A canned debate

Canned beer is the epitome of crap beer. Or at least that's how most people see it. In fact, cans have major benefits over bottled beer. It is just that the expense and size of canning systems have long made canned beer an unreasonable option for smaller, quality brewers. Fortunately this is changing. Canning systems …

Beer and Bloating in Las Vegas

Tourism is about personal style. Some people want to see all of the landmarks. Others just want to relax poolside with a drink in hand. Las Vegas is unique in that allows each person to find what they are looking for out of their trip. Whether it is sitting in a Parisian cafe, taking a …

A hop yard of our own

For thousands of years, herbs and spices were used to preserve beer and balance the sweetness of barley malt. These days this role is played by hops which has natural anti-bacterial properties, appealing aromas, and a bitterness that helps counteract malt's sweet flavors. The hop plant has been known since (at least) Roman times. The …

Feasting with Brasserie Solera

If you’ve visited Third Window Brewing Co. in the past you’ve likely seen the small shack in the back area. Since opening, the tiny barn-like building has remained empty and staff and regulars have jokingly referred to it as everything from the play fort to the doghouse. It was intended to be a kitchen however …

The classic brews of winter

Up until the past two hundred years, many beer styles were identified by the season in which they were produced. Although commercial refrigeration has allowed most beer styles to be brewed year round, winter ales remain one of the few styles that are still only released during their own season.  For millennia there has been …

A beer fit for saints

With the vast range of beers on the market there are always new styles being attempted and new ingredients to be discovered. While some of these beers can be exciting, some of them fall short of their intention or feature trite flavors. There can also be a lot of overlap between characteristics in the same …

Stouts for St. Patty’s

St. Patrick's Day is one of my favorite holidays. Any celebration that rotates around drinking beer and whiskey is always going to be a winner in my book. The addition of corned beef and cabbage just confirms the day's place in my heart (historical accuracy and origins of the holiday be damned). But to me …

GABF and the process of judging beer

The Great American Beer Festival (GABF) just took place and every year the beer industry swoons over the award ceremony where thousands of beers compete to see which ones are considered the best in the nation. Judging beer is a complex process and measures a brewer's ability to hit a target, namely, a beer style. …

Seeking beer and food in SB

While there are many settings that beer goes well with, it is on the dining table that beer feels most at home. Whether it is a quick lunch on the weekend or grabbing dinner with friends, there are increasingly more opportunities in Santa Barbara for diners to have a great meal alongside great beer. Here …

Winter feasting with beer

Beer is not often considered a cold weather beverage however the spices and roasted malts that usually are used in wintry beers have a warming quality that makes beer a good fit for the season. Their complex flavors also lend themselves to the dinner table and many winter warmer style beers pair nicely with traditional …