Flying B Ranch (Work Trip)

I've been camping since I was a child, always driven to get outside, discover and explore. Grew up preferring the mountains over the beach, humbled by the terrain. It was only later in life that I went to Europe and got off the east coast to see the wonders of the US. I am very fortunate to have a job that dangles the carrot or traveling to places like Idaho and the beautiful ranch known as the Flying B. The views, weather, beautiful skies and people working with the land was awe inspiring.

The Geography is very different from anything we know on the east coast. It appears to be mountains in the distance but we are actually in valley, it is flat over that ridge. The altitude is similar to Richmond and they get very little snow. We flew into Lewiston Idaho at the northern tip of this valley system and followed it around to the B. The ranch is in Nez Perce Indian territory, one of the last tribes in the US to settle on their reservation agreement. We floated the same river, clearwater river, where Lewis and Clark experienced this land in a dugout canoe. The valley where the lodge is scattered with shear cliffs and golden meadows of grass. Lawyers creek flows thru the middle and creates a couple of stocked ponds.

Taxidermy was on every wall in the lodge. The grand room had a brilliant stone fireplace with oversized arm chairs. The bar area had a casual family room with TV. Most of us got our own bedrooms that were super comfy and the dining room made for great family style dinners. Large patio, accessible from each bedroom had a huge fire pit, sauna and hot tub for star gazing. Small groups collected in all corners of the lodge at night around a bottle of wine, cigar or liquor bottle. The lodge had anything you could want on hand for your stay. The 24 hour travel day to get out there with jet lag made for a tough first day. 

I've never had a hunting license in my life, so I had to take the hunters safety course last minute and get licensed for all the activities. I have to say I was dreading the online course but it was very well written and I am glad it is mandatory. I have always respected guns and sportsman fishing/hunting. I have just never felt the need to pursue it. I am glad that I did. One of the things about the B that I have heard over and over is how well the dogs are trained and how well they work birds. I still find myself amazed by how it all works. These inland birds run to escape just as much as they fly. So the dogs work quickly back and forth running to be faster than the birds. If the birds are just out of the dogs sweep they very well can run away without ever being detected. The first part of the morning hunt it wasn't odd for the birds to be so heavy with dew that they just stayed hunkered down. Hunkered down to the point where we stepped on them, or dogs just picked them up.



Now I have done a fair bit of skeet shooting in my life and the group I hunted in had great success "wacking birds". It was quite the workout pushing thru tall grass, worrying about stepping on rattle snakes and being soaking wet. I would do it again tomorrow with zero hesitation. I actually had those pants from my cold weather camping wardrobe, looks pretty natural don't you think?



We went float fishing the last full day there. Down the fresh water river, the same river that Lewis and Clark floated down so long ago. Once again the scenic views from down in the valley were amazing. In this style fishing our guide paddled and directed trolled thru parts of the river. My boat only caught two fish, but Tony's guide went with different bait and was very successful. The people of Kamiah and surrounding areas are complete lovers and protectors of their habitat. Many of them have worked as guides for a long time and feel it is as important to protect the habitat and its' inhabitants than it is to make sure you kill or catch anything. I love that spiritual balance and humble existence with the earth. Not to be all hippy dippy but I learned that philosophy young and this place really spoke to everything I've ever done.





I wish I could have stayed a few more days. I want one more cup of coffee with these views or one more beer with my guide at the truck after a long afternoon hunt. I want to see those dogs work on their best days and their worst. The balance out here was just perfect, it was the great adventure of Rawls and Clark. Sure, he took the most epic and expensive shower bath of his life, but opportunities like this don't come around too often.



I will be back Idaho, save that spot by the fire for me or just bury me at the B.

- Mitakuye Oyasin

Boulevard Brewing (Kansas City, Mo)

Tom, Tony, Chuck, Sam and I tripped on over to Kansas City to Boulevard Brewery. It was pretty obvious there would be some stories to be told especially with Dominic and Brad showing us around the city. I was very excited to see the city, try the local food and see the grand facility.

The first night we went to a buttoned up BBQ spot which was fantastic. We ordered family style and got so full of delicious meats it didn’t look like we could do much drinking. We stumbled to a couple bars, the last one featured a Thrash Grass band that was an amazing medley of metal and blue grass. When we headed back to the hotel we stopped at a cookie spot where Chuck got this giant ice cream sandwich. Highlight story of the first day was this man with ice cream sandwich is lactose intolerant and was up all night having regrets.

Second day was a busy one: breakfast, brewery, BBQ, baseball game and more nighttime shenanigans. Solid base layer of corn beef hash and a Bloody Mary to set me up for a long day of drinking. At the brewery we got a complete tour of the entire facility complete with roof top access with cityscape views. Boulevard has done a wonderful job of establishing themselves in their home market and not losing their charm while growing their distribution and production. The new beer hall had a feeling of heritage and was very tastefully done. 

We hustled to the famous LC’s BBQ joint before heading to the stadium for the game. This is the spot that is off the beaten path where the locals go. Our Uber driver was actually surprised that we knew about it. The food here only helped to solidify my love for this town. It was such a down home greasy spoon where all that matters is flavor, and it had plenty of that. We ordered pans and trays of everything and some KC pils to wash it down with. I find it hard to even look at these pictures with out getting hungry.

After a brief parking lot nap and a few otter bongs, we set off to see the Kansas City Royals play the New York Yankees. The weather looked dodgy at hell, yet we only saw a little bit of rain. The food coma was strong and it was really nice to just sit still. This was only the 2nd major league game I have ever been to. It is amazing the scale and grand nature of a major league ball park. Don't go hard on the second night or the plane ride back will suck. For me it didn't, but there are other stories to be told. . . by someone else.

Rayon Vert 2012 (Green Flash Brewing)

The comical picture below on Facebook today reminded me I had this post in the hopper. I went to San Diego on Green Flashes dime a couple years ago and visited all of their facilities. I feel the same way as the guys with the sign pictured below. There was a time when my company picked up the Green Flash contract that provided Virginians with a taste of the west coast magic. Green Flash seemed to be snow balling out of control, aggressively borrowing and building assets for the future. One of those assets I fell in love at first sight is Alpine Brewing, in a little shack in Alpine Ca.

Group of co-workers went down to Va Beach and brought back a case of 2012 Rayon Vert, old graphics and everything. The label reports, continuously evolving and I'm not one to at least give it a try. As expected, it was a gusher. It was the wildest of ales, throwing carbonation and money all about. Reckless with my heart burn and full of funk. 

This is the final farewell, the goodnight kiss, thanks for the memories and that epic trip to San Diego. As usual, we shall pull up our boot straps and trudge on against the forces of evil. To the former employees, you were a loyal ambitious group not deserving of your fate. To Alpine Brewing, please don't forget me, we will meet again in whatever form you take. Tis only beer, but this was a punch in the gut. 

Yellow Belly (Omnipollo Collaboration)

I am at the point in my relationship with craft beer, that I don't loose my mind over whales anymore. Yellow Belly maybe the last notch on my bed post, the final conquest. We have reached mass saturation in this town. You can skip the new hot double IPA, NEIPA, fruited sour or adjunct stout with out fear of there being nothing interesting next week. I've chased Yellow Belly for the past few years and I missed the few cases that came to market last year. This year I had to tell customers it was coming, how expensive it is and not to refuse it.



Yellow Belly is an FU to racism and ignorance. The outside label is a symbolic representation of the cowards, the inside label a definition and statement of intolerance. The beer is sweet and chewy. It reminds me a little of CBS with a slight syrup flavor that hangs on the lips. The ABV is completely masked with sweetness. I actually only bought two for myself and left another for a co worker. 

If you aren't familiar with Omnipollo, they are a brewery in the 12% distributing family that have some of the most dynamic beers and labels. This beer is a collaboration with Buxton Brewing from the UK. Omnipollo is a gypsy brewer that brews several beers with Buxton and even does a Yellow Belly Sundae . . . Ok, Maybe one more whale.

Founders 20th Anniversary

Long story, but Founders Brewing is now one of my favorite breweries at my disposal right now. They had us up to the brewery in 2017 for their anniversary trip and despite the rain and cold it was a great time. I hate being so removed from this trip as I type this, but I am headed to Sweetwater this weekend and don't want two back logged work trip entries.

Some people hate cover bands and even more people have grown to hate Guns N Roses, but not me. I love GNR and my friends usually choose to karaoke this band at every opportunity. It turns out that a bunch of brewery employees are in bands but came together one night to do GNR at the owner loved it so much they were asked to be the opening performer for the anniversary party. So . . . . Tom Brooks and I stood in the rain and rocked our faces off. 

It was right before the return of CBS which I was bummed they didn't have the anniversary, but I did get a sneak peak and taste of this years brewery focus, Solid Gold. WE got drenched in rain and spent nearly the entire day at the brewery drinking pretty high gravity beers, I had to tap out, not drunk just full. I did get a chance to meet California Founders Rep Stuart Sloan and his father Richard at the party which was cool. Such an odd thing meeting people you know through Facebook, Instagram and podcasts. 

We did spend Saturday brunch at Grand Rapids Brewing Company. This is apparently where all of the Founders reps go to recover when they come back to the mothership for events and meetings. I mean . . . . look at that Bloody Mary bar! They also make their own infused vodka. 

All and all it was a fantastic trip. Founders really knows how to host a guy and will get you drunk. The Tank Bender anniversary ale was like a sipping whiskey. I wish we had better weather, I would have loved to soak up more of the local flavor, maybe next time. 

Bravo (Firestone Walker Brewing)

Well another year older and deeper in debt. Last Wednesday night, I celebrated my birthday (March 2nd) the way I wanted to, in my garage with a good cigar and a beer. It was a wild day, one that was forecast to have crazy wind and rain storms. I originally was going to Total Wine to audit the store and pick up these supplies. They had lost power due to high winds and were closed, so I went down to Corks and Kegs instead. I was so surprised to see all of the highly limited Capt. Lawrence beer still on the shelf as well as left over boxes of Firestone Walker Bravo and Perennial Sump bottles. These sure are odd times in beer indeed, but in this case it worked out in my favor.

http://www.firestonebeer.com/beers/products/bravo-2017

I am sure that Firestone Walker can weather the storm this year. They saw huge success with the Luponic Distortion series last year and will continue to roll those in 2017. The biggest change so far this year has been the down sizing of the reserve series package size from 22oz to 12oz bottles. You still get that swanky little box tho . . We also get a Va. brand rep fresh off Terrapin Brewing servitude as well as Leo Vs. Ursus, An unfiltered imperial IPA in 4pks 16oz cans. I see lots of Firestone IPA's in my future this year. Even Union Jack pricing has gone down to match Easy Jack.

Bravo is a brilliant way to ease the public into this new format. It is the first beer ever to wear the reserve series stamp, series 001. I know, barrel aged brown ale, who does that? Well Firestone does, and they do it really well. This beer is bright with the barrel character that you have come to love from all the other releases. This beer has the perfect amount of sweetness to pair with a large gage cigar. This is a beer that I sipped on for nearly 2 hours, from right out of the fridge to room temp (garage room) it was so smooth. I'm sure there are probably a few more of these around so pick it up if you see it, 

12% Imports

This is one of those posts where I took the pictures so long ago that I don't have much input about the beer itself. I do feel like these are under appreciated breweries and the beers go largely unnoticed for a number of reasons. These are all property of 12% imports, which is an importer, like a distributor inside of a distributor. They pulse their products into the market based on a pre sell system that make many customers uncomfortable, and see limited distribution. Its a shame these incredible breweries don't get wider spread brand recognition because they release some very good beers.

Off Color Brewing - Sparkles and Trouble - Chicago Illinois - http://www.offcolorbrewing.com/. Off Color produces very delicate beers mostly belgian or german influence, some wild fermented beer and added fermentables often to create unique combinations. I have reviewed Dino Smores before by them which I didn't particularly care for, but these saisons, farmhouse, and gose beers are top notch. So if you tire of IPA's and malt bombs pick up a saison from these guys.


Against the Grain - Coq De La Marche - Louisville Kentucky - http://www.atgbrewery.com/

Evil Twin Brewing - No Hero - Brooklyn New York - http://eviltwin.dk/

Walking Boston (The Trillium Stories)

So work sent me to Boston this past October to hang with Harpoon Brewery for their Octoberfest weekend. We were a small group of like minded adventurers that put up with me making them walk all over the city. Well I thought they didn't mind being on foot exploring but boy was I wrong.

So I am nearly 6 months removed from this trip but I wanted to put some words to the pictures on this draft. This was the first time I was able to get to Trillium and they were open. We bought one can of everything available and watched trash TV in the hotel. It was grey and rainy the weekend we were there. I get so annoyed with Uber tabs when I am stuck places with out a car.

So we through caution to the wind and drank from the plastic hotel cups. I really enjoyed all the beers and the trip in general. The soggy shrimp roll that I had the Saturday night before left was a big let down. I'm more and more in love with Boston. This jet blue credit card and the Bruins need to come back into my life soon.  

Oaktoberfest (Firestone Walker)

Cooking with Men

I don't claim to be the most sophisticated man. The truth is there is nothing in this world I love more than Tostitos with melted cheese on top. We call it shreddy cheese in my neck of Hanover and its a staple. Like Firestone Walker, the hear of many men has belonged to union jack or double jack for decades. This year the northern California brewer has brought many new offerings to the table, and a wider spread release of their fall favorite, Oaktoberfest. 

I had high expectations after all the hype last year, but have heard many mixed reviews this year. I split this one with my wife and we enjoyed it. The Marzen flavor was there but was made more complex with the Oak. It had a slight buttery sweet flavor but was far from cloying. The mouth feel was phenomenal and it really helped that it was still fairly warm outside when we drank this, it was refreshing.

In conclusion, I will buy Oaktoberfest next year, maybe even in draft for my Firestone-Walker kegerator. Luponic Distortion has been a huge hit for us, and loved by hop heads all around. I have seen the plan for 2017 and don't worry about wooky, opal, and double jack, they will have a fresh bed of money to roll around in next year. We will see new things, current trends that Firestone will be able to do as well if not better than the existing supply. The Liquid Will Remain Top Notch! 

Hi-10 (Terrapin Brewing)

For nearly two years, I have been selling Terrapin beer, and it has not come easy. It has been distributed in Va. for a long time and buyers are of the opinion that it doesn't sell. Hi-5 is about the only regular item with any traction in my market. Maybe it is the artwork or the connection to the state where a large chunk of my family is from, but I am a huge advocate for Terrapin. Kelci the state representative is a kick ass chick who busts her ass. So on the backs of Hi-5, we get Hi-10, a double IPA with mango and habanero. 

I have had ghost face killah fresh and thoroughly hated that experience. It was a Scoville bomb with so much heat that no other flavors could speak. This beer was an odd balance of juice and heat on the nose. At first taste it was sweet like mango but after taste was spicy and vegetal. I don't think I could do another 6 pack of this by myself, perhaps it would be a good beer to take to a get together. I think it would create an interesting point of difference on a draft line up that is fat with IPA's and hoppy offerings. Don't let the caramel color fool you, this is a very different direction for Terrapin and I look forward to more innovative things from them in 2017.   

I Miss the Old Kanye (Stillwater Brewing)

Brewery recalls are typically a huge pain in the ass. We have beer scattered all over the market, sometimes in places that have detailed procedures on how they like these things handled. This recall however was very classic. Take no shit gypsy breweries like Stillwater, Evil Twin, and Mikkeller have fun with pop culture in marketing their products. They produce a lot of things as one offs that are often times more comical for their own sake than brewing art or experimentation.

When Stillwater decided to challenge any of the Kanye's by brewing an imperial brett porter. The joke began with the concept supposed to have the 57 flavors and be the Dr Pepper of the craft beer world. The old Kanye was a man of many flavors but it seems recently he has been a man of the law filing cease and desist movements with said brewer. So when the memo hit my desk I had to go out and get one for myself, if for nothing else the label. Well I did and the beer sucked, but I got the label off. 

Boston travels

My wife's best friend and her husband live in Boston Mass. I mean they don't live in a nearby suburb and have a Boston mailing address, they live right in the middle of the city. The kitchen window in their apartment looks out over Boston common and I think I am falling in love with this city. This blog post is chronicling the second time I have gone to visit. This time I was dead set on getting more into the craft beer scene by going to breweries and bottle shops to really dig into what's going on. I
was not disappointed.

Distribution

So Gigantic brewing seems to have captured the imagination of craft beer fans on the west coast so much, that I am aware of them, despite little distribution. Well I found this in Boston and it was amazing. Also the format is great, make big bottles great again. It's gotten far to risky to pick up random large format bottles in Richmond for fear of bad dates. I also was very psyched to see Almanac brewing in Boston, and this style of IPA is my current bread and butter. Look how those patriots glasses get the beer worked up into excessive foam. Go Bruins!

Local Breweries

I was able to get to two local breweries when I was there. Night Shift Brewing and Aeronaut Brewing. Man these two could not have been more different. Night Shift had a good variety of styles, and lots of super juicy fresh IPA's. Night Shift even packages in 16 ounce cans which seem to be a status symbol or flag in the ground that says "You are going to want more than 12 ounces at a time". The can pictured below is the Hefeweizen that I bought the girls who are devout blue moon drinkers. Look at the precious little owl, and they have a reserve society or club deal that is actually worth the years admission. 

Aeronaut on the other hand, was an example of what I avoid in my own local market. I should have know when we walked in to a projection screen playing vintage nintendo games on a wall in the tasting room. I'm a firm believer in the idea that the beer should above all be the reason people stay and return to your establishment. Breweries that host game nights, open mic nights, and have silly shit like video games are not breweries. They are bars that struggle to sell their own shitty beer. It's really become a thing and has hurt the business. Tasting rooms have largely cut into the on premise business which is in a way spiting the customer you are selling kegs to. Sorry for the rant. 

So a little over a month later, I went back with work on a Harpoon trip. Stay tuned to see if that post ever happens. 

Black Angel (Wicked Weed Brewing)

One of the many things I like about working for Specialty Beverage, is that we all get to travel to other markets. Recently becoming a father of two, I have held tight to home and not been anywhere. I am left here more often than not to hold down the fort. I have a great team that brings me little gifts from abroad and so happy to be able to experience "dat weed doe". I have never been to the funkatorium, or even to Ashville, NC. Funky or Sour beer in my experience has always been like the beer people are drinking in a corner. The scuttle off, and share a small bottle in small numbers. I have had such experiences with Wicked Weed, and I have never been let down.

Having just heard that Wicked Weed is now distributing everywhere in Va, but Richmond. These beers will become more common place. There is no denying the demand is largely based on hype and I would be willing to bet that most people will try it and hate it. When Cascade brewing hit Richmond over 6 months ago, I thought their stuff would disappear despite the price. There is always a buzz of folks asking for sour beers, then no one puts their money where their mouth is. These wicked weed bottles are 375, not full blown 750, but I still have my doubts about how well a $15 375 will do in a market that struggles to sell any 22oz bottle over $9.99. 

Ninkasi Brewing (Statewide Launch)

My trading game has made me no stranger to Ninkasi Brewing from Eugine Oregon. If you are a fan of pun filled IPA names, it's hard to forget Tricerahops. We launched this brand in November of 2015 in the whole state of Virginia with total domination IPA, tricerahops double IPA, oatis oatmeal stout, vanilla oatis, sleigh'r, noir, dawn of the red, and lux. Stouts and all flavors of IPAs, just what the local beer nerd requires. 

Total Domination is not a hop bomb. It is a delicate flavor packed IPA. It is more like a soothing song than a slap in the face. This is what I want to treat myself to after a long day at work. 

If you are going to make a red or amber ale today, and you want it to sell you better but hops in it. Dawn of the red does just that, malt and hops give a heart drinkable beer that is more than just sweet. The label is very metal so yeah, try it.

Speaking of a total label buy, this one will crush in Richmond. This draft is nearly a year old and I just want to finish it and move on to something more recent. 

Space Juice (Long Trail Brewing)

It seems that one the east coast the 16oz 4pk can is a sacred format. Heady topper at the helm, a tall boy of IPA better be worth it's salt. Lawson's liquids was able to keep to format, and recently the new hot brewery in Richmond, Virginia, the Veil has been cranking out some dynamite 4pks. As a whole the 4pk format has been on the decline, with breweries like green flash and dogfish transitioning all packaged beer to six packs. I attempt to follow most of my associated breweries on social media and have been wanting to get the offering from long trail since first spotted.

Long Trail from Bridgewater Corners, Vermont has been crafting beer since 1989. This year has supplied us with one of my favorite new beers of the year, Green Blaze. Green Blaze is a newer school  recipe IPA, pale in color, very floral, and refreshing. So the announcement of space juice left me anticipating another great IPA from these guys, but so far I have been disappointed. The $17 4pk of this double IPA taste of alcohol, and has that heavy malt bitterness and finish. I do have two beers left to try on another day. The dark caramel color should have been a warning of that malt that would be heading up the flavor department. So I strongly endorse green blaze and the mash project. 

Nimble Giant (Troegs Brewing)

This year saw Kysela finally let go of distribution rights two Troegs. Va Eagle bought the rights statewide and did some horse trading for other brands. I was not super excited at first, but have been very impressed with the recent marketing change and the production of a second limited release hoppy beer in a great format. Nugget Nectar will be the mid to late winter limited release and nimble giant will be the mid to late summer limited release double IPA.

Troegs is a family brewery from Pennsylvania that has been around since 1996, but has been in Virginia for as long as I can remember. They are probably best known for nugget nectar, a seasonal release that causes hysteria every winter. A recent branding update, and new beers such as solid sender and nimble giant have created fresh buzz about this brand. Nimble giant was exactly that, a huge beer that sneaks up on you. With a little more buzz and lead time next year I think this beer will be a new anticipated release that rolls off the shelf as quick as it can be stocked.

 

Fourth meal (Bruery and Maine collab)

I have experienced more stress and have come to so many of life's important cross roads recently that I can barely deal with it. I am up for a promotion at work, we have sold our house, we have no house to move to, there is another baby on the way, and sweet sawyer is entering the terrible twos. We are attempting to put an offer on a house that is way bigger than what we need, but we are looking to shoot the moon here. We have roughly a week to find an acceptable house that we can close on in thirty days, or we will have to move into an apartment or in with my parents. It's Valentines day and of course I shit the bed on that too. 

This week saw nugget nectar, hopslam, hawaiian speedway stout, black tuesday, and fourthmeal hit the market. I rarely spring for the Bruery beers because of sticker shock but I trusted the reviews I have heard about this beer. I believe I only actually paid $11.59 for this beer. I'm not nearly the fan boy of maine beers but I know what to expect from them, clean beer. 

Belgian pale ales are a style widely hated by my collective beer friends. It has become a style that is too estery or lacks hop flavor. It seems like the love child of a marketing forward brewery attempting to take a little of the new and the old to create the greatest hybrid style ever. I feel that most of the ones I have had over the years are poorly balanced. I get the flavor from the Belgian yeast strain and it sucks. This beer does an excellent job of being a collaboration between Belgian and hops. It is well made but not hitting you over the head with flavor. This is truly a collaboration that will be missed once it is gone. I'm sure if it gets reprised next year it won't be as good. 

San Diego Visit (A Work Trip)

Never in my wildest dreams would I ever thought working for a beer wholesaler would have landed me a trip to San Diego. The trip was non stop, tons of fun, and was a great opportunity for me to bond with some of my coworkers. I will try my best to walk you through this with me but . . Beers, so many beers.

I left out of Richmond Saturday morning with two of my co-workers, and another two would meet is in CA, flying from Charlottesville. We had a layover in Atlanta, then onto San Diego, where we should have been united with fellow employees. Their plane had been delayed, and we were on our own to hit the town. I was already blown away by this point. We had left a seasonably chilly VA, and were now on the west coast. It was warm and the resort was full of the sound of children playing in the pool. We had plans on heading to Ballast Point in little Italy already so we just headed out early for that. It was packed, they had like 40 beers on tap, nearly half of which don't see distribution. I  would have been happy to sit there all night, we went on a failure of a walk about instead. 

The next morning we met Nick Flood (No shit his real name), our Green Flash tour guide, and our other two co-workers at the hotel bar to kick off the day of festivities. We headed off to Green Flash Cellar 3 first. It was quite the hike to get out there but it was nice to see some of the So-Cal landscape. We only see the occasional big bottle from cellar three in Virginia. This place had everything and lots of variants. It was super clean and not very busy. 

Pictured above is Nick Flood, in his backwards Green Flash hat. I appreciate that Green Flash didn't put their faithful through what the Bruery did with their wild fermentation program. This barrel house is dedicated souly to sour aging. The whiskey barrel aged beers like silva stout are still maintained at Green Flash. We went to Green Flash shortly after being here but didn't stay long, the talks of lunch got the crew plotting and scheming about how to break away and take advantage of being here.

I got very vocal about wanting to go to Pizza Port, so we did that for lunch. This place was amazing. They are a brew pub with five locations, and look at the beer selection. Their pizza is off the chain. Having lunch here also let the guys catch up on the status of their fantasy teams. I feel like we pretty much lost our escort at this point in the trip for saturday. We got back to the hotel, hung out for a bit. Then we went back to Ballast Point little Italy with the guys that just landed. Turnt up from there on out for events that included teaching craft beer in the hotel hot tub and walking around ocean beach.

Monday morning breakfast, and no one could drink their beer. I may or may not have ordered an Almanac Gose on the Green Flash tab. Food was great, but we were dragging ass. The original Alpine is pictured below is only a place to buy growlers and merchandise, so they built the pub, where we had lunch. The OG location was bad ass, and a testament to Alpine handle on all things hoppy. People flock to this dump for libations, barely leaving room to get down the street for the lack of parking. I was touched by the free hoodie I received that day. I have been to the holy land, and I got a gift better than a t-shirt.

So we had to be at the stadium pretty early. We got to go on the field and attempt to drink more beer. Tony Rawls managed to sneak of an get a selfie with Kendra Wilkenson!! I was so jealous, and elevated Rawls to a whole other level in my book. The game was cool. It's sad for San Diego that the chargers will probably be moving but the stadium was ancient. The steelers walked all over them, and the steelers fans were in attendance. 

Back in the streets afterwards naturally. Pretty crazy being from the east coast and thinking about us doing something after a monday night football game but we did. First we got some late night California tacos, pictured below. Then we went back to mission beach to drink with the Breckenridge rep on the beach. The beach was amazing. I can see how a man could get used to this. I wish I had thought to take an additional day off to stay a little longer. Andrew and I visited stone bright and early at the airport and back to the east coast we went, whomp whomp. I'll be back California, prepare yourself.