San Diego, California: Duck Foot Brewing Company’s bar was cast in a moody light. Looking down at the slab of wood holding my neat row of tasters the warm afternoon sun illuminated each glass from a nearby window. It set the colors of each beer aglow giving them new vibrance. Shiny ambers, crimson reds, and… [Read More]
Shaking the Craft World: Explosive Flavor at 3 Floyds Brewing Co.
Munster, Indiana: I read the welcoming sign as we passed into the little town’s municipality. If it wasn’t for my destination I’d have never known the town existed. It seemed quaint and quiet and charming but I imagine it hardly topped anyones travel destination list. Pulling into the brewery parking lot at 10:45am on a… [Read More]
Hammocks, Waterfalls, and Beer: A Perfect Day at Catawba Brewing Co.
Asheville, North Carolina: The rock beneath my feet was slippery. The waters of the Catawba River flowing over the smooth stone making it slick with moss. Placing my feet firmly, I looked up at the tumbling cascades of Catawba Falls. The cool water ebbed and flowed through every conceivable crevice, dropping down over fallen trees… [Read More]
Brews For Every Party: An Afternoon at District Chophouse and Brewery
Washington District of Columbia: My shoes fell heavy on the sidewalk as I traveled east down Pennsylvania Avenue. To my right the bright sun beat down sending flares of light bouncing off the towering obelisk of the Washington Monument. At my back, the residency of the highest office in the land. I could feel sweat… [Read More]
Tennessee Harmony: Tasting Delicious Well Rounded Brews at Southern Grist Brewing Company
Nashville, Tennessee: grist (n.)-brewer’s term for the assortment of grain used in a beer recipe. Looking up I read the definition printed across one of the rafters. As I finished, I heard the whistle of a train blow from the nearby railroad tracks. The noise was appropriate, a Nashville way of punctuation. Moving forward I… [Read More]
Cruising for Craft Beer: A Refreshing Pit Stop at Mother Road Brewing Co.
Flagstaff, Arizona: It was dusk in Flagstaff. Sitting out on the patio at Mother Road Brewing Company I looked out over my tasting glasses, the string lights, and low hanging tree branches. I could see the busy headlights of passing cars just beyond. The bustling traffic on Highway 40. I looked down at my empty… [Read More]
Beating the Desert Heat: Bold Flavors and Refreshing Brews at Dark Sky Brewing Co.
Flagstaff, Arizona: It had been a long hot desert ride. From the South Rim of the Grand Canyon I traveled south. Having just hiked into the depths of the great canyon I emerged muscles sore, stomach rumbling and pallet dry. I craved a burger and most importantly a cold beer. Prioritizing the latter I asked… [Read More]
Laid Back Cafe Meets Hip Brewery: Dropping in on Brite Eyes Brewing Company
Kalamazoo, Michigan: The first thing that hit me was the smell. It didn’t smell like your typical brewery. The familiar scent of hops was there but it was mixed with a lot more. The aroma of fresh coffee grounds, green tea leaves, and steamed milk all wafted through the air of one of Kalamazoo’s smallest… [Read More]
Grown On Great Beer in the Queen City: A Celebration at Mad Tree Brewing Company
Cincinnati, Ohio: I had touched down in Cincinnati on an auspicious day. Since the moment I started conversing with my Uber driver, shuttling me downtown from the airport until I started making the rounds amongst local breweries, there was a buzz in the air. Today was the grand opening of Mad Tree’s new taproom. Getting… [Read More]
Come Together: A Winning Model at Bear Roots Brewing Company
Vista, California: “Give it a try.” Terry, one of Bear Roots Brewing Company’s co-owners said, pushing a taster glass of a dark brew towards me. “Been aging about two and a half months now.” he said, raising his own glass to his lips. “Still has about four more months to go.” I was getting a… [Read More]
