The indefatigable Beachwood keeps up their extraordinary output of hoppy beers, invariably dry, bitter and filtered. This collaboration with Central California brewing methuselah Firestone Walker piles Simcoe, Citra and Columbus hops together, alongside Mosaic in both cryo and incognito form. Amusingly, the can-label shows that the bear on the Firestone crest has dropped his fists and dueling stance in favor of a surfboard. The lion is nowhere to be seen – perhaps it prefers hang-gliding? Just one of those mysteries to ponder over a pint of this brightly aromatic West Coast IPA.

 

There’s no denying San Diego is a hops town, but as the morning fog creeps in and the sweatshirts go on, a malt-forward lager is exactly what is called for. This ruddy maroon-hued Bockbier provides all the caramel aromas without the associated sickly sweetness, tied off by spicy Hallertau and Herkules hops from Germany. Frohe Weihnachten!

 

With the possible exception of Alesmith’s iconic Speedway Stout, no San Diego coffee beer inspires such devotion as Bacon & Eggs by Pizza Port. A sumptuous blend of roasted grains and tantalizing earthy coffee, this beer is only released locally during the wintertime. Shameless plug: a very special coconut edition of Bacon & Eggs – only a few kegs sent into distribution and no cans – will be showcased at the Holiday Beer & Cheese event next Tuesday the 6th of December at Bottlecraft North Park, in conjunction with our friends at Venissimo North Park. See you then and there! [Despite the name, this beer is suitable for vegans]