The burgeoning craft brew scene in Santa Barbara provides a multitude of premium suds and a sense of local community. Share a pitcher over a game of cornhole on a warm Saturday afternoon, catch some live music and a late night pint, or sample a few flights from one of S.B.’s “hopping” craft breweries this fall.
We surveyed a few local brewmasters to see what’s on tapfor fall.
(from left to right)
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.: David Traille, Head Brewer. "Our 6th Anniversary Grand Cru Ale, aged in apple pear brandy, grape brandy and whiskey barrels over the past year, will be available just in time for our 6th Anniversary celebration on Saturday, November 26th. Available in 22oz. bottles and on draught, this aromatic crowd-pleaser is the perfect beer to give as a gift over the holidays or to savor for yourself."
Draughtsmen Aleworks: Reno King, Head Hops Wrangler. Crimson & Clover, 6.0%, 28IBU. "Not heavy and easy to drink with a malty and caramel backbone. Ruby hue. English crystal & roasted malts. Dry. Strawberry. Cherry. Chocolate."
Pure Order James Burge, Brewmaster/Owner: "We're bringing back the Hometown Brown; it's a malt forward beer with a light hop aroma and caramel, toasted notes on the finish. It was a popular beer amongst the regulars. Last season we used our homegrown hops in this beer, but this year we'll be sourcing the hops from somewhere else local (R.I.P. Hops Garden)."
(from left to right)
The Brewhouse: Casey Smith (left) and Pete Johnson (right). Drawing a Blanc – Wine Harvest Saison. "Santa Barbara County is wine country and fall is grape harvest season. We’ve blended the orange and peppery notes of Saison beer with the citrus and tropical fruit flavors of Sauvignon Blanc grapes to create an intriguing hybrid of the world’s two greatest beverages."
Telegraph Brewing Company: Peter Baer, Head Brewer. "Telegraph Winter Ale, a beer inspired by Mexican-style hot chocolate, will be released in October. This dark ale, brewed with cinnamon, allspice, and Ancho chiles, has a subtle spiciness and a rich, dark chocolate aroma that is perfect for enjoying on cool autumn nights paired with grilled meats or with desserts."
Brass Bear Brewing: Seth and Lindsay Anderson, Brew Team. "Our Fall Fruit Gose - style Beer will showcase our favorite fruit - apricots. It’s a fun pairing with our thresher shark skewers!"