Kern River Brewing Co.

Had a great time. Got there at noon found seats no problem and first Citra by 12:03. Lunch was nice had a few beers. Got my case of Citra and some growlers with ease. Smoothest bottle sale ever. Great crowd and awesome tap list. Drove 5 hours each way and would do it again if ever lucky enough to get another shot at Citra.

 

So how is the first citra batch on the new system?

 

Very nice surprise catching couple of pours of Citra still at Library Alehouse before going to Gjusta on Sat.

 

Honestly, I don't know if it is my own tastes changing or what but the last few batches of Citra haven't really blown me away compared to the first couple of times I had it. It is still fantastic but it hasn't had the same nose that I remember the last few times. Again, I think it's more of my own tastes changing because as soon as they introduced Shuttle Bunny, I've actually preferred that to Citra and having them back to back again this weekend didn't change that.

 

Will any Citra make it to the SF Bay Area?

 

This latest batch of Citra is still citraliciuos. But like @Original_Fake said above there are so many great IPA/DIPA's these days that Citra has kinda gone under the radar a bit. I feel the Citra is still the same great Citra since the first time I had it. Thats back from the 2nd batch. Citra has always had that bitterness up front and finish with a citrus back. Yes there has been some batches that were a little off. I think this time draft is a little better than the bottles. But the bottles are coming up on 2 weeks. Opened one up last night and it was good. I really enjoyed Long Swim the best of all the offering over the weekend. Filled up growlers on Think Tank #11 and River Buddy. Was hoping to take home Wet Exit IPA. But happy to bring home Citra, JO, SB, CV & HN bottles. Nice to meet @Teh_Jerk. Great times still @KRBC. Worth the drive.

 

Agree with this. Good beer but not what it used to be,but like you said my palette has changed too. If I saw it on tap I'd probably grab a pint but no way would I drive 5 hours for it.

Cheers,

 

No bottles. Maybe kegs. But some kegs has been showing up here in the LA/OC area. It was tapped yesterday at the Iron Press Anaheim. Might still be on.

 

3 1/2 hours up on Sat. 3 1/2 hours back yesterday. But we had a asian lady driver as our DD. And yes, our palates has changed from all the goodness we've been drinking of the last 2 years here in LA/OC area. But Citra is still Citra. Worth it for me to drive 2-3 times a year. Lots of new Kern beers to taste too. New brewery is really nice too. Love that you have 2 choices in food. The Backyard ran out of the Long Swim so we walked to the OG and had Long Swim and more Citra on draft.

 

Anyone had that NICK RIVER collab? Thoughts?

 

It was my least favorite of the flt of 4 I started off with on Saturday. Those were NR, RB, TT11 and LS. But doesn't mean it wasn't good. Had a choice of bringing back a growler of NR or RB. Brought back RB.

 

River Buddy was the surprise winner for me. I seriously regret not getting a growler or two but I just have too much beer to drink.

 

citra tastes a tad bit under carbonated... anyone else got that? also unfortunately the class X is super flat right now as well

 

Surreal to see Shuttle Bunny sitting on a (warm) shelf at Total Wine.

 

I just shared a bottle of Citra with my friend who went up for the 1st time. I know my pallet and personal preferences have changed but IMO this beer/batch is just a ghost of what it used to be, but maybe thats the problem, perhaps it needs to be updated, hey Avery updated Maharaja to Raja which when fresh is really good to excellent. First thing we noticed was the nose, where did it go ?, used to be so dank and tropically juicy, now its really muted. Flavors were more bitter citrus pith compared to the sweet juicy citrus/tropical and stone fruit notes I remember, carb is definitely a bit low.

Cheers,

 

Class X is always flat. But I still love it!

 

Was so bummed Class X was tapped out by the time I got there on Sunday. That back porch area though, that food is legit. Just bypass the front restaurant and head there. You will not regret it.

 

No fried pickles in the "backyard" = fail.

 

Agree on the citra sentiments above. Just nowhere near as sticky and resinous as it it's been traditionally. Still a damn fine beer though, and still the most enjoyable brewery to visit anywhere! Always great staff and great service.

 

I've had Citra many times before and It's definitely not the same beer. Not even close. I'm hoping the bottles are better, but I just cracked a Sequoia Red and its completely flat.