Year's End Summary... Of Sorts

Here it is New Year's Eve and I'm still trying to get caught up! So much happening this past week, homewise (still on the market) and beerwise (new brewery visit). Fumigation of the house forced us to take refuge in a 4-star hotel in Berkeley for two nights (rough, I know). Fortunately, the Claremont's location put us close to Catos Ale House in Oakland's Piedmont neighborhood (see beer menu below) and a visit to Freight and Salvage coffee house to hear David Grisman put us near Jupiter Brewpub (their menu is below as well) which is owned by Drakes Brewing of San Leandro and required a visit as well. Triple Rock Brewing, also owned by Drakes, is in the same neighborhood on Shattuck. Busy, busy, busy.
I have wanted to visit Drakes for a long time, since their IPA is one of my faves and shows up often here in Sonoma county. So, last Friday was the day! 

Drakes produces a lot of beers!

 For tasting, Kay and I chose 5 ($8 fee) from the long list, trying for beers that were new to us. In the sampler photo, starting clockwise from the left, we have their Amber (5.9% abv), Winter Oasis, a strong amber (7.1%), Red Eye red ale (6.5%) which was our hands down favorite, Black Robusto Porter (6.3%) and Drakonic, an imperial stout (8.7%).

Tasting lineup

We were disappointed to learn that Drakes does not bottle the Red Eye red ale... growlers only at the brewery or find it at a knowledgeable pub!

Other part of the menu

Good size samplers; difficult decisions to be made.

The "after" photo. The Drakonic was not as popular as the others.

Bourbon barrels contain some upcoming releases.

Jupiter had some really interesting choices that night.

Cato's Ale House menu for the day.

Linden Brewing's Black Lager with pork sandwich; good pairing