Ahhh, isn't it just picturesque? The sun was setting and seals were welcoming the incoming tide. I was perched up on a cliff in La Jolla and I got real thirsty!
This is the view from George's At The Cove..not to shabby.
Just a block or so away we (my hubs Rob and I) went to a highly recommended restaurant named Georges's At The Cove. It had three levels to choose from to dine on and we picked the rooftop.
There were 10 draft beer handles that include local favorites like Ballast Point Sculpin, Stone Pale Ale and Alesmith Nautical Nut Brown, and bottles including Green Flash Brewing Company Double Stout, Coronado Orange Avenue Wit and Ballast Point Calico Amber. I was in HEAVEN!!!! Seriously...I had just traveled all day, been up for 20 hours and it was all forgotten once I saw the beer list.
After much deliberation, I went with the Double Stout by Green Flash Brewing Company. Our waiter loves this beer and assured me I made a stellar decision. Rob chose the Stone Pale Ale. Yawn...boring.
Green Flash Brewing Company
Double Stout Black Ale - 8.8% ABV
O..M...G...this was a fine brew! Everything about this beer screamed greatness! The color was pitch black with a mocha head. Once the head dissipated it left tan lace cascading down the glass. I swear this stout screamed SEX in a glass!! The smell was of roasted malts, bitter chocolate, and coffee. With the first sip the bold flavor of roasted malts hit and then a rich chocolate flavor rolled around in my mouth. It was bold - not a HOLY SHIT bold...but a well balanced bold stout. It rocked out an IBU of 45, but it was well hidden with the maltiness. All around this was a perfect buzz and grin-maker.
Green Flash Brewing Company has quite a line up of beers to choose from too. I know one beer I WILL NOT be trying...it is called the Palete Wrecker with a 9.5% ABV. Catchy name but hells NO! The IBU is listed at 100 Plus! Did you read that?? Over 100!!!! Gab, this is made for you! I am sure she would also love the Le Freak. It is a modern ale crafted by converging two beer styles, Belgian Trippel and American Imperial IPA. Dry-Hopped and Bottle-Conditioned. The ABV is 9.2% and the IBU is 101. I Le Freaked out at the thought of just pouring these beers.
The next day we stayed at the hotel and again Stone Brewing Company graced the menu, but I saw a Karl Strauss Amber Lager that peaked my interest.
Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Amber Lager - 4.2% ABV
This bronze beauty had a sweet scent of toffee, toasted malts, and caramel. Very pleasing. The flavor mimicked just what I smelled. Slightly sweet, earthy, and rich caramel flavors. It was made with Munich Malts and I tend to really like beers made with his particular malt. Another bonus was the IBU is just at 16! I would say this brew has total drinkability since it has a low ABV and not too bold to overpower your taste buds. Score for Karl Strauss.
The trip was too short to really appreciate all the great beers offered. I did however get to sample some of Stone Brewing Company's brews. The company had a tasting table at our hotel to start off San Diego's Beer Week. I had a swig of Arrogant Bastard Ale...I did not like it before and still did not like it. Ugh...the label is arrogant and the IBU is not listed because it is "classified". I would say it was up in the 80's. NOT GOOD. I did like the Smoked Porter which did list the IBU at 53. The ABV was a not so impressive 5.9% , but it made up for it's short comings in the flavor. It had rich chocolaty notes with a slight smokey ending. The color was a dreamy mahogany and it was topped with a creamy head. This beer is complex but perfectly balanced. Stone is usually a brewery I steer clear of because of it's reputation of being hoppy but this Smoked Porter is a keeper for me.
Now, back to reality. Crap.
Cheers
~K~
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