow while playing music. Spring was like Christmas and Easter all rolled into one. We'd walk around the yard and find Big foot ales, porters and stouts left over from previous parties as the snow thawed.:D
Mendo and Humboldt counties make some pretty good beers too: Lost Coast and North Coast breweries.

Oh Yeah!!! Party on!!!:tu

[bigliver]

Just picked up a couple of sixers yesterday...can't wait till tomorrow so I can crack one open.

[bigliver]

I went to a junior college in the mountains near Chico (Quincy, Ca) about 15 years ago. Sierra Nevada was sold cheap there! We used to party in the winter and stash the beers in the snow while playing music. Spring was like Christmas and Easter all rolled into one. We'd walk around the yard and find Big foot ales, porters and stouts left over from previous parties as the snow thawed.:D
Mendo and Humboldt counties make some pretty good beers too: Lost Coast and North Coast breweries.

Red Seal Ale...MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM good.

[bigliver]

I'm sitting here enjoying a Lagunitas Censored Rich Copper Alefid. What an underrated beer. This is my first experience with Lagunitas as a whole, but I must state that I am impressed. I'm stocking the "West Coast Beer Fridge" and my guy at the store down the road gave me a six pack of these to try...why not start the weekend early right? I would compare it to a Fat Tire (I know it's not a West Coast brew), but with more hops. I am truly sorry that I did not find this brewery earlier; I feel I have missed out on some great beers. Their website has a list of seasonals; I can't wait for this year to progress. Personally, I'm looking forward to their Hairy Eyeball out this month until March(?). Rich Copper Ale is said to be a year round release; I would definately recommend it to those who enjoy a New Belgium flavor profile in a local beer wit h a little less malt and more hoppy goodness.

[Nick]

Firestone is about 5 minutes from my house in Atascadero so I would say that. Anchor steam makes better beer though I think.

[SeanGAR]

I'm sitting here enjoying a Lagunitas Censored Rich Copper Alefid. What an underrated beer.

You should have tried it a few years ago when it was 7.7% ... one of my favorites back then.

[bigliver]

You should have tried it a few years ago when it was 7.7% ... one of my favorites back then.

I can only imagine!!

[bigliver]

SN Torpedo Extra IPA Review...

Is great. For me, it's an almost perfect combination of hops and malt. I have long been a fan of IPAs for their hops, but I found them to be almost at an extreme. Hops are great for me and I really do enjoy hoppy beers, but I need something to balance that bitterness, that bite. SN ExIPA does an excellent job of adding what seems to be extra malt to an original IPA to create an awesome combination. The bite is still there, but it's balanced and not overpowering. For me, this beer was sweeter than SN's regular production Pale Ale, but with more bite on the finish, something I absolutely love. Overall, this is a beer to drink when you want to drink a beer that tastes like what you think a beer should taste like. Thanks Skywalker for the tip.

[Skywalker]

SN Torpedo Extra IPA Review...

Is great. For me, it's an almost perfect combination of hops and malt. I have long been a fan of IPAs for their hops, but I found them to be almost at an extreme. Hops are great for me and I really do enjoy hoppy beers, but I need something to balance that bitterness, that bite. SN ExIPA does an excellent job of adding what seems to be extra malt to an original IPA to create an awesome combination. The bite is still there, but it's balanced and not overpowering. For me, this beer was sweeter than SN's regular production Pale Ale, but with more bite on the finish, something I absolutely love. Overall, this is a beer to drink when you want to drink a beer that tastes like what you think a beer should taste like. Thanks Skywalker for the tip.

No problem!!! Glad you enjoyed it!!!

I like the pine flavor in the background!!!

I drank a 2009 Bigfoot tonight with dinner!!!! Just as strong as I remembered from last year!!!

[Skywalker]

I want to extend an invitation to any beer lovers:

Sierra Nevada Brewery Herf
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=9453

[bigliver]

I want to extend an invitation to any beer lovers:

Sierra Nevada Brewery Herf
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=9453

I'll run it by the boss and let you know.

[Skywalker]

I want to extend an invitation to any beer lovers:

Sierra Nevada Brewery Herf
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=9453

I'll run it by the boss and let you know.

The last Sierra Nevada Herf was legendary!!! I can see this being equal or greater than the first!!!

[Drat]

I'm willing to trade a Rochefort 10 and some local hard to gets for a Pliny the Younger, or a straight trade Rochefort 10 for a Pliny the Elder...

Anyone interested?

[Cigargal]

Etna Brewery- http://users.sisqtel.net/krell/


I love the Old Grind Porter. And the Red is good too.

Lost Coast Brewery http://www.lostcoast.com/

Great White and Downtown Brown are staples in our house. They make an apricot wheat that is really good too.

[TheJ]

When I lived in Las Vegas a decade ago I enjoyed Gordon Biersch and the selection from the Monte Carlo, but I've heard they no longer brew their own beer.

[JohnnyFlake]

When I lived in Las Vegas a decade ago I enjoyed Gordon Biersch and the selection from the Monte Carlo, but I've heard they no longer brew their own beer.

GB is still available in many casinos. I have a bottle now and then when playing live poker. However, I do not know if they still brew it themselves or not! It seems to be one of the favorites here.

[TheJ]

GB is still available in many casinos. I have a bottle now and then when playing live poker. However, I do not know if they still brew it themselves or not! It seems to be one of the favorites here.


Sorry, wasn't talking about GB. The Monte Carlo, once upon a time, had a brewery in the Hotel/Casino. GB still operates restaurants with breweries.

[JohnnyFlake]

Sorry, wasn't talking about GB. The Monte Carlo, once upon a time, had a brewery in the Hotel/Casino. GB still operates restaurants with breweries.

Okay, I understand!

[romwarrior]

I know this is an old thread and I know this has already been mentioned, but I have really been digging the Rogue stuff lately, especially Dead Guy.

:dr

[Skywalker]

I know this is an old thread and I know this has already been mentioned, but I have really been digging the Rogue stuff lately, especially Dead Guy.

:dr

Good stuff!!!:tu

[Dukeuni]

I love going to the Rogue brewery in the Newport, Oregon Bay- turned a old fish processing plant into the brewery I believe. Heck, if anyone is doing a vacation around the Oregon Coast this summer I would recommend a trip to Newport and Rogue Brewery- You will not be disappointed!

[Skywalker]

Sierra Nevada is putting out another regular offering!!! Not out yet!!! But soon!!!
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/831/keller.png

[bigliver]

I'm back and the beer reviews are about to commence (again). Any recommendations?

[JE3146]

I love going to the Rogue brewery in the Newport, Oregon Bay- turned a old fish processing plant into the brewery I believe. Heck, if anyone is doing a vacation around the Oregon Coast this summer I would recommend a trip to Newport and Rogue Brewery- You will not be disappointed!

Do you live in Corvallis?

[JE3146]

Anyone gonna be at Brewer's Alefest this weekend at Rogue in Newport?

I'll be there Friday night through Sunday.