Pittsburgh

[Cazlo]

Posted in LA and SD threads, but always like to get friends' (and Shuggy's) advice.

Headed to LA in mid-August with fam to visit in-laws, and thus will need much beer. Want to solicit advice for good bottle shops...and area breweries too (have been a few times, but it's been four years, so landscape has probably changed).

We miiight get a day trip or two sans kiddos, but mostly looking for suggestions very near (or places on the way in between) these locations: Anaheim (Disney for two days), Oceanside (four days) and than Fallbrook (three days, with some plans for Temecula wineries).

Anyone with firsthand advice is apprech.

Toolbox Brewing in Vista (about 20 minutes from Oceanside) is a must visit. Their sour game is strong, and they have recently thrown their hat into the NE IPA craze also.

 

[darehulk112]

Out of stater just wanted to say Pittsburgh is an amazing beer city. Thanks to tommyguz for hosting me one night. Gentleman and a *Studmuffin*.

 

[Kraftster]

Toolbox Brewing in Vista (about 20 minutes from Oceanside) is a must visit. Their sour game is strong, and they have recently thrown their hat into the NE IPA craze also.

What would you recommend from them? I really wanted to like them because I like their branding and styles are in my wheelhouse, but the two beers I've had have been pretty disappointing (Purple Drink and Briar). I still have a Chene Rustique I am hoping salvages things.

 

[clwatt3]

Well I hate to say it cause I don't want another place to have to wait in line, but the insurrection release today is legit ******* awesome and borderline hill farmstead good. Priced right as well. Unlike anything I've had from them so far. ****.

How did i miss this? Guess im stopping by tonight.

 

[Cazlo]

What would you recommend from them? I really wanted to like them because I like their branding and styles are in my wheelhouse, but the two beers I've had have been pretty disappointing (Purple Drink and Briar). I still have a Chene Rustique I am hoping salvages things.

I liked the BA version of Purple drink, and their fruited house blend wilds are also good. One of my favorites was Ruby, a wild hopped with Mosaic and brewed with grapefruit and ginger.

 

[preluderl]

How did i miss this? Guess im stopping by tonight.

Really wanted to try that one. I wish they weren't so damn far away from me.

 

[clwatt3]

Really wanted to try that one. I wish they weren't so damn far away from me.

Where are you located? I work downtown, could always meet you during the day.

 

[dadavat]

Really wanted to try that one. I wish they weren't so damn far away from me.

i grabbed a few spares if you want one

 

[preluderl]

i grabbed a few spares if you want one

clwatt3 is hooking me up, but thanks man! Appreciate the offer.

 

[dadavat]

clwatt3 is hooking me up, but thanks man! Appreciate the offer.

no prob. same offer goes for anyone else on here.

 

[Kinney]

hey guys. havent been around in awhile. hit up the DG can release yesterday. looking forward to drinking some tonight.

was at BG last weekend. Recertified is good, Lou is solid, but not as good. Have a 750 of Merry in the fridge I havent tried yet.

 

[Kinney]

also have some heady and focal cans headed my way as we speak!

 

[preluderl]

This last batch of Lou was a top 3 BG beer for me.

 

[PSUMike]

Haven't had this batch of Recert but always thought CPA was better for a single hop.

 

[Kinney]

This last batch of Lou was a top 3 BG beer for me.

it lacked a certain punch for me.. that was the first time ive ever had Lou though

 

[preluderl]

Haven't had this batch of Recert but always thought CPA was better for a single hop.

I've never liked CPA or Recert as much as I think I'm going to. I've since decided that I enjoy Citra much more as a secondary player rather than the star of the show.

 

[Clerkp]

I've never liked CPA or Recert as much as I think I'm going to. I've since decided that I enjoy Citra much more as a secondary player rather than the star of the show.

Citra + Mosaic is the ideal combo. I agree with you. I had an all citra double NE hazy/juice bomb last night shipped in from Stoneface Brewing. Tasty but all Citra seems like too much of a good thing. Trying Recert tonight but my recollection is it isn't as good as Foshomo.

 

[moarhops1]

Fwiw, Insurrection says they have about 700 bottles of Sang De L'Orange left...

 

[dadavat]

Fwiw, Insurrection says they have about 700 bottles of Sang De L'Orange left...

that's great news! i think this is the best local beer i've had in a while.

 

[beerman6686]

Fwiw, Insurrection says they have about 700 bottles of Sang De L'Orange left...

Nice, if I buy them all and charge a $1.50 markup, I can make a cool G.

 

[docreight1]

I believe hell has frozen over. People stood in line at east end today, and it wasn't for gratitude.

 

[skaboom420]

I believe hell has frozen over. People stood in line at east end today, and it wasn't for gratitude.

 

[PSUMike]

I believe hell has frozen over. People stood in line at east end today, and it wasn't for gratitude.

And from what I've read, the consensus was that it is pretty good. I'm still skeptical though.

 

[barflybastard]

Near Anaheim: Mr. K's Liqour Store and Bradleys Fine Wine and Spirits for bottle shops. A great bar close to Disneyland is Haven Gastropub.

Toolbox Brewing in Vista (about 20 minutes from Oceanside) is a must visit. Their sour game is strong, and they have recently thrown their hat into the NE IPA craze also.

Will add these to the list; thanks.

 

[shuggy1]

the insurrection release today is legit ******* awesome and borderline hill farmstead good.

This reminds me of this:

Which is to say they are some of the most erroneous statements to ever be made.

 

[dadavat]

This reminds me of this:

Which is to say they are some of the most erroneous statements to ever be made.

I'm sticking by this one. I really liked it.

 

[greg4579]

I had a great time at Four Seasons this afternoon/evening. They had a music festival and everything from the food vendors to their location was awesome. Of the beers I had, I really enjoyed their galaxy pale ale and the Citra lager. I had their NE style DIPA as well and thought it was good but not great.

 

[greg4579]

I had a great time at Four Seasons this afternoon/evening. They had a music festival and everything from the food vendors to their location was awesome. Of the beers I had, I really enjoyed their galaxy pale ale and the Citra lager. I had their NE style DIPA as well and thought it was good but not great.

I forgot to add that they were extremely kid-friendly, and my two year old had a blast.

 

[kbuzz1]

also have some heady and focal cans headed my way as we speak!

Haha congrats man

 

[shuggy1]

I'm sticking by this one. I really liked it.

I'm not looking to change your mind. I had a much different outlook of it that was more in line with your wife's. The Hill Farmstead comparison is really what gets me. The lack of tartness and carbonation disqualifies the comparison right out of the gate. If Hill Farmstead actually made beers that were similar to that one we wouldn't be having this conversation because nobody would've ever heard of Hill Farmstead and if Insurrection continues to put out beers like that nobody who isn't a yinzer will know(or care) who they are.