February 9, 2010 Cheers!
Welcome to Brewery Rowe. Your host is a veteran beer writer at The San Diego Union-Tribune, but I’m not exactly a beer expert. I’m just a guy who enjoys malt, hops, yeast and water — and likes writing about the happy results.
Some of my work can be found at http://www.signonsandiego.com/weblogs/brewery-rowe/. There or here, pull up a barstool, hoist a pint and join me, will ya?
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- 9 comments
- Posted under Uncategorized
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Tony Baldini
said
Peter, thanks for letting us “tap” into your beer knowledge. Some of our favorites are from Russian River Brewing and Napa Smith, a newer brewery up here. Cheers, Tony & Caroline
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breweryrowe
said
Hi cousin!
Nice pun. I am a big fan of Russian River, too — it’s practically a requirement of serious beer aficionados. Next time you visit the pub, tell owner/brewer Vinnie Cilurzo that I said hi.
As for Napa Smith, I haven’t had the pleasure yet. Are they known for any particular style or beer? Best,
Pete
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Tony Baldini
said
Napa Smith has only a few basics ales and wheat beers, but all are well made. I will keep Vinnie’s name handy, next to my 2L refillable RRB jug.
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Joe Ditler
said
Dear B.Rowe. Glad to see you floating around out there. FYI, Ron Chapman is back at Mission Brewery. Too bad you don’t know a good Coronado publicist, or you might get the whole story (smile). Love the website.
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annemaclachlan
said
*Gasp* They’ve made a statue of you!! It’s about time. Carry on.
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Meg Rowe
said
Pete-
I follow you religiously. (Even though I’m agnostic.)
I’m wondering your preference on German beer? Favorites? Anything awful?Me and this new guy I married are taking a somewhat exciting trip there this fall and we’re debating which tent to sit in, which beer gardens to visit, and which of anything to avoid.
Your expertise is welcome.
Cheers,
Meg
(ps have you ever had a Radler? 1/2 beer half sprite or lemonade? Had my first one two weeks ago! Not bad!)
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breweryrowe
said
Megasus,
I’d avoid the German beers you see all over the States — Beck’s, St. Pauli Girl — and look for stuff that’s tougher to find here. But of course, try to match your beer to your mood and activity — you probably don’t want a smokey Rauschbier with a delicate salad.
That said, a couple of recommendations:
Diebels made a brief foray into the San Diego market, then disappeared. But I liked its Alt, a dark, malty but well-balanced brew.
A friend is a huge fan of Augustiner Edelstoff, which is a light-in-color, mid-bodied Helles.
If you like wheat beers, check out the Bavarian hefeweizens. Unlike many hefes in the States, the Bavarians have distinctive banana and clove notes. That may sound odd or unappealing, but trust me, it’s anything but.
Ayinger Celebrator is an outstanding doppelbock; you see it in the States’ better beer stores. Ayinger also makes a nice Marzen for Oktoberfest.
I like the Oktoberfest beers from Hofbrauhaus and Hacker-Pschorr, although conducting a survey of breweries’ Oktoberfest specials would be a worthy task, one that could occupy you throughout the entire visit!
Enjoy!
Pete
PS — When I drank a Radler, it was called a Shandy. Not bad, but what are you doing drinking this concoction in the winter? That’s the beer-drinking equivalent of wearing white after Labor Day!
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Jake
said
Pete: You are too modest. Your knowledge of beers is richer than, I don’t know, the finest English stout. Cheers to you and may you continue to pour forth!!!
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Bill Eigner
said
Pete,
Great job! It’s nice to know someone who writes as well as he drinks! All the best,
Bill