Showing posts with label brewery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brewery. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Coconut Moons Stout


Last September, I drank a locally handcrafted beer that was deliciously the best in my book. (I wrote about the beer here.) Made by Brewery Twenty Five, I didn't think they could top their Many Moons Stout. Ha!

One month ago (January 23), at Running Rooster, the Husband and I drank what I consider the best handcrafted beer I've tasted thus far. Coconut Moons Stout, which is also made by Brewery Twenty Five. Mmmmmmmm.  We paired the beer with a slice of rich thick chocolate cake. A sip of beer, a bite of cake. Repeat. Repeat. Again, repeat. Yummmmmmmmm. 


Thursday, September 17, 2015

Brewery Twenty Five


Yesterday morning, the Husband and I read on Facebook that Brewery Twenty Five delivered a freshly brewed keg of stout beer in Hollister. Our quest was on to get a taste of the beer handcrafted by local brewers Sean and Fran Fitzharris. We knew it could only be deliciously out of this world. And, if we didn't act fast, we would miss out yet again on tasting their brew.

Although the young couple established Brewery Twenty Five a couple of years ago, it has only been in the last few months that they have started selling their beer to retail outlets. Because the beer is brewed in small amounts, Brewery Twenty Five is not at the point yet to have a regular delivery schedule. When you hear that so-and-so has it on tap, be sure to get there tout de suite. It won't be available for long.

So, where can you find Brewery Twenty Five on tap from time to time? Running Rooster in Hollister and Bear's Hideaway in San Juan Bautista. And, soon, Vertigo Coffee in San Juan Bautista will be serving it.


Yesterday evening, the Husband and I did end up drinking a pint of the brewery's Many Moons Stout. It was absolutely amazing and very smooth. After a couple of sips, I was no longer in a grouchy mood. I think it tastes better than Guinness, and at one point the stout reminded me of Courvesier.

The delightful Sean and Fran happened to be at the Running Rooster bar last night. They told us that beer was made with an expresso blend from Vertigo Coffee and cacao nibs from TCHO, a chocolate company in the SF Bay area. I can imagine making an ice cream float with Many Moons Stout. Yummm!


Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Hollister Hills Taproom & Brewery


Two Sundays ago, after a hot day of hiking up and down the deAnza Trail  in San Juan Bautista, the Husband and I longed for an ice cold beer. But, we weren't in the mood for going to one of the bars in San Juan or to either of the two beer pubs in Hollister. Nor were we interested in going to the market to buy a six-pack. Yeah, I know, picky, picky.

As we drove back to Hollister, the Husband suddenly said, "Maybe the new brewery is open." So, we swung by. And, wouldn't you know it. Open!

The Hollister Hills Taproom and Brewery was exactly where we wanted to be. It is a small, intimate establishment that serves various microbrewery beers on tap, including its own brew. That Sunday, it was Red Beard.  (Last Saturday, it was Easy like Sunday Morning). Oh, did that beer hit the spot. (So did the one on Saturday after a hot day at the county fair.)

The brewery is owned by two couples—Sean and Fran, and Chuck and JoAnn (who own Relax! Grillin & Chillin). We met Sean, Chuck, and JoAnn. Very cool people.

Sean gave us a tour of their nanobrewery. Yes, that's what he called the small room where they do their magic. They only brew small amounts of a beer at a time. They started brewing beer a few years ago. We thought they had been doing it much longer because of the passionate and joyous vibes that Sean gave out as he spoke about all that goes into crafting beer, including the choice of hops and other ingredients. I should've taken notes, but by then I was already "happy" from sipping the Red Beard so my notes wouldn't have made sense later on anyway.

Hollister Hills serves non-alcoholic beverages (their own brewed root beer, for example) and artisan fare.  They try to use fresh, local ingredients. What I like is the choice of ordering full or half portions of a sandwich, which comes with a side of macaroni, potato, or green salad.  We tried the Rueben and the  French Pig—prosciutto, brie, and apple slices on ciabatta. The potato salad was yummy, but the macaroni salad reminded us of Hawaii. Yep, that tasty.

Hollister Hills is open daily. Monday to Friday, 11a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. It's located in the Clock Tower Plaza on McCray Street. It's next to Subway Sandwiches and kitty corner from the pet store. Its exact address is 401 McCray Street, Suite B24. Click here to visit its Web site, and here to visit its  Facebook page.

Note to FCC: Nobody paid me or gave me free samples to write about this establishment. So, there.

ShareThis

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails