NoCAL Recommendations

There is still some Drakes Hopocalypse around.

 

Where in Northern California? That might make it easier.

 

Berryessa Brewing. If you extend to Sacramento, your choices are endless.

Hopefully Sonoma Springs will be open again soon.

 

Haha sorry I didn't read that. I'd say that RR and Lagunitas are a must, I'd even throw Bear Republic and Flavour in there. If you want to adventure to Oakland, Beer Rev has a nice cooler full of great stuff to take home. While you're in Oakland, don't skip Drakes down the road in San Leandro.

I'd skip Napa Smith, Napa Point, Napa in general is kind of a dead zone for beer IMO. Downtown Joe's is OK and usually has bottles of RR, and Bilco's is always fun and usually has Moonlight on draft.

 

Faction and The Rare Barrel are bumping up against the 1 hour limit but are well worth going to. RR is great but crowds have driven me away the past couple times. Lagunitas is about the most fun brewery in the world, and there’s a Motel 6 next to it.

 

Sante Adarius Rustic Ales. Hit it up on the way north, it's in Capitola/Santa Cruz area. Best brewery in Northern California not named Russian River. INSANE brews. Great IPAs, and world class porters and stouts.

 

There you go, that's all you need right there! I've heard Lagunitas is a very fun place to be, next time I'm in that area I won't miss it.

 

Anderson Valley Brewing in Boonville is a cool spot to visit, but it's a drive off the 101, so if time is a concern probably not worth it. But if you make it all the way to the Mendo coast, there's North Coast Brewing.