The weekend’s top beer option is undoubtedly Craft Beer Fest L.A. Los Angeles Craft and Artisanal Beer Appreciation League (LA Cabal) is hosting the event on Saturday from 2 PM – 9 PM at the Echoplex. Craft Beer Fest L.A. features 26 beers from California breweries like The Bruery (Placentia), Craftsman (Pasadena), Port Brewing (San Marcos), Lost Abbey (San Marcos) and Telegraph (Santa Barbara). You’ll also find Scoops stout gelato, beer cupcakes, vegan “pub grub” from Pure Luck, gourmet bar nuts and artisan cheese pairings from Hot Knives. Expect “a slew of local bands,” tips from brewers and cheese lectures. The pre-sale sold out, but $30 tickets are available at the door. Proceeds benefit 826LA, the nonprofit tutor program and children’s writing workshop founded by author Dave Eggers.
Now for the meat of the L.A. BEER BLAST. This weekly newsletter is designed to let Food GPS readers know about what’s new at select L.A. bars and restaurants with great beer selections. Expect a new L.A. BEER BLAST every Thursday evening, in time for the weekend rush. SUBSCRIBE to Food GPS and you’ll receive the L.A. BEER BLAST by e-mail.
BLUE PALMS BREWHOUSE
6124 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, 323 464 2337
May 12-17, it’s American Craft Beer Week at Blue Palms. Proprietor Brian Lenzo is encouraging beer drinkers to sign a declaration of beer independence. Bring the declaration to Blue Palms and the Hollywood Wilshire YMCA will receive a dollar donation from the purchase of each beer.
A different craft brewer will bring something special each night:
May 12: Lagunitas Brewery
May 13: Moylans & Marin Brewery
May 14: Rubicon Brewery
May 15: Stone Brewery
May 16: Firestone Walker Brewing
On May 16, Prime Rib will be paired with a vertical tasting of Firestone Walker anniversary beers. And that’s not all. The Firkins will perform live.
On May 17 from 7 – 9 PM, Blue Palms will raffle off prizes and beer swag for all declaration signers. You’ll also be able to enjoy remaining specials from the week’s featured craft brewers.
BoHo
6372 West Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, 323 465 8500
NEW ON DRAFT
DAILY PINT
2310 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, 310 450 7631
NEW ON TAP
Wexford Irish Cream Ale that was popular during St. Patrick’s Day.
CASKS FOR THIS WEEKEND
Now: Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale w/Simcoe, Chinook hops
On Deck: Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale w/Columbus hops
THE GOLDEN STATE
426 North Fairfax Avenue, Fairfax, 323 782 8331
Here’s last night’s update from co-owner Jason Bernstein:
“If I’m REALLY lucky, I’ll get a keg of Firestone Lil’ Opal which is there ultra rare saison. Brian has it at Blue Palms but as far as I know, that’s about it for Los Angeles. I do have Alesmith’s Old Numbskull, their barleywine, on tap. It drinks very easily without some of the syrup-y sweetness that pervades many a barleywine. We just got in Alesmith IPA on draft which has to be one of the easiest drinking West Coast IPA’s around. Smells like grapefruit.”
LUCKY BALDWIN’S
17 South Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, 626 795 0652
Lucky Baldwin’s Barleywine Festival is still going strong, including high-alcohol beers, stouts and 8 years of Sierra Nevada Bigfoot (2001 -2008). Other options: Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye, Buffalo Stout, Lost Coast Old Ale, Speakeasy Big Daddy Barleywine and AleSmith Horny Devil.
LUCKY BALDWIN’S DELIRIUM CAFE
21 Kersting Court, Sierra Madre, 626 355 1140
NEW ON TAP
VERDUGO BAR
3408 Verdugo Road, Glassell Park, 323 257 3408
NEW ON DRAFT
NEW BOTTLES
Verdugo co-owner Ryan Sweeney also wanted to let L.A. Beer Blast readers know they just broke out a case of Russian River Consecration. These bottles will go fast.
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