SAN FRANCISCO — The world is better with more hops — especially these freshly tapped brews finding their way from craft breweries into the hearts of Bay Area taprooms. Buckle up and get ready to try these new and local releases.
East Bay
Epidemic Ales — Total destruction of the taste buds come in the form of Epidemic Ale’s new Irish Red Plague Ale. This ale wreaks total destruction with its deceptively “bright” and “malty” notes that representatives swear by. With a “slightly dry finish,” this Irish-Red obliterates at a 5 percent alcohol.
San Francisco
(Photo: Epidemic Ales)
Anchor Brewing — A collaboration of sorts not often seen in the beer world, Anchor Brewing has teamed up with the San Francisco Giants to debut the limited edition Orange Splash Lager. At 5.2 percent alcohol, the beer is a refreshing, crushable lager, and a perfect companion to cheer on The Giants this season. The beer is canned and can be found at local markets where Anchor is sold, as well as on tap at local bars and restaurants.
Cellarmaker — Spring weather makes some envision notes of pine and citrus. This proves true for the flavors of Cellarmaker new pale ale, coined, “Return of the Gorch.” Characterized by its Simcoe, comet and Amarillo hops, this pale ale is described by the brewing company as “juicy” with “fresh cut pine.” The citrus-laden ale clocks in at a 5.8% Alcohol level.
Establishing dominance in the Bay Area is Cellarmaker’s new Alpha Redux IPA. This India-Pale ale is described by their FaceBook page as “fresh”and “aromatic,” this IPA contains powerful “malt complexities” and American hop character, which wows at an impressive 7.4 percent alcohol.
After a long day, nothing sounds better than putting on your favorite lounge sweatpants. Cellarmaker Brewing understands this and collaborated with Brooklyn’s Other Half Brewing, creating the new double IPA called “Double Comfy Pants.” According to Cellarmaker Brewing Co. representative, this IPA contains hints of “coconuts,” “tangy grapefruit pith,” and “peach.” It finishes at a smooth 8.6 percent alcohol.
Mama always said to get your three servings of fruit a day. What better way to honor that request but by listening? Tumbling its way into the Bay Area is the newly released Cantaloupe Island IPA, which is distinguished by its hops of “HBC 344,” and “Citra.” This brew refreshes with notes of blueberry, cedar, mango and melon. It levels off at 7.1 percent alcohol.
South Bay
(Photo: Cellarmaker)
El Toro Brewpub — Craving some citrus? Splashing into the spring season is El Toro Brewpub’s newly released Blood Orange IPA. Described by brewpub representative for its intense infusion of blood orange, and bursts of hoppiness, this beer holds its own at 6.8 percent alcohol.
For those craving a more mild and approachable ale, look no farther than the new El Toro Happy Hour Extra Pale Ale. Characterized by its “mild toastiness” and “light hops,” this ale is considered by representatives, as a classic extra pale ale, which welcomes all at a 4.5 percent alcohol level.
Peninsula
Alpha Acid — New to the Belmont taproom is their Kiwi Fury double IPA. Hopped with Rakau and German Hallertau, this fresh hop bomb comes out at 9.6 percent alcohol and is available on tap and in growlers.
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