The Brewhouse's bar area and the attached brewhouse
As tax day comes to a close what better way to end the day then with a cool refreshing beer. As you drop your taxes off make sure to pick up a six-pack on the way back. Firestone Walker Solace (6% ABV) has started showing up on shelves around Santa Barbara. Solace is a Summer wheat beer that takes an influence from Saisons, the Belgian farmhouse ale. It uses a portion of malt that has been soured with lactic acid, and ferments the beer in a farmhouse style, among other specialty procedures and ingredients. This creates lush mango and peach aromas and a smooth creamy wheat character with a floral-lemon zest theme throughout. Of course a six-pack of IPA (India Pale Ale) is always welcome in this blossoming Spring weather and also great for helping soothe any stress that taxes have left you with. Stone IPA remains a classic and the Stone Brewery is considered one of the best in the world.Indica IPA is another great example and comes from the Lost Coast Brewery in Eureka, CA. In a phone interview Barbara Groom, brewmaster and owner, told me that she had learned from pharmacology school that you always make a “beautiful product”, and that is what she strives for in her beers.
The Brewhouse's Dining Area
If you want to go for the full spa treatment try visiting one of the local brew pubs. The Brewhouse offers wonderful food and fresh beer at fair prices. A slight salty breeze blows through the place and with the ocean art surrounding the tables one is reminded how close to the beach we are. Their beers cover a wide range of styles and maintain strong flavors while balancing towards the drinkable side.Try Saint Barbs Tripel for a refreshing beer that also brings a full flavor and nice strength; considering it comes in at 8.5% ABV. This is a Belgian-style ale called a Tripel and the style originated in Trappiste monasteries. Brewers Pete Johnson and Paul Nichols add a special twist by using local lemon grass. The beer tastes of honeyed malts and has a fruity nose of pineapples and melon with a gentle clove note. If you enjoy spicy foods then order a habanero pilsner shot. It's strong enough for anyone and will accompany your dish as good as any hot sauce. This weather is even perfect to take the beers in the outside dining area and enjoy the quiet, tree-lined Montecito Street and occasional train coming by.
Creamy Chipotle Prawns and Polenta with Montecito St. Wheat
And as you sip on your brew it is important to remember who made your beer because even they have to pay taxes. The craft brewers are pushing hard to pass H.R. 4278 in the House of Representatives. This bill would reduce the tax that small breweries have to pay per barrel, allowing them to expand business and create more jobs. Please contact your representatives and voice your support for H.R. 4278 and for quality beer. First though, sit back, relax, enjoy your beer, and think of anything but taxes.
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