St. Louis Recommendations

I recognize it isn't everyone's cup of tea (or wine, if you will) but we just got back from the St Louis Cathedral and it's absolutely stunning. The mosaic work (tiles, not hops ) is unreal. They were doing some lighting work and the entire front half of the cathedral was sectioned off, but it was still worth the visit. Not a bad way to spend an hour.

 

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I personally really like Blazing Star from Narrow Gauge. I had it just this past weekend for maybe the 4th time. Actually right next to Obscure from Pip's, and while it's certainly not that level, it's really good. It's been universally liked by my group of friends every time we've opened one.

You'll find a good selection of Schramms and other meads at the Champaign Binnys. Last I was there Black Agnes is still just sitting there looking all sexy. A buddy of mine makes mead under the moniker Treehive. His meads are good and tend to lean much drier than most meads I've had. Very reasonable cost too. Champaign Binny's will have a number of bottles from him too.

 

Also back Tree Hive

 

Cool. Wasn't expecting them to be familiar to anyone with it being pretty limited self-distro. Any particular faves?

 

Red Currant and Blood Trail. I’ve had a bunch of Corey’s stuff at SP releases back in the before times.

 

Blood Trail has been one of my favs for sure.

 

While neckbeards storm to bourbon en masse, these spirits are more where I'm heading these days...

 

Holy cow Balkan Treat Box is delicious. Cevapi and Lahmacum are both outstanding.

 

The fried chicken at Grace Meat + Three was fantastic.

 

Meads can be dry if you ferment all the sugar. The more sugar leftover after fermentation, the sweeter the mead.

 

Will be in St Louis next weekend for a night wedding. I have the daytime open for lunch and a brewery. Looks like 2nd Shift might be the spot? Also, trying to get brunch in Sat AM before my flight. I booked Polite Society...not sure if that's a good spot?
I have liked Narrow Gauge's beers, but they seem a bit further away from downtown.
TIA

 

Yeah, Narrow Gauge is a hike. You'd lose an hour getting to/from there.

2nd Shift is great, very casual, low key. Sort of hidden in plain sight--as soon as you think you're in the wrong spot, there's a brewery. And lots of space outside if that's a necessity.

They're also tapping up Toasted Coconut LSD soon. That's a must-drink if you like BA coco stouts.

They have pizza onsite (the toasted ravioli pizza is amazing) which might cover both of your bases, but I'd suggest heading over to Gioia's Deli instead, which is a stone's throw from 2nd Shift.