Hey guys, I'm going on a trip to Los Angeles area and San Diego area end of March and then Phoenix area early April. I'll have a car, so driving and getting around is no problem. Asking for a few tips! What beers do I definitely need to try and/or bring back to the UK with me? Where shall I go? I've had a search around on the forums and such, but is there anywhere I REALLY need to go, or need to drink, or good seasonal offerings around this time of year? I'm interested in single bottle shops too, as it'll be easier to get some home Last time I went I tried a few great brews and visited a couple of good places but I'd really like to experience a bit more this time!
For San Diego read this. http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/visiting-san-diego-fall-2014.216013/ We mostly post in the Pacific section. I don't know too much about Phoenix, Arizona. But I do like Four Peaks brewery in the next town over (Tempe, AZ). Feel free to BM me closer to when you're in San Diego I'd be glad to help with anything I can, Especially if you're an Aston Villa fan.
I'm planning the rest of it now with the lady and want to fit in as much beer as possible, it's my only chance
Four Peaks Brewery on 8th street in Tempe has killer food, beer is great too, Hop Knot is very good! I've heard great things about Arizona Wilderness Brewing and Papago Brewing as well.
I am heading to SD next month anyways, so my planning has started. I found this map very useful. https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=202319603240403294306.0004bdf5878618ab1aef8&msa=0&dg=feature And this thread a good guide: http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/visiting-san-diego-fall-2014.216013/
Phoenix area: Arizona Wilderness Brewing, Four Peaks, Fate Brewing, Papago are my favorites. I am not a local, just travel there for work from time to time so this will not be up to the minute info...
when your in arizona try Papago brewing, Four Peaks,Grand Canyon,O.S.H.O Nano Brewery,PHX Ale Brewery,Sun Up Brewery,San Tan,And Mother Bunch Brewery. i am from Arizona
Since you have a car, make it to Stone in Escondido. Incredible place. Others I would have on my list would be Lost Abbey Alesmith Pizza Port Alpine
In San Diego, Alpine, Ballast Point, Green Flash, Stone, Lost Abbey and any of the Pizza Ports work- for single bottles, Holiday Wine in Escondido or the bottle shop at Pizza Port in Carlsbad usually do me good. In Phoenix, Fate, Papago, Four Peaks, AZ Wilderness, OHSO, Angels Trumpet and Sun Up and Taste of Tops. For single bottles-Tops, Papago and Gilbert Convenient Mart
Not sure about San Diego, but another great shop here in Phoenix that just opened up called Cellars is pretty solid, they get good allocations and have a bunch on draft. PM me when you're in town and we can meet up for a pint!
I'm not as well versed with LA, but live in SD and lived in Phoenix. Things I wouldn't miss... LA: Brewery - The Bruery (so many great options and interesting styles) Brewery/Restaurant - Beachwood BBQ (good beer and food) SD: Bottleshop - Bine and Vine (talk to Geoi, great beer guy) Bottleshop - Best Damn Beer Shop Brewery - Societe (IPAs are world class, Butcher is smoky and amazing Imp Stout) Brewery - Council (IPAs are world class, Tart Saison variations are usually amazing) Brewery - Alesmith (Speedway is one of the better stouts available anywhere) Brewery/Restaurant - Alpine (IPAs are world class) Brewery/Restaurant - Stone Escondido (unbeatable atmosphere, good food, usually good beer list) Brewery/Restaurant - Pizza Port OB (great pizza and taplist) Bar/Restaurant - O'Brien's (usually has stellar offerings, bottle list with rare bottles, bar food available) Bar - Toronado (best tap and bottle list in SD easily) Phx: Bottleshop - AJ's - Camelback (decent selection, ask about special offerings) Bottleshop - Whole Foods Chandler (decent selection) Brewery/Restaurant - AZ Wilderness (decent food, killer beer) Brewery/Restaurant - OHSO Arcadia (great atmosphere, great food, beer is decent most of the time and improving, guest taps usually good) Bar/Restaurant - The Attic (decent taplist, excellent bottle selection, burgers are top notch) Bar/Restaurant - Angel's Trumpet (hit or miss on taplist, decent food) As for what to take back... First priority is probably big stouts. After that, a nice selection of fresh IPA and probably American style sours. I say the big stouts first because IPAs fade relatively quickly and sours can be shipped a lot easier to the UK from Belgium. If you have any questions or want to meet up for a beer, hit me up! Happy to open some American-experience bottles for you... Not sure whether I'll be in SD or Phx at the time, but could figure something out.
This was comprehensive and awesome, thank you! I'll give you a shout when I'm over that would be really cool! Anything you want from my side of the pond, lemme know
