Friday, October 8, 2010

California's Energizer Breweries

We've got two of California's oldest legendary breweries in the new release news today. They just keep going, and going...
First is the 2010 version of Sierra Nevada's Estate Homegrown Ale (formerly known as Chico Estate Harvest Ale). This is the first of the Harvest Ales to reach in Albuquerque, and certainly the most unique: the barley and hops used in the beer were both grown on Sierra Nevada's "estate". Cutting out shipping costs does not equate to a cheaper beer, though. The 22 oz., 6.7% ABV beer goes for $9.99. This year Sierra has switched from its usual (though unusual by industry size) 24 oz. bottle. The ingredents are "organic", which is Latin for "higher-priced". Tried at GABF this year and enjoyed it.

The second California legend to speak of this week is Anchor, who is now distributing their Humming Ale here. Humming is a 5.9% ABV American Pale Ale that borders on an IPA and will appeal to the hopheads out there. This beer was first brewed in 2009, 30 years to the day that they opened a new brewhouse. Anchor doesn't really push the envelope as far as experimental beers, but they keep their beers clean and consistent. $9.99 for a six-pack.
Both beers are available at Kelly's on Wyoming.

5 comments:

endometria said...

Rushing up to Kelly's now to try the Humming! Umm, I meant driving at a reasonable and prudent pace.

Matt said...

Beer Geek! First time you have led me astray... I raced over t Kelly's last night after work and could not find the SN Estate Ale (And of course I couldn't fight through the hundreds of people racing for 30 packs of bud light). Are you sure it's there, and if so, where?! I've been patiently waiting since GABF for this gem.

ABQbeergeek said...

Matt- That's weird! I took that picture in the store, so I know it was there! It was right by the Stone display
You were at the Wyoming location??

Matt said...

That's right where I was looking. Also stopped by mountain run, and they don't have it (although, stocked up on some good Stone VE 101010 as Jubilation limited it to one per customer). I guess I'll keep waiting and looking. Keep an eye out for me!

endometria said...

I found it way over on the left side of the store by the fridge cases, warm only, but there were only four sixes left and I got two of 'em (I'm sorry, really) and that was at 4:30 pm Friday. Stuck 'em in the freezer and they were lovely and crisp by the time the old man got home from work at 5. Quite refreshing!