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We may have just wrapped up a Craft Beer Festival and learned we're "ready for craft beer culture," but the brew enthusiasts at HalogenLife aren't totally sold on Los Angeles as being beer-friendly.
In fact, in their story spotlighting the nation's 10 best "must try" local beers they preface their L.A. pick by pointing out we aren't "exactly a beer drinkers kind of town." Still, they say it's worth a stop on your cross-country road trip to try the Blonde Ale from the Bonaventure Brewing Company, "an Italian-style ale that is light without being watery and sweet without being sugary. There’s an almost flowery finish to it, but it’s subtle enough that it stays out of the way of the hops."
Wait, what does all that beer jargon mean? We may have to head to the 4th floor pool deck level of the historic Westin Bonaventure Hotel in DTLA to find out...or stick with our favorite local microbrews from Pasadena's Craftsman. What's your pick? And are you ready for beer culture in Los Angeles?
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I'm a big fan of Good Microbrewery near Sunset Junction. The food is pretty bad, but great beer list.
While I agree that beer culture seems to be on the rise here in LA, that list on HalogenLife is terrible. The statement that in beer circles IPAs are considered "a travesty" is entirely false. And their choices reflect a taste for weak, flavorless beer.
Meanwhile, as a SF transplant, I'm basking in the glow of new purveyors of delicious Belgians and craft brews like Wurstkuche, Father's Office and Golden State. Thanks for making a NorCal boy finally feel at home.
I'm voting for Craftsmen!
I'm gonna have to agree with the contention of L.A. being rather beer-unfriendly, although I'm not sold on the HalogenLife list either. SoCal's microbrewery culture seems to be stronger in San Diego, which in recent years has come up with great offerings from the Stone, Port, Alesmith, and Ballast Point breweries. There's also a good concentration of gastropub establishments in the North Park/Normal Heights area to indulge the tastes of any beer enthusiast.
As a home brew fanatic, (when I have the space), I love a good hand made beer. These have a whole lot more character than most beers you can buy in a store. That said, I think a lot of micros tend to over do it with the hops. They're good, just a little more bitter than I would want it if I were brewing a batch myself.
I like Bonaventure Brewery because their beer has a good balanced flavor, not too hoppy, and they keep their tanks clean. Their stout isn't what I'd really call a stout. More of a porter really, but it's still good.
Craftsman FTW ... Bonaventure Schmonaventure ... and for the record, Brooklyn Pennant Ale ‘55 is entirely forgettable ... any other Brooklyn Brew is better ...
Love Craftsman (especially the Heavenly Hefe) and Bonaventure, but the Bruery (technically in OC) is also quite good. Locali has a great selection of local brews.
Sheesh.... Beers from the Bonaventure Brewing Company are refreshing at best and boringly ordinary to weak at worst. That being said, Los Angeles' craft beer culture is growing nicely. And yes, Craftsman FTW!
Oh please. Who are these people? The beer is there if you want it or you know, look for it. Traditionally hot countries/areas don't do heavy beers (for obvious reasons). But that is changing.
Agreed about Craftsman
I've heard nothing but good things about Craftsman, but it's not a brewpub, and I haven't seen it anywhere.
I'll be down in LA next weekend, so
a) Where can I find Craftsman on tap? Just that one place in Pasadena?
2) Any other good beer bars? (I know of FO, Library, and Daily Pint.)
LA's craft brew scene is pretty sad at the moment, but I would love to see it flourish. With 13 million people in the area, there's gotta be a good brewer or two in there somewhere.
I can think of a couple of places besides Lucky Baldwin's that have Craftsfman on tap. There's Laurel Tavern in Studio City, The York in Highland Park, and the Village Idiot on Melrose.
There's a great beer selection at BoHo, which is next to the ArcLight movie theatres (Cineramadome) too. Not necessarily local brews, but a very diverse (and rotating) selection.