I'm flying into San Diego for the weekend from Ontario, and would like some input on what to bring back in my limited luggage space on the plane. I have an idea of what liquor stores I'd like to hit (will have a car, staying on Coronado island), but if there are any interesting seasonals or just something specifically awesome to look for, I'd appreciate some help since I'm going to be very judicious in what I bring back due to space issues. Thanks!
Alpine, Alpine, Alpine, Alpine, and probably some Alpine. Most of SD's breweries make it fairly far... but Alpine is SoCal only.
Grab a Karl Strauss 23rd anniversary if you see any. Great barrel aged Old Ale, only made once, and under $10.
^-- Hah, I was going to type out Alpine and KS 23rd and then I left my computer for a bit and came back and voila. Also, if you really like chili beers, I believe Indra Kunindra is only carried by Holiday Wine Cellar these days. Though I love it, it's an acquired taste and a bit of a drive.
Well if you are staying in Coronado check out the Coronado Brewing Co. Grab a Idiot IPA. Everything and anything Alpine should treat you right (Duet, Nelson, Pure Hoppiness). If you go to a Karl Strauss try the Tower 20, very nice DIPA. You can also grab bottles of it as well as the 23rd anniversary. Not many people talk about this place but the Mission brewery right next to Petco park has a great imperial stout called Dark Seas.
Thanks for all the great tips! I'll definitely try to get some Alpine beers, or at least try some on tap. Is it worth visiting the brewery? And the Karl Strauss 23rd sounds great. Mission is the closest brewery to Coronado, so I may pop in there at some point.
Yes Alpine is worth the trip. The BBQ is pretty good and they have beers on tap that are not always for sale in bottles or growlers. Ya Mission is actually kinda cool. During the day it will be a bit slow but getting closer to the evening many locals show up. They actually make a few decent beers. Eat before you go though as they dont have food.
If you're visiting breweries, visit the brewpub Monkey Paw in East Village. It's even closer to the Coronado Bridge than Mission brewery!
Head to Stone (45-60 minutes away) and drink some of their bottle list. While your at it swing by pizza Port, Lost Abbey and Alesmith. As far as 5 bottles I would pick up RR sours that hit the shelves down there...
