BoB 3 - Bay Area Brews

I was in Nor-Cal this past week I got to sample beers from several of their breweries (will discuss this more next week). My first suggestion to anyone looking to take that first step out into the beautiful world of craft brews--perhaps for those looking for a "gateway brew"-- Anchor Steam Beer is a really excellent choice. It's not a huge leap from the mainstream lite beers but it's much more flavorful. Didn't get to tour the brewery but the way they brew this beer sounds really interesting. It shouldn't be too difficult to find a 6er (approx $8). I've enjoyed several of their other styles of beer so if you see their logo odds are it's going to be a good buy.


Another beer that is BIG TIME out in San Fran and surrounding area's is Lagunita's IPA. I visited their brewery in Petaluma (Heard of that place before? It's Jonny Gomes' hometown--actually met a guy whose best friend's son is best friends with Jonny's brother... or something like that). If you have a chance to go out there you should definitely swing by to take a tour and hang out at their brewpub next door with live music and about 13 different Lagunita beers to enjoy. Get your hands on the IPA, good stuff.

One last tip. If you're looking to spend $30 on 2 weak rum and cokes visit the Grand Hyatt hotel restaurant in San Francisco and they will be glad to hook you up, double you tee eff?

*From time to time I may refer to some brews as "gateway beers." These are beer suggestions that may get you to take that first step outside the world of "lite" to the world of, say, double IPA's. Among my first gateway beers included various Leinenkugels, Sam Adams, Mount Carmel Amber (you may remember when they sold these in the growlers...), and an Anchor Steam ale, etc. In other words, they are safe plays that make you reevaluate your future beer selections.