Kern River Brewing Co.

An eight hour round trip is quite a hike for the disappointment that beer has been.

But then I remember being the first one through the door at KRBC at a Citra release a few years ago. They must of had 30-40 pint classes filled with Citra waiting for us on the bar and the intense aroma of pure, piney Citra hops was like being surrounded by a grove of sequoias. That, I would drive eight hours RT for...

 

8-9 hours RT isn’t all that bad. Maybe the last 4 years when Citra wasn’t close to being good. My first Citra run to KRBC was its 2nd ever release. Arrived 20 minutes before the doors opened. Was 10th in line. I believe I grabbed 3 growlers and 12 bombers to go. Or maybe it was 6 bombers? I don’t remember the numbers now. The next year I drove back up and was probably number 40 in line waiting for the doors to open. Camped overnight at Upper Kern River and went back in for more supplies on Saturday before driving home. The 3rd year is when the wife/mule went with me and we left the house with 2 dozen donuts and got to KRBC just after 7am and it was already a sh!te show. We were probably 50-55 deep. We ended up getting #69/70. A bunch of a holes at the door saved several chairs for their buds and mules. So the next day Eric came out early morning and told the first several people if there saving spots to call and let them know they have 15 minutes to get there before he hands out the ticket #’s. Luckily we stayed at the Kern Lodge next door and heard all the cars trying to park. Again we were in line before 630am. The last time I meet Bud for the Citra release it had fallen off and was dissapointed. Lots of great memories at KRBC. Maybe it’s time for a road trip?

 

But we had some great pizza !

Cheers,

 

Them some pretty strong words.

Cheers,

 

Still waiting on those Crop Year 2019 hops (not used in these batches), but yes, I am optimistic...

 

Thank you for the update Eric. Please let us know when you use them on your next Citra batch. I think some of here are hopeful that the Citra DIPA will one day return to its glory. I know I am. And always enjoy a road trip up to Kernville. Cheers.

 

I took the taste test today. The nose is much more pungent and the taste is getting close to what I remember from the " good old days " This will be insane if the 2019 vintage crop lives up to the expectations. This is as good a KRBC beer I've had in years and I am getting that memory of what this once was. I am not mad I bought a four pack at all.

Cheers,

 

Found cans at Cap Hop Shop. Best batch in several years. Getting closer to circa 2011 Citra, and I'm digging it.

 

Now imagine this brewed with the much hyped 2019 Citra crop, I think that takes this back to that 2011 level, as most everyone here knows I've been very skeptical about KRBC and this beer in particular for a lot of valid reasons but I'll also give Eric and the crew huge props to begin the resurrection of one of the best west coast beer's ever brewed. This is just plain delicious.

Cheers,

 

Grabbed the last can of Citra DIPA at Mr Kegs on Sunday. Opened yesterday. Like Bud said. This is a good batch. Not quite original, but best batch in years. Looks like Kern River is back?

 

For those still interested in trying this batch of Citra DIPA it’s available at TWnM LB & HB. I think at RB too. For those that don’t give a hoot. Don’t. Happy Turkey Day y’all.

 

Picked up a 4-pack at the Newport Beach TW earlier today also. There was plenty left as of 1pm or so. Unfortunately, none of them were kept refrigerated

 

Loving this Citra batch. Loving its availability.

 

Another Kern classic, Winter DIPA coming out in cans. Hopefully they dialed in the recipe on this one as well.

 

I was surprised to see Citra cans at my local BevMo, based on thoughts posted above, I gladly bought. I had a good amount of this beer in roughly 2010/2011. These cans are fantastic. I know my palate has likely changed (matured?) since 2011 so I was super glad to smell and taste this and think it was fantastic.

 

Opened my first can of 4 this years batch of Winter DIPA last night. I don’t recall having last years bomber. Maybe it was 2 years ago I thought it was too sweet and became a mess when it warmed up. This years batch started off with a good aroma and tasted very good and finished off even better. I’d say the cans are 2+ weeks fresh. I had this after a can of Double Gator. So much better than D Gator.

 

Drank a can of the Winter DIPA tonight. Thought it was meh.

 

Yeah, cans I had earlier in December were quite malt heavy, slightly sweet, and lacked the uber dry finish that the good batches had previously.

 

The Raul man crushed Winter Dub last night and enjoyed it. Also, Citra is on tap at Hollingshead’s in Orange. And yes, I plan to give it a try for the fourth time.