Old Stock Ale 2011 & 2012

Comida pairings to try :

Sweet Vanilla Ice Cream

Gorditas (meat or vegan of choice) with ultra fresh flavors of chili, lime, and cilantro.

Glazed Trio of Carrots, Asparagus, and Brussel Sprouts

Picked up a couple of  up North Coast Brewing Old Stock Ales at the 2013 Sacramento Beer Week at our local Friday Night Pizza joint, Fat City Pizza. They got a few extra fridges for the occasion to enhance their awesome rotation of craft brews.

 +Ray Escamilla and I, were discussing how to go about tasting beers of different years. As we didn't come across any clear answers in our limited research, we decided to open both bottles and alternate sipping between the two (note: ABV 11.9% and 11.7%).

According to  this annual release is meant to age- so we decided to begin with the 2011, and were generally wondering if the 2012 would be too young overall .

The beer sat a deep rich amber-in-color in the glass. The first taste stuck to the tongue and gently hit the top of the throat, reassuring us that it was, indeed, a sipping beer. There was a sweetness to it that reminded me of maple or honey, but which later I described as molasses. It was delightful mouthful of sticky goodness that hinted at a delicate anise flavor. 

The 2012 had a much stronger initial flavor that was definitely hoppy and left a breathiness of alcohol that reminded us of. While I could imagine Comida and occasion pairings for the 2012, It was decided that the it definitely needed to age another year. The smoothness and mellowed-bite of the 2011 just allowed the subtler flavors to linger. Let's hope a few more bottles are available for me to sample this special treat again.

The Search begins

        It seems rare for an establishment to get both beer AND food right. Beer joints need to step up their game in the food department. I'm not talking about peanuts at your bar stool, or places that only offer one or two snacks, but full on breweries, brewpubs and other restaurants pimping craft beers.

And so my search begins.

While out shopping for second hand baby goods, my mom and I stopped by Dad's Kitchen on Freeport Blvd in Sacramento. I had been to the place once a few years back to listen to some live music and enjoy beer with friends. On this occasion we were pretty hungry and they seemed to have a variety of menu items to choose from so we decided to brave eating out with my eight-month-old baby in tow. Turns out the place offers a rotating selection of craft beers and is on board with the 'local organic' movement- (something not only aligned with my lifestyle but simply necessary in 2013. )

To drink we tried the Two Rivers Cider Co. Raspberry Cider. I am a big fan of their blood orange cider and they have not yet done me wrong with any of their offerings (Hop Cider anyone?). The raspberry cider was not too bold and yet not too sweet or fruity either. Their ciders have a light refreshing taste and light body with a crisp mouthfeel. 

To eat we shared Dad's Blue Cheese Habanero specialty fries. Delish- with the taste of real creamy blue cheese (not container crumbles) and a subtle yet surely there habanero kick. We also had the house salad. While it is found on most every restaurant, bar, and cafe menu, it can be a place to show what kind of food you plan on serving up. In fact, it should be. In Dad's case they made their own very tasty ranch dressing, and seemed to make their own croutons, and all the ingredients were obviously fresh. Main downside of the salad was the not-so-hot tomato in out-of-tomato-season sacra-tomato. To finish we shared the Hot Blonde- an organic chicken sandwich that turned out to be presented chopped as a warm chicken salad. The chicken was seasoned well and served with a nice garlic mustard on sourdough bread.

Dad's Kitchen has the right idea. Our food  choices did hold up to our fermented beverage of choice. Looking forward to returning for more sampling!

http://ilovedadskitchen.com/

http://www.tworiverscider.com/

Up soon: the search for the Chile Verde of Pub Comida.

My current Mission

Welcome! I am looking forward to drinking a bit of beer this year and am inspired to both review beers and also find perfect pub food!  

Current Mission
1) Earn my chops pairing food with beer. (Both while finding the perfect pub food and preparing fresh meals at home.)

2) Expand my understanding of the complexity of beer tasting and of the various styles of beer. (Drink more beer and become more familiar with my own preferences.)