work trip

California Dreaming

Heather ToriLeave a comment

It’s been a little over a month since I visited California and I’m still trying to process it all. My whole life I’ve dreamed of visiting California and while I had never been, I decided it was my favorite state based on what I’ve seen and heard. When my job told me I was being sent for a conference, I actually cried. The conference was in Anaheim and I spent several days before the trip exploring the LA area. When it came to planning, I was overwhelmed by possibilities of where to visit, eat, drink. Santa Monica Pier, Venice Boardwalk, Hollywood, and Rodeo Drive were all obvious, but how was a beer lover to choose which breweries to check out?! I brought my 17 year old sister along who has zero interest in beer so it made it a bit harder. My list of 17 nearby breweries (YES! 17!) had to be narrowed down. I ended up checking out five and I’m happy with where I chose to go.

 

Monkish Brewing Co. If you know beer, are you really all that surprised Monkish was at the top of my list? Known mostly for their IPAs, I knew I had to check out what everyone on Instagram seems to be talking about and trading. When I arrived it was a bit crowded and overwhelmed my sister who had never been to a brewery before. We ended up not staying too long because it wasn’t the most comfortable place with the crowd and no seats available. I tried a few of their beers which I enjoyed a lot and left a bit disappointed I couldn’t bring anything home. Luckily a couple of weeks ago a guy from CA I traded beer with sent me a can (thanks Jesse!).

Brouwerij West After Monkish, we journeyed to Brouwerij West which was much more spacious. There was a wedding going on and the place was lively for a Saturday afternoon. I got a flight, enjoyed their beers, and purchased a bunch of cans to bring home. The bartenders were great and I could see how this place would be great for large group gatherings. Also many food truck options so come hungry!

Unsung Brewing Company If you are ever in Anaheim, go to Anaheim Packing District!!! I am telling you, it is a food lovers dream. My sister and I ended up having dinner there two nights in a row because we loved it so much. There are many options available with trendy and classic foods. There’s also two breweries! I had to choose between Unsung Brewing and Anaheim Brewery because we were limited on time and I ended up going with Unsung. It’s a relaxing brewery with ample seating and an interesting beer menu. My sister and I played a board game while I tried a few of their beers – fun for the whole family.

Bottle Logic Of all the breweries I went to, Bottle Logic was my favorite. Not just because my favorite Twitch streamer happened to be playing on their TV when I got there! I ordered a flight of their beers and took a seat in the back area next to their large brewing kettles/pots/whatever they’re called (sorry! still learning!). The beers were really good and the atmosphere gave off a fun vibe. I loved the sticker sheet they sold among other merch. 10/10 would be there all the time.

TheBruery I knew visiting either TheBruery or Bruery Terreux was a must despite not loving barrel-aged beers and only just getting into sours now. I settled on TheBruery based on location although I would’ve loved to go to both. I loved how efficient getting a flight was here – there is a spot when you first walk in with lists of their beers and pencils and you check them off before going up to the bartender. The flight also came in a very easy-to-carry, awesome holder. The beers were more unique than anything I’ve ever tried and I truly enjoyed them. At the end I picked up a few bottles to go. I also was happy to see OffShoot Brewing Co. there since I didn’t know they were related. Bringing home a Relax [ it’s just a hazy IPA ] was one of the best decisions I made – it was great!

I wish I had all the time in the world to visit all the breweries in the area (Green Cheek Beer Co., Modern Times, Noble Ale Works, and Indie Brewing Company to name a few). I also wish I could’ve spent more time exploring the beautiful state of California. Is it still my favorite state after visiting? ABSOLUTELY. Already dreaming of my next trip…

Exploring Breweries in Phoenix, AZ

Heather ToriLeave a comment

When my job told me they were sending me to Phoenix for a conference, I was excited. I love the west coast, deserts, and exploring new cities. This obviously includes visiting breweries. Here’s where I ended up going last week:

Wren House Brewing The first brewery on my list. I discovered Wren House after seeing their Spellbound cans all over Instagram at some point. I loved those cans and knew I wanted to check out this microbrewery that has a decently wide reach. From outside the building they looked closed, but the inside was lively on a Saturday afternoon. My dad and I sat at a communal table while I had a flight and he tried one of their beers. I enjoyed the IPAs a lot and my dad, who isn’t a big beer drinker, loved their lighter beer Las Frescas which was reminiscent of a piña colada. Overall a chill place I definitely wouldn’t mind living near.

Mother Bunch Brewing Another brewery I knew I had to visit based on their fanbase. A large space with a ton of beers on tap. I got myself a flight along with a full glass of their Pink Boots Sparkly Pony. I had seen videos on social media of glitter beer and I was so happy to finally find a place serving one! It was their last keg of the glitter beer too so I was feeling extra lucky. It was hard to see the sparkles in person, but with a phone camera flash you could see the beer sparkle. To say I was in love is an understatement. The other beers I tried were also great and they had a full food menu with choices that were tempting to try.

8-Bit Aleworks It was a bit of a trek to get here from where I was staying and the brewery is in a semi-secluded area, but I was happy to have visited. A really vibrant, fun place with free (!!!) video games and board games. The bartender was super friendly and recommended I try the flagship flight to get a taste for their beers. With a solid beer menu and a welcoming atmosphere, I wish I could’ve brought my gamer boyfriend!

Pedal Haus Brewery I can’t remember how I discovered this brewery (probably through Instagram), but I marked it as one of the “must see” breweries on my list. Not going to lie, I was a bit disappointed. The beers I tried plus my dinner were both mediocre and the bartender service wasn’t the best either. Right next to ASU, it’s definitely got a college feel to it. I could see how they could be a great place to visit if you were with a larger group as they have a huge outdoor/beer garden area and games.

The Shop Beer Co. When you’re under 15 minutes away from a new brewery that’s been rated one of the best in the country, you go. And I am so glad I did. The atmosphere was chill and the bartenders were nice. The beers? Unique and enjoyable. This brewery definitely likes to experiment and they do a good job too. I liked all the beers in my flight and then I tried the Randall which they change up every Wednesday. The Randall is typically an out-there beer and when I visited, it was a hazy kölsch infused with apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and apple pie pieces topped with ice cream. It was weird and I’m not sure it tasted “just like apple pie” as the bartender said, but it grew on me towards the end of my glass. I was told a few weeks back they had a pizza beer topped with a breadstick. That is something I would’ve been happy to try! I would love to frequent The Shop Beer Co. if I lived closer and I made sure to pick up a few cans to bring home.

Four Peaks Brewery In my Lyft to the airport to go home, my driver told me I should’ve checked out Four Peaks and I was a bit sad I didn’t have the time. Fortunately, my terminal had a Four Peaks Brewery. They didn’t have a flight option so I sat at the bar and tried several pints of their beers while I waited to board my flight. I liked the beers I tried and I could tell why they’re one of the more popular craft beers sold around Phoenix. The beers also helped me sleep during my red eye back to New York 😉

My list of breweries to visit while in Phoenix was of course longer, but I’m satisfied with the places I did try. Phoenix is beautiful and while I wouldn’t have picked it as my first choice, I was happy to have had the opportunity to visit and would visit again. Have you been before? I’d love to hear what breweries you’ve been to!