I haven't been to the West Coast in almost 5 years but was wondering what good beer stores or breweries are within a 20 or 30 minute drive. Going to be in Calabasas for a few days for Thanksgiving. For a big family event. So the only thing on my agenda is Pacific Dining Car and maybe some beer. I know Lagunitas is way down south and I don't want to take that drive. Is it difficult or easy to find Firestone Walker parabola or velvet Merkin in Calabasas? I'm going to look into Firestone Walker. But the meantime any other recommendations please? Thanks advance and have a great Thanksgiving
If you're in Calabasas, you'll be less than a 20- or 30-minute drive from Green Jug in Woodland Hills or Wade's Wines in Westlake Village. Both stores have excellent beer selections. Head further east from Green Jug and you'll find Valley Beverage Company in Sherman Oaks. If the traffic isn't bad, you could probably make it out to Vendome Liquors in Toluca Lake. Both places have tons of beers, but most of them are unrefrigerated, and their organization leaves much to be desired. You might still see Velvet Merkin at Green Jug. They had some when I was down in the area at the end of October. I doubt you'll find Parabola anywhere, since it's a March release and generally doesn't stick around that long. You will also be very close to Ladyface Ale Companie in Agoura Hills. They make solid beers and really good food.
Thanks for the quick reply! Green Jug it is! Looked at maps yesterday, Calabasas to Friestone Walker is 3 hrs?! How is that? I thought LAX-SFO was 3 hrs?
It's almost 400 miles from LA to SF. Sure, you COULD get there in 3 hours, but it would require some pretty heroic driving. It's a 2-hour drive from Calabasas to Firestone Barrelworks in Buellton. You should give the idea serious consideration.
. Not sure what I was thinking more like its 6hrs north! Well I'll look at Green jug and see if I can work in FW. Thanks!
FYI, thanks for the recommendations. Just back from LA. The GREEN JUG was open on Thanksgiving. I got Alpine Hoppy Bday, Duet and Sculpin AS WELL as VELVET MERKIN, which I had been unable to get m hands on in NY the last 2 years. Since 3/4 of the above was all unobtainable for me, it was worth it and I didn't feel the need to drive to Firestone Walker this time. Thanks again for the recommendations! Now, here's my chance to pay it forward and contribute..... on our first and last nights in LA, we stayed at the Sheraton FourPoints LAX. Its right outside LAX. There I had PURE HOPPINESS, MAYBERRY IPA and NOSE CAND on tap. AWESOME If you want a few good local brews, this place is shuttle bus ride away from LAX!!
