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.

The biggest promotional event for the College of the Canyons Culinary Arts Program is taking place on Sunday, March 28. Professor Gev Kazanchyan is organizing an event titled “Men are from Malt, Women are from Vinos” pitting Beer vs. Wine in a six-course meal. With each course, every guest gets a beer and wine pairing along with a vote. Wine ringleader Elizabeth Schweitzer is the only master sommelier in Los Angeles and one of only six female master sommeliers on the planet. She’s currently working to assemble a supporting team of top tasters. Team beer consists of six local experts: Manneken-Brussel Imports & Lost Coast Brewery rep Jay Baum, Beachwood BBQ chef-owner Gabe Gordon, Blue Palms Brewhouse proprietor Brian Lenzo, Stone Brewing Co. sales rep Nate Sellergren, Verdugo Bar/The Surly Goat co-owner Ryan Sweeney and Fifth Amendment Alehouse beer consultant Dave Watrous. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND TO RESERVE SEATS.

On March 16 from 7 PM – 10 PM, Eagle Rock Brewery is exploring Trappist ales during their second Beer Education Class. The Raubs will discuss the history and production of these Abbey-style beers, and you’ll taste several examples. Space is limited to 30 participants, the registration fee is $30 and non-refundable. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

This week, Brew & You columnist Sean Inman recommends several California brewed beers in a post titled “Welcome to California (Beer)”.

BEACHWOOD BBQ
131 Main Street, Seal Beach, 562 493 4500

New draught options at Gabriel Gordon’s noted Seal Beach beer bar include Ballast Point Big Eye IPA with ginger, Oscar Blues Old Chub, AleSmith X, Port Brewing Serpent Stout, Ballast Point Abandon Ship Smoked Lager, Big Sky Robust Porter and Rubicon IPA. Track changes to Gordon’s 24-tap blackboard menu via HOP CAM.

BLUE PALMS BREWHOUSE
6124 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, 323 464 2337

As of last night, Blue Palms proprietor Brian Lenzo’s beer list included Gouden Hopsinjou, Aecht Schlenkerla Eiche, Bootleggers’ “76” Anniversary ale, Firestone Velvet Merkin, North Coast Old Stock, Ace Hard Cider and a cask of Firestone Union Jack.

THE DAILY PINT
2310 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, 310 450 7631

The tap selection at Phil McGovern’s Santa Monica bar now includes Green Flash West Coast IPA, Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, Stone Old Guardian Barleywine and on cask: Stone Smoked Porter with vanilla bean and Stone Ruination double IPA.

THE FIFTH AMENDMENT ALEHOUSE
129 Broadway, Santa Monica, 310 386 1428

According to resident beer expert Dave “Gueuze Hound” Watrous, new beers include Anchor Steam Ale, Eagle Rock Libertine – Imperial Amber Wit, AleSmith Speedway Stout, Port Mongo double IPA, Fifth Amendment Amber Ale (private label), Allagash White, Babycham English Cider, New Belgium Ranger IPA and Stone Cali Belgique.

Also, On March 10 at 7 PM, Fifth Amendment welcomes Speakeasy Brewing Company. Speakeasy reps Meg Gill and Tommy Yracheta are bringing Brewer’s Reserve Old Godfather Barleywine, White Lightning American Wheat Ale, Payback Porter, and Scarface Stout.

THE GOLDEN STATE
426 North Fairfax Avenue, Fairfax, 323 782 8331

According to The Golden State co-owner Jason Bernstein, new kegs include Marin White Knuckle IPA, Avery Dugana, Moylan’s Hopsickle, Craftsman Honesty Ale and Deschutes Abyss.

LADYFACE ALEHOUSE & BRASSERIE
29281 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, 818 477 4566

According to Ladyface rep Robyn Britton, “Brewer Dave’s Cask of the Week is “Vitamin I”, a healthy infusion of orange peel and Simcoe Hops with Ladyface’s own IPA. With lots of citrus character, it’s so good, it’s practically health-food.

On tap are Ladyface’s La Blonde, IPA, La Blanche Wit, Picture City Porter, and our Trois Filles Tripel is back. Joining them are Lost Abbey Devotion, Delirium Tremens, Port Shark Attack and 6 others, including the long awaited return of St Bernardus ABT 12.

We just added Russian River Supplication to our cellar of select ales. Great for spring are DeProef/Port Collaboration, Castelain Bier de Garde and Saison Dupont. All our bottled guest beers are available “to go” as well as growlers of our own brews.”

LIBRARY ALEHOUSE
2911 Main Street, Santa Monica, 310 314 4855

According to sustainability manager Tom Kelley, “We still have on Stone IPA, Avery IPA, and Moylan’s IPA as well as a few glasses of Port Mongo.

Coming up this weekend we will have our first keg of the Dark Heather Saison from New Belgium, which is the new beer from the Lips of Faith series. As well, we will have Port Brewing’s Midnight Sessions, North Coast Brother Thelonius, Flying Dog’s Raging Bitch, and the Bruery’s Mélange No. Sechs. Black Tot, the 3rd release of Avery’s barrel aged series, is now available in bottle. Only 300 cases made.”

Library Alehouse also has a number of events planned. On March 9, Meet the Brewers from Bootlegger’s Brewery in Fullerton, who are bringing Black Phoenix, their coffee chipotle porter. On March 16, it’s Dogfish Head Brewery Night. West Coast rep Bryant Gouldings will debut Aprihop and bring some “surprises.” Finally, on March 21, beginning at 11 AM, it’s a Beer Geek Breakfast, with a keg of Mikkeller Beer Geek Breakfast, Brioche French toast (made with the beer) and maple smoked bacon for $15. To reserve a spot, call Tom Kelley at 310-314-4855, or e-mail [email protected].

LUCKY BALDWIN’S
17 South Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, 626 795 0652

On March 5 @ 6 PM, Lucky Baldwin’s Old Pasadena flagship is hosting Hair of the Dog founder Alan Sprints, who’s bringing Adam 2001, Doggie Claws 2003, Fred 2003, Doggie Claws 2007, Fred 2007, Adam 2009, Fred 2009, Blue Dot and a mystery keg.

Also, just when you thought it was over, Lucky Baldwin’s is tapping Pliny the Younger on March 13 & March 14. They’ll also have several other Russian River beers that weekend: Pliny the Elder, Supplication, Blind Pig IPA, Damnation and IPA.

LUCKY BALDWIN’S DELIRIUM CAFE
21 Kersting Court, Sierra Madre, 626 355 1140

The Belgian Beer Fest has been extended until they run dry at the Lucky Baldwin’s eastern outpost. Saison Dupont is the sponsor. Expect a glass, T-shirt and beer special for $22, with $1 off refills with the glass. There’s also a glass and beer special for $13. Bring your glass back all year for a $1 discount.

NAJA’S PLACE
154 International Boardwalk, Redondo Beach, 310 376 9951

According to Assistant GM Martin Svab, Ballast Point Brewing Nite @ Naja’s is 
tonight from 8 PM – 11 PM. The line-up includes Yellowtail Pale Ale, Big Eye IPA w/ Ginger, Sculpin IPA, Sculpin IPA on Cask, Victory At Sea Vanilla Coffee Imperial Porter, Victory At Sea Bourbon Barrel Aged on Nitro, Cocoa Black Marlin Porter and 3 Sheets Barleywine- Syrah Barrel Aged. The beers are available by flights or by the glass.

Other than Ballast Point, Naja’s new beers on draft are Sierra Nevada Golden Ticket, Rodenbach Grand Cru (2008), Coronado Skipper’s Best Bitter, Shmaltz Rejewvenator 2009, Port Hop 15, Allagash Curieux, Strand Tax Seasonal, Craftsman Honesty Ale and Fullers ESB.

STUFFED SANDWICH
1145 East Las Tunas Drive, San Gabriel, 626 285 9161

Here’s the update from co-owner Marlene Samaniego:

This month our surprise brewery is Shmaltz Brewing Company from New York. We will be showcasing beers from both of their lines: He’Brew and Coney Island!

THE SURLY GOAT
7929 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, 323 650 4628

At last check, The Surly Goat’s tap list included Sierra Nevada Glissade golden bock, New Belgium Le Fleur Misseur, Kern River Just Outstanding IPA, Hair of the Dog Fred, Duvel Green, Craftsman Honesty Ale and Eagle Rock Brewery Manifesto.

Also, on March 20 from 6 PM – 9ish, The Surly Goat is hosting BrewDog managing director James Watt, who’s bringing a keg of Tokyo and bottles of Tactical Nuclear Penguin.