Iron Fire Brewing Co...thoughts?

You would think he would know the recipe for Sculpin.

 

Aside from an off bomber of 5150 I had recently, I'd say 5150 and especially DOA are definitely great, not just good. But of course, like any high end (D)IPA's you're gonna have to get fresh bottles that haven't been ruined by heat or light... Call me crazy, but both of these beers, when "on", are approaching Alpine-esque territory, IMHO.

 

51/50 was okay, but I didn't think Sculpin was all that impressive either. Vicious Disposition on the other hand is excellent. I highly recommend it. Steer clear of Gunslinger Golden Ale...unless you bring someone who likes Bud. Oh, and the bottles are cool as shit.

 

Stopped by Ironfire yesterday since we were up in Temecula. Pleasantly surprised with the beer selection and many of them were quite good. I had only had 51/50 previously, which I don't think is an Alpine class beer at all, but still a very tasty Socal IPA and one of the better bottled ones currently.

The Killer Stout and imperial porter were both delicious, I also enjoyed the Mango habanero IPA. Technically impressed with the Capn Crunch porter and Cucumber Ale, but neither of those are flavors that I particularly enjoy FWIW. Why someone hasn't made a PB Capn Crunch beer still surprises me.

Taproom was pretty cool but not a great area to hang out at (likely due to license restrictions).

 

A friend of mine says this is his favorite brewery in SoCal. I've never been and am not sure I have had any of their beers.