10 Craft Beverages to Try in California
It should come as no surprise that California is full of creative craft beverages, but how do you narrow down the list of ones you absolutely have to try the next time you’re there? We’ve done the research and compiled a list of the 10 craft brews, meads and ciders you can’t afford to miss out on in the Golden State.
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1. Fundamental Observation by Bottle Logic Brewing
Bottle Logic Brewing has a reputation for creating “mind-blowing beer,” and Fundamental Observation is no exception. This imperial vanilla stout is in the Stasis Project collection, which is all about aging beers in barrels to deepen the flavors and heighten the complexity. This particular brew was aged in four different bourbon barrels and blended with vanilla beans to give it a rich and warm flavor.
2. Pliny the Younger by Russian River Brewing Company
How can anyone resist a beer called Pliny the Younger? Named after a man who lived almost 2,000 years ago, this Triple IPA is the follow-up creation to Russian River Brewing Company’s Pliny the Elder, which is one of their most popular Double IPAs. If you enjoy hoppy flavors and full-bodied brews, you’re going to love this one.
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3. Parabola by Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Firestone Walker Brewing describes Parabola as their “bold, balanced and brilliant.” It’s a one-of-a-kind Russian imperial stout that ages for a full year in premium bourbon barrels before being released to craft brew connoisseurs in limited quantities. With bold flavors of coffee, chocolate, vanilla, charred oak and black cherry, Parabola is one of those drinks you’ll return to again and again – and find yourself recommending to all your friends.
4. Duck Duck Gooze by The Lost Abbey
If you’ve never tried a sparkling beer, you’ll want to add Duck Duck Gooze by The Lost Abbey to your list. First released in 2009 and re-released again in later years, this oak-aged, Belgian-style sour comes out in small quantities once every three years. While it can be difficult to come by, you can sometimes find it on the vintage list at the brewery tasting room. It’s a tart drink with hints of leather and oak thanks to the barrel aging process, and is one of the most sought-after beverages in the state.
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5. California Orange Blossom by Heidrun Meadery
California produces most of the country’s almonds, whose blossoms are pollinated by none other than the humble honeybee. Is it any wonder, then, that you can find some of the finest mead in the United States right here in California? Heidrun Meadery produces a fan favorite known as the California Orange Blossom. As its name implies, this luscious drink is often compared to champagne but tastes unmistakably like springtime in the Golden State.
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6. Speedway Stout by AleSmith Brewing Company
Stouts are notoriously dark, but Speedway Stout takes it to a whole new level. Famous for its “pitch black” coloring, this imperial coffee stout is brimming with hints of chocolate roasted malts alongside fruit, toffee and caramel flavors. To top it all off, AleSmith incorporates locally roasted coffee into each batch. It packs a punch with an impressive 12% ABV, but this is one drink you don’t want to miss.
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7. Hard Apple & Honey Cider by Red Branch Cider
Even the beer drinkers will be tempted to have a sip of the Hard Apple & Honey Cider from Red Branch Cider in Sunnyvale, California. This small batch cidery is dedicated to producing the finest beverages possible with a focus on quality and consistency to get there. If they don’t think their products are good enough to offer their own family and friends, they aren’t going to sell them to the public. But trust us when we say their Hard Apple & Honey Cider is one for the books.
8. West Ashley by Sante Adairius Rustic Ales
Sante Adairius is a small brewery in Santa Cruz County that loves to work outside the box to create drinks with big, bold flavors. They’re heavily inspired by Belgian traditions, and many of their brews age in wine barrels to increase their flavor and complexity. They have an abundance of excellent offerings, but we think you should start with the beloved West Ashley. It may get its start as a simple saison, but it transforms into a real crowd pleaser after aging with apricots in pinot noir barrels.
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9. Citra by Kern River Brewing Company
The only thing better than enjoying a crisp, cold drink on a warm California day is enjoying it at Kern River Brewing at the gateway of the Sequoia National Forest. In addition to their extensive tap selection, they also offer food so you can settle in for an afternoon of good eats and even better drinks. As any craft beer aficionado might guess, their Citra Double IPA is heavy on the Citra hops, making for a strong and refreshing drink to enjoy all year round.
10. Scurvy Mary Cider by Twisted Horn Mead
Can anyone resist trying a drink called Scurvy Mary Cider? Twisted Horn Mead has a knack for clever naming, but they’ve also got an aptitude for mixing “Old World style with New World creativity” to present the public with some of the finest ciders and meads you’ll ever taste. Scurvy Mary is a crisp cider overflowing with flavors of grapefruit and rosemary, and it’s definitely the one to start with if you’re new to Twisted Horn or hard cider.