“(Double Stenner Creek Stout is) probably the best dark beer you’ll find made locally in SLO. What’s even better about this beer? It’s an oatmeal stout! Therefore, it is part of a balanced breakfast.”
Nick Larson and Jake Devincenzi
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Kinesiology senior Nick Larson and aerospace engineering senior Jake Devincenzi are Mustang News beer columnists.
We all know San Luis Obispo likes to drink beer. In our vast experience (almost 6 months now) of legal beer drinking, we think we are well-qualified in our assertion that San Luis Obispo is the pinnacle of craft beer hubs in all of California — and probably the rest of the universe. If you enjoy craft beer and you don’t live here, you’re doing life wrong.
We’ve already written articles on the fantastic selections offered at some of our favorite craft beer bars in town, but one of the often-overlooked aspects of our lovely town is the presence of craft breweries in our own backyard. We took a night off from our typical bar-scapades and headed down to Monterey Street to enjoy some delicious beer courtesy of Central Coast Brewing (CCB).
This was our first time venturing to the little brewery, and let us say, we were instantly impressed. Even before trying the beers, we were intrigued by the tasting room itself. From corner to corner, the walls were adorned with shelves stacked high with empty beer bottles (though our 22-ounce collection may still be larger), a completely open floor plan allowing us to sit amidst the brewing action and a big display with descriptions of every beer on tap, CCB looked how every bar/restaurant/school would look if we were the interior designers.
Finally, we got around to tasting the beer. To be thorough, we ordered a flight of six beers. Then we added a seventh … for science. Overall, we were extremely satisfied. The beers were delicious, the ambiance on point and the service better than we could have hoped for. The bartender not only brought us our beers quickly, but arranged them in proper tasting order. She even put up with our pestering questions about the hop profiles and brewing methods behind many of the brews. And if you have ever beer tasted with us, you know this can be quite arduous.
If you happen to get a chance, we would highly recommend you check out CCB, and since we know our word is basically gospel, here are the three beers you should be sure to try.
1. Golden Glow Pale (5.6 percent abv, 35 IBU)
This is an extremely solid pale ale. It’s refreshing, but not super hoppy. Personally, we tend to go for the hoppier pales, as pales usually lack much intrigue without a strong bitter flavor and floral finish. However, Golden Glow is a definite anomaly. This is the type of beer we could drink on any occasion, be it a lazy summer’s day, cold winter’s night or even out of a beer bong (though not at a frat party, of course).
2. Pumpkin Ale (6.6 percent abv, 15 IBU)
Normally, we are not fans of pumpkin ales. Like, at all. However, this pumpkin ale was absolutely delicious. Upon asking, we found out the ale is made with CCB’s chai, which they actually make on site, as well as fresh-cut, hand-mashed pumpkin. After drinking this absolutely smashing pumpkin beer, we felt as good as Nigel Thornberry listening to “Today” on repeat.
3. Double Stenner Creek Stout (8.8 percent abv, 50 IBU)
Having come from a stout fest two weeks ago, this stout got the short end of the stick. It’s a nice, full-bodied stout with solid flavor and great color, but its rating suffered a bit because of the ridiculously good stouts we’ve tried in the past weeks. That being said, it was still delicious enough to make it into our top three, so don’t pass this one up. It’s probably the best dark beer you’ll find made locally in San Luis Obispo. What’s even better about this beer? It’s an oatmeal stout! Therefore, it’s part of a balanced breakfast.
What Are We Drinking Contest
Have you ever wanted to share a beer with Cal Poly’s two most eligible beer-chelors? Well you’re in luck. We have selected a specific brew. If you can guess exactly which brew it is, you will win an all-expenses paid pint of craft beer with Nick and Jake (we will buy you a beer). Here’s how it works:
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Each column will have a new clue about the beer we have chosen until someone guesses it.
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You can get one extra special clue per week if you send us a message on Facebook to facebook.com/bhyrbrewing and tell us something about beer.
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Tweet your guesses to, and follow @njlarson8 @jake_devincenzi AND @CPMustangArts
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You must correctly guess the brewery AND specific beer.
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The first person to guess correctly wins a beer with us!
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Yes, you have to be 21.
LAST WEEK UPDATE:
Last week’s beer was correctly guessed by English senior Tara Maher. Congrats, Tara, on guessing Great Divide’s “Yeti,” a delicious Imperial American Stout.
THIS WEEK’S CLUE:
Because two is always better than one,
Knock out the others with this bottle of fun.