I'm heading to San Diego for a few days at the end of September. Hitting all of the usual suspects (Ballast Point, Alpine, Alesmith, Stone, Lost Abbey), as well as some of the smaller guys (Belching Beaver, Rip Current, Societe, Pizza Port, Council). Going to be bringing a LOT of beer home and wanted everyones opinion on the top 5 beers you would seek out that are attainable (either via growler fill, brewpub sales, or beer stores). I live in Chicago, so get normal distribution beers from Stone, Ballast Point, Lost Abbey and Alesmith (via Wisconsin) so won't be too concerned with those. Thanks!!!
Belching Beaver PB Milk Stout Grapefruit Sculpin Alpine Nelson Modern Times Black House Societe Harlot Those are my personal 5 favorites and go tos whenever I am out at a pub/taproom.
Jucundas Claritas Grazias Habitas Solis Seriously, don't entirely discount visiting Alesmith. If they still have any of the BA Speedway 2013 or the BA Wee Heavy around, it will be worth your while.
Alpine Nelson Societe The Pupil Modern Times...anything (except maybe regular Lomaland) Pizza Port...anything Alesmith Speedway variants or other malty options
My favorites as of late: Nelson (and Duet, Pure Hoppiness, etc....) Speedway variants Fortunate Islands Belching Beaver PB Stout Gavel Drop
Societe Heady Topper Sieera Nevada Pale Ale (not a lager) The Bruery Pumpkin beer Cantillon Rose de and maybe some MaCallan cask Strength
Alesmith Decadence 2014. Under the radar, because it is a "wheat wine". I'm really starting to dig it. On cask this week, and it kills.
