MAIN STREET — In my imbibing infancy, I found Budweiser to be palatable, enjoyed the crisp burn of the High Life and chugged with happiness ice cold Coors Light at many USC tailgate parties. But then I stumbled upon craft brews — in particular IPAs — and my drinking days have never been the same.
No longer could my taste buds be subjected to the bland, watery froth of the major producers. I was all about boutique brewing where the refreshing aroma and delightful bitterness of hops punch you in the face, while the sweet, caramel malts provided a warm bed to rest my head.
Given my love for great beer, you better believe I’ll be at the Library Alehouse (libraryalehouse.com) on Main Street this Monday through Sunday, as they celebrate American Craft Beer Week (craftbeer.com). It’s the first time in its six year history that American Craft Beer Week will have official events hosted in all 50 states, making it the largest celebration of U.S. craft brewers.
The Alehouse is hosting an event every night of the week, kicking off Monday, May 16 with Jeremy Raub of Eagle Rock Brewing, a staple on the local scene. It’s not often you get a chance to chat with a professional brewer or owner while sipping on their product, and from my experiences at beer events in the past, it is an opportunity you don’t want to pass up if you are a true beer geek.
On Tuesday, Firestone Walker will be in the house, along with the Taste of the Nation L.A. to benefit Share Our Strength in their fight against childhood hunger. A dollar of every purchase will benefit the organization. They’ll have the Velvet Merlin, Pale 31 on cask and the almighty barleywine Abacus. Momma said knock you out! There will also be some pretty tasty treats for $2 each.
I’m looking forward to experiencing Brouwerij West’s Belgians on Wednesday night. This is a new beer company in Palos Verdes run by two guys who love Belgians and wanted to give some classic recipes a Southern California twist, most likely using homegrown hops. These guys are brewing, bottling, and distributing their own brews. Gotta love the commitment.
Some other beers to be available throughout the week that I am salivating for are the 22nd anniversary barrel-aged vanilla bean imperial stout from Karl Strauss and the Populist IPA from Eagle Rock. And if those beers don’t grab you, the Alehouse has plenty others on tap.
When it comes to sipping on suds, if it isn’t at least 6.5 percent alcohol, I’m not messing with it. Go big, or go home.
Cheers!
kevinh@www.smdp.com