While in Chicago, it seemed worthwhile to find out how they make beer in the Windy City.  Fortuitously,  when I happened to meet Goose Island brewer Tom Korder at GABF, I mentioned I was coming to town and would love to see the facilities.  He happily agreed, and met us with us on a chilly [...]

While staying in San Diego, we frequented a small fish shack right on the harbor for breakfast. They dealt in heavy, cheap plates of food ideal before heading out onto the water to fish.  Not surprisingly, they carried a full time of taps for Ballast Point Brewery.  It’s natural fit – fishing and fish themed [...]

“I’m sorry, it’s too messy back there for a tour and pictures,” we were told when first arriving at the AleSmith Brewery, “They were brewing Speedway Stout.  There is coffee everywhere.” We consoled ourselves with a run down the tap list while we waited for it the floors to be mopped.

But “messy” might be a great [...]

After visiting four San Diego breweries last weekend, I’ve developed a new theory about breweries. It goes something like this: the physical appearance of the inside of the brewery is a good indicator of the brewer’s approach to beer making. It feels somewhat obvious when you say it out loud, but it’s amazing to me [...]