I'm typically for the underdog. I love going to tiny, local places, where the owner/brewers have sunk everything they have into a few tanks and a small bar, and are thrilled to see you and share their creations. Larger players with a national, even world-wide reach? Generally, a pass. But I was excited to visit Stone Brewing’s new Napa brewery and taproom. I've dug … [Read more...] about Just a Stone’s Throw Away…
Beer Preserves
Depression Proof
The recent Vintage Beer, Wine & Spirits Labels exhibition at the California Historical Society (CHS) combined three of my biggest passions in life: Printing (I used to be a graphic artist and still work in the printing industry); History (I’m a big historical preservation buff); Beer (duh). The exhibit, from CHS’s Kemble Collections on Western Printing and … [Read more...] about Depression Proof
Masters of The Beerverse: Dave McLean
With the possible exception of Anchor Brewing, there probably isn’t a brewery more iconic to San Francisco than Magnolia. To wit: Dave McLean, the founder, got indoctrinated into the craft beer scene in the parking lots at Grateful Dead shows in the Boston area the late ’80s/early ‘90s, where many of the Dead’s followers brought brews with them from the West Coast … [Read more...] about Masters of The Beerverse: Dave McLean
Session 87: “City Proud of Its Beers”
The Tale of the Ale’s Reuben Gray, with the following instructions, hosts this month’s Session: “In Session 87, I want you to give your readers a history lesson about a local brewery. That's a physical brewery and not brewing company by the way. The brewery doesn't need to still exist today, perhaps you had a local brewery that closed down before you were even born. Or you … [Read more...] about Session 87: “City Proud of Its Beers”
Beer Preserves: Bay Area History, and I’m a Thief
I'm a plagiarist. Okay, not in the literal stealing-multiple-paragraphs-and-presenting-them-as-my-own sense. But I am definitely stealing someone else's idea. And running with it. More on that in a bit. First, if you're as devoted to beer and history (and therefore the history of beer) as I am, there are two sites you need to check out. Immediately. Brian … [Read more...] about Beer Preserves: Bay Area History, and I’m a Thief
