Alesmith Archives

Capitol Summit, Gin and Bourbon with IPA + Select Chili

Brew & You
September 15, 2016

February 21, 2022

Last weekend, I flew north to the State’s Capital for a (Golden) State of the (Beer) Union. The second California Craft Brewers Association Summit drew a big crowd of brewers, vendors and beer lovers...

10 Great California Barleywines

Brew & You
January 29, 2015

November 25, 2020

Before I make my California barleywine choices clear, here’s a little history to muddle up the picture. Barleywine as a style unto its own has both evolved and changed course since its first tentative...

10 Great California Coffee Beers

Brew & You
March 20, 2014

March 25, 2024

If brewers can create something magical with malt and roasters can find fabulous flavors in a bean, then just imagine what the combination can do. Thankfully, in California, we don’t have to wishful thinking. ...

10 Great California Stouts

Brew & You
November 7, 2013

March 27, 2024

Now that we are firmly in the grip of our mellow California autumn, it is time to turn our attention to the stout style of beer. I am not talking about the imperial or...

10 Top California IPAs

Brew & You
August 8, 2013

January 12, 2024

It appears that the IPA (India Pale Ale) bubble refuses to burst, unless you count beers bursting with more and more bitterness with each passing year. There are single hop, white or black, Imperial,...