Before I get too far into style profiles, ingredient contributions, or just bore you with my brewing experiences, I wanted to do a short piece on an essential question of those who are beginning to explore the world of beer.
"Where do I get nice beer and how do I know if it's good?"
The first location anyone in college looks at beer is at a store. I'm sure most of you are familiar with the alcohol aisle at your local grocery store (often guarded by security cameras). Well, even if you aren't 21, you can still peruse the beer selection in this "forbidden" aisle, you just can't personally buy it. For all of my underage buddies out there, become good friends with someone who is 21, because the drinking age is among the many questionable "state" laws and is virtually mandated by the federal government.
Quick Profile of a Typical Beer Aisle
95% of the viewing space will be dominated by the big 3 (Miller, Coors, Bud) and their various knockoffs. You're looking for the spaces that don't contain these beers. A good rule of thumb: If it's sold in a can, it's not good brew. This rule doesn't work both ways, though. Just because a beer is in a bottle or a keg doesn't mean it is a nice beer. Corona and Pacifico might also take up quite a bit of space, but while these beers are refreshing, they are not very high quality beers.
A good starting place is a Sam Adams variety pack, which change with every season. This pack will expose you to 6 different styles of beer and allow you to experience the most beer for the least amount of money. Sam Adams is right over the line between commercial beers and microbrews in my opinion, because the beer they produce does not match up to the expertly crafted brews that many microbreweries produce.
Any other 6 packs or 12 packs are also fair game. Larger breweries such as Fat Tire and Blue Moon will also put out seasonal varieties that are worth trying. The bottom line is to pay attention to the styles you enjoy and read the bottle, because it usually gives you some information on how the beer was brewed.
BevMo = the Mecca of Quality Beer
If you are 21, or can manage a ride to Bevmo, I highly recommend it. Bevmo has an amazing selection of imported beer, as well as the largest collection of American microbrews that I've ever seen in a chain store. Read the bottles and ask questions to find the styles that you think will best fit your tastes. All the beer is purchased at room temperature, but it will be well worth the wait when you crack open your first 22oz bottle of quality brew.
Brewpubs and Gastropubs
A brewpub is a restaurant where most, if not all, of the beer served is brewed on site. These restaurants are the BEST place to go to drink high quality beer. Talk to the waiters or the bartenders, ask questions, or just spontaneously order a brew! Some restaurants also have "Sampler Platters" of beer, which is the absolute best way to taste different beers for an affordable price. Unfortunately, there is severe lack of brewpubs in the LA area, but look up San Pedro Brewing Company and Eagle Rock Brewery. I've also heard word of another opening in the Santa Monica area, but we'll see
A "gastropub" is a term that refers to a restaurant that prides itself in quality food and quality brew. The beer isn't necessarily brewed onsite, but most of these restaurants offer a wide selection of beers on tap. The Yardhouse in Downtown LA is an excellent example, as well as The Library Alehouse in Santa Monica. My brother even lives near a quirky gastropub called "The Surly Goat" on Sunset. I love these types of bar/restaurants, because they make a huge effort to provide quality microbrews and imported beer on tap.
I hope this helps those who are interested in beer to find good brew. At the very least when you taste these beers, attempt to identify what you like and don't like about each one, but KEEP AN OPEN MIND. There are few people in this world who have enough knowledge to be acceptable beer snobs, and you're probably not one of them.
Todd
MECCA!!
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