Beer in Napa Valley??
Recently, we had friends visiting, and I was well aware that one of them appreciated wine while her husband enjoyed beer. One would think this is a challenge in one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world. Interestingly, the expanse of libations includes those made with hops and barley. Wine drinkers are not alone in their quest for aromas and taste. Beer itself has taken a big step forward in that same arena. I did my research to share some great stops with them.
Our first stop was St. Clair Brown, located on Vallejo Street in downtown Napa. It is housed in a cute building which is structured like a greenhouse, and they serve their offerings in a very sweet garden setting. What makes this location really special is that they not only make beer, they make wine. Elaine St. Clair is the winemaker and brewmaster, studying both at UC Davis. This enterprise with her friend and business partner, Laina Brown, started in 2010, when they founded Napa’s first boutique urban winery, nano-brewery and culinary gardens. This is the perfect stop for those who want to try both wine and beer.
The Right “Stemware” for Beer Tasting…?
No one likes to be teased, but as long as it’s done with love — well, that’s okay, I guess. I have to admit — I have taken my share of jabs for the swirling and sniffing of wine. Friends and family have mimicked the process with their beer and pretended to be me.
Yet wine drinkers are not alone in their quest for aromas and taste. Beer itself has taken a big step forward in that same arena. At a meeting in Denver, we had a local distributor come in and do a beer tasting. He set up tables and glasses in the same manner as a wine tasting, using good glasses and arranging his samples for all from light to dark. He asked all to swirl gently and sniff to discern the notes of wheat, and so on. I am not a beer drinker (except when good wine is not available) and am not practiced in the nuances of beer, yet this event was no different from a wine tasting experience.