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.

[bigliver]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

[jquirit]

Originally Posted by bigliver

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]

Originally Posted by jquirit

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

[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]

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.

[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?

I enjoy anything from Rogue or Stone.

[Mark C]

Originally Posted by Darrell

I enjoy anything from Rogue or Stone.

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.

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!

[Sauer Grapes]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

Originally Posted by mrreindeer

[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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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

[theonlybear4CORT]

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

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by bobarian

The original, Anchor Steam Brewing Co!

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

[bigliver]

Originally Posted by sonic_mike

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

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

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