The West Coast Beer Thread

[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!

[Skywalker]

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

[bigliver]

Originally Posted by Skywalker

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]

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 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)

Originally Posted by 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)

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]

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!!!