The L.A. BEER BLAST is designed to let Food GPS readers know what’s new at select L.A. bars and restaurants with great beer selections. You’ll also discover beer-related events in the area and learn about industry leaders. Expect a new L.A. BEER BLAST every Thursday evening, in time for the weekend rush. Look in the left sidebar, SUBSCRIBE to Food GPS and you’ll receive the L.A. BEER BLAST by e-mail.

Aaron Barkenhagen has come a long way since he started sneaking sips of Bud Light in his early teens. Now the Bootlegger’s Brewery founder is running Old World Hefe through the hopinator and brewing Blackstrap Porter with blackstrap molasses, fenugreek and star anise. In just over two years, the former insurance man has built his Fullerton brewery from a one-man show into an Orange County beer destination. CLICK HERE TO READ THE Q&A.

Altadena Ale House opened on April 30 on an unlikely stretch of North Fair Oaks Avenue, and the proprietor took me by surprise. It’s Judah Casburn, the original owner of Lucky Baldwin’s, and wife Gail. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.

“A weekend with one beer event is fun but to have two great bashes with fantastic gourmet food in one weekend is incredible. For craft beer geeks, last weekend was like having two birthday parties spread over two days.” So writes Brew & You columnist Sean Inman, who covers Woodshop 5.1 and Dionicess VI in a post titled “A Brace of Beer Events.”

BEACHWOOD BBQ

Beachwood chef-owner Gabe Gordon currently features draught beers like Bootlegger’s Rustic Rye, Russian River Pliny the Elder, Triple Rock Red Rock, Flying Dog Wild Dog coffee stout, North Coast Pranqster, St. Feuillien La Blanche and New Belgium La Fleur Misseur. Track changes to Beachwood BBQ’s 24-tap menu via HOP CAM

BLUE PALMS BREWHOUSE

Blue Palms drinkers are still reaping the rewards of residual kegs from Woodshop 5.1. Brian Lenzo’s tap list currently features options like Pizza Port San Clemente Bizon Belgian-style IPA, Port Carlsbad Poorman double IPA, Stone Old Guardian ’07, New Belgium Fall Wild Ale, Lagunitas Lucky 13, Triple Rock X and AleSmith Summer Yulesmith. Blue Palms is closed July 4.

BONEYARD BISTRO

According to bar manager Rory Snipes, “Coming up this week on draft we’ll add Speedway Stout, Allagash Curieux, Avery Maharaja, Saison Dupont and a few others, come drink beer!”

THE BOTTLE ROOM

According to yesterday’s update from chef-owner Tony Alcazar, “This week we feature: Stone 14th Anniversary Imperial IPA at 8.9%, 
Avery 17th Anniversary Dry Hopped Black Lager at 8.69%
, Russian River Blind Pig American IPA at 6.10%,
 Oskar Blues Gubna and Imperial IPA at 10%.”

THE DAILY PINT

Phil McGovern’s Santa Monica bar now features Ballast Point Yellowtail Pale Ale, Stone 14th Anniversary Emperial, and on cask, Stone IPA with Amarillo hops.

FIFTH AMENDMENT ALEHOUSE

According to co-owner Eden Noe, new beers include “Speakeasy porter, Weinstephaner Hefeweizen, Fat Tire Amber, Racer 5… we still have Russian River Consecration and eric’s ale for those who like sours.”

THE GOLDEN STATE

According to co-owner Jason Bernstein, the latest beers on draught at The Golden State Café are Craftsman 1903, Blue Frog – Frog on the Rye, The Bruery’s Humulus Gold, The Bruery’s Holiday Imperial Porter w/ Vanilla Bean, Stone 14th Anniversary, Port Mongo IPA, Port IV Anniversary, North Coast Old Rasputin and Jolly Pumpkin Oro de Calabaza.

LADYFACE ALEHOUSE & BRASSERIE

According to Ladyface rep Robyn Britton, “There’s a new release at Ladyface this Friday – “SAISON SAUVIGNON”! Saison is the French word for season and sauvignon comes from sauvage meaning wild. This summer farmhouse-style ale has soothed parched throats for centuries. Ours is indigenous to the west coast and aged in Semler Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc barrels. Orange peel and agave nectar make it fruity on the nose and Grains of Paradise give a peppery dryness to the finish. Rustic, earthy and 5.8% ABV, Saison Sauvignon is perfect for a ‘wild season’ of summer thirst quenching!

Cask of the Week is “Hot‘Lanta”, Ladyface’s own La Blonde infused with peach and mango. Also on tap at Ladyface – La Blanche Wit, La Blonde, Picture City Porter and Blind Ambition, Marin San Quentin Breakout Stout, Port Mongo IPA, Avery Maharaja and 17th Anniversary, Alesmith Summer Yulesmith, St. Bernardus Abt 12, Corsendonk Abbey Pale, Oskar Blues Lil Pils and a selection of ales from Russian River. Ladyface will be closed this Sunday, July 4. Have a friends, family, fun and fireworks-filled Fourth!”

LUCKY BALDWIN’S DELIRIUM CAFE

According to staffer Jamie, new beers at Lucky Baldwin’s eastern outpost include Port Brewing Wipeout, Russian River IPA, Port Brewing Hot Rocks, Russian River Blind Pig IPA, Port Brewing Hop 15 and Wyder’s Pear Cider.

SIMMZY’S

According to manager Pete Shuey, “Got some great stuff coming up for the Holiday weekend. For the hot summer days we’ve got Dogfish Head’s Festina Peche, a super light (4.5%) and refreshing neo-BerlinerWeisse style beer made with actual Peaches! We’ve also got Lagunitas “undercover investigation shutdown ale” a big, hoppy almost Imperial IPA in the true Lagunitas style. For more of the lighter stuff we’ve got Avery’s “White Rascal” a belgian style white or wheat beer that’s real citrusy and delicious. Last but not least, we were able to score a barrel of Rogue’s “Double Dead Guy” strong ale. It’s sure to please anyone who’s man enough to try! Thanks!”

STUFFED SANDWICH

According to co-owner Marlene Samaniego: The Surprise Brewery for this Month is: NORTH COAST BREWERY from Fort Bragg, California. Here’s the draft lineup:

THE SURLY GOAT

The Surly Goat currently features beers draught beers like AleSmith Yulesmith. The still have Mikkeller Beer Geek Breakfast and a cask of Ballast Point Victory at Sea with vanilla bean and extra Simcoe hops. Co-owner Ryan Sweeney said, “We’ve been aging it for eight months, so it’s mellowed out quite a bit.” Coming on: Russian River Blind Pig and Moonlight Left For Dead, a malty, dark lager.

VERDUGO BAR

Co-owner Ryan Sweeney just put on AleSmith Yulesmith, and will soon put on The Bruery Seven Grain Saison and Moonlight Waiting for Tips, brewed with redwood tips instead of hops. You’ll also find Oskar Blues Gubna and Jolly Pumpkin Oro de Calabaza.