Planet of Doom

Good People Drink Good Beer

Posted on May 31, 2011

I'm in DC and it's Capital Beer Week. There is plenty to do before Savor kicks off this weekend. So, being a huge fan of Flying Dog and always trying to stop at Kramerbooks when I'm in town, it only made sense to stop by Flying Dog's Happy Hour at Kramerbooks. Flying Dog CEO Jim Caruso and Anita Thompson, widow of the late Hunter S Thompson were the guests of honor. Jim spoke about the passion he has for beer, the growth he's experienced with his company and his relationship with Hunter S. Thompson and Ralph Steadman.

Elizabeth Stewart and Jim.

Anita Thompson and her guest, former UN Ambassador Clovis Maksoud.

Jim signing books.

As the great Hunter S. Thompson said, "Good people drink good beer". It's simple but very, very true.

The Bruery’s 3rd Anniversary

Posted on May 29, 2011

In just 3 years The Bruery has accomplished a lot. They're all very admirable and inspiring people. With the volume of things they've accomplished in just a few years, it's really pretty incredible to see them still holding their pace. They threw a party for all of their followers and provided only their best beers to share with the crowd. On top of that, 18 different California based breweries came to pour their own goods and pay tribute to another year gone well.

16 full pours and only 3 hours to figure it out. Life is tough.

I hope one day the posh celebrity scene gives up Cristal and realizes you can be equally pretentious with beers like Chocolate Rain (I really don't though). I've had the chance to try this before and it was incredible. Black Tuesday aged on cacao nips and vanilla beans, its simply ridiculous. With bottles reselling for up to $400 a piece it made perfect sense for this beer to run out in the first 10 minutes of the event.

The crowd.

The cocktail bar. I hope that guy wasn't too lonely back there.

King, Tyler.

Hanger 24 dudes.

Charles Bakofsky and Jeremy Raub from Eagle Rock Brewery. On a side note, there was a really cool article written about Charles a while back, check it out.

Noble Ale Works crew getting weird.

Michael Rue, president and more importantly father to the Rue brothers, Patrick and Casey. He usually works behind the scenes and is rarely spotted. A lot of thanks goes to this man for helping build this company along side his two sons. Here's to Michael and all the other members of the Cool Dad Club.

Jason Bernstein, owner of The Golden State (on the right) and his friend. If you want a place that offers an incredible burger, stop by his resturant if you're in the Fairfax neighborhood.

The man of the day, Patrick Rue. Happy 3rd year. I'm sure we'll be seeing plenty of you in the coming years. Thanks for everything you've done and good luck staying on that golden road.

All packed up. My next stop is in less than 24 hours. I'll be in DC for Savor and all the events leading up to it during Capital Beer Week.

Old Pal of Yesterday

Posted on May 22, 2011

Dylan Ethier. He makes music and resides in Nashville.

This man has been a close friend of mine for well over half my life. Growing up together, living together, and so on. It's been years since last seeing him, so we had a well deserved reunion. Catching up and remembering the times.

Take some time, listen to him.

It’s the End of the World As We Know It

Posted on May 21, 2011

Today marks the long predicted end of humanity, The Rapture. I wasn't sure what most people do on an occasion like this but I decided to visit my good pal Casey to take some time and hang out at the infamous Self Edge LA. This spot is very well recognized in the denim world along side it's predecessor locations and offers some of the finest denim brands the world has to offer. Yes, blue jeans are just 'blue jeans' to most people and that's reasonable. But like anything, people find a way to improve upon the median and provide a premium alternative to an already outstanding tangible product. In this case, denim.

Casey getting his chainstitch on using a Union Special Chainstitching Machine. The unique thing about these machines is that they were built just before the 1920's and there are roughly 10-20 of them left in the world (Self Edge owning three of these between all their locations). The parts aren't just expensive, they're nearly impossible to find. People come from ridiculous distances just to have their jeans hemmed on a Union Special. Most enthusiasts get little boners for this stuff. I'm obviously guilty too.

Soda bottle collection.

Got attacked with adorableness by this little guy.

Next up was Beer Belly. A newly opened beer bar in central Koreatown. With it being their second day open, you'd think they'd had a local following for years. The place was packed. With 12 rotating taps, several bottle options and a menu of beyond incredible food, their early following isn't much of a surprise.

Meet Yume and Jimmy Han, the founders and proud owners of Beer Belly. This team is admirable to say the least, they've taken on a huge project and remodeled this place from the ground up. True entrepreneurs. So far, it appears their ambition and business model is already starting to pay off. Start looking forward to what these two have have planned in the next coming years as Beer Belly continues to gain popularity in the craft beer world.

Jimmy brought us a couple things to try out. One them was this thing. I may have not been carried to heaven today, but this deep fried Twinkie brought me pretty close.

If you're in the Los Angeles area, stop in and show this place some love. The people are great, the food is great, and most of all the beer is awesome.

Special Occasions

Posted on May 15, 2011

I had briefly mentioned this in an earlier post, but friends of mine asked me if I'd be willing to make some beer for their wedding. I saw no reason not to. Initially I wasn't aware of the volume they'd be requesting. Its actually more than I've ever made in a month, let alone a few days. It required 6 brewing sessions and roughly 24 hours of time in the course of 2 days, but I was up for the task. I was actually honored they'd even consider this since there are plenty of other options out there besides relying on your weirdo basement-brewer friend. Not to mention the potential odds of failing miserably. Ha ha. But even with my own doubts, I was able to put my anxieties to rest. The project has actually turned out really well and has far exceeded my expectations. Here's to hoping it'll impress them and their guests at least half as much. Thanks Pat and Hollyn for sharing the opportunity to do this. Again, congratulations.

Another friend's request. Super secret.

Break time. Cedar smoked buffalo-bacon-three-cheese-garlic-prosciutto-wrapped burgers with a bottle of Moinette Brune? Alright.