Monk's Kettle

Tonight, Carlee finally made it out to MK. I hadn't seen her in way too long, and it was amazing to hear about her three-three-three-vacations-in-one trip to Turkey, Switzerland, and Croatia. Turkitzatia. Crourkland. That girl so jet set. Apparently Switzerland makes a mean wine to go with their fondue. You'll have to hit her up for the specifics.

Brew-wise, Carlee redeemed "the other Marin Brew Co," Iron Springs of Fairfax, by choosing their sweet, smooth amber. I had a plan to go through all of the Belgians at MK but got derailed by Ellie's Brown from Avery Brewing in Boulder. Really the Platonic ideal of a brown ale, perfect color, sweet, nutty, and dark. And Ellie Sinclair was my childhood British friend in Glastonbury, CT.

CD's lamb burger was legit, with super fresh fixins, but my lobster pot pie reminded me of England.

Stay tuned for the Speakeasy 11th anniversary party on Saturday.

Bahl hornin

We had a great day trip up to Boonville on Sunday to meet Stella and celebrate her one-week birthday, see the Arbanovella parents, and of course enjoy some delicious local brew. It was the little one's first brewery excursion, the beginning of a long life of craft beer appreciation. We are so excited that she will be the youngest person to ever attend BrewTour, in just a few weeks now. Stella, you really are the most beautiful, precious baby girl ever! But Scott will still have to give you some rookie hazing.

Julie, Arturo, and Scott also enjoyed their first AVBC nectar from the tap. The place has gotten a facelift since I last went, but the clientele remains that eclectic Andersen Valley mix. Arturo and I sampled the Poleeko Gold lager and learned that its name is Boontling for the Arbas' soon-to-be town of Philo. Cindy has renounced her beloved summer Cerveza Crema since realizing its creaminess comes from "natural flavors." Bummer. At least she has a rockin' backup the Barney Flats Stout. The anniversary Imperial IPA is delicious to me but too caramelly and not hoppy enough for guess who. And Julie had her long awaited microbrew, the Hop Ottin' IPA. Eric, I'm bad brew blogger girl, I forget what you had. Please comment.


They are growing a good crop of hops up there, looking much better than the wind-whipped vines on our deck. I think that's a positive upshot of the hops crisis -- more homegrown.

Overall, a lovely afternoon with some of my favorite people and favorite beer. And that's what it's all about. Hey!