The North County Brewery Patio-Off Bracket (NCBPOB) challenge is underway! I’ve been out and about on various patios around town, and I can say two things for sure.
First, there are some strong patios out there. I’ve already been to places that induce buzzy good vibes and the desire to kick back, relax, and down a pint — or two.
Secondly, breweries aren’t open as much as they used to be. I wasn’t expecting a 24/7 free for all, but I was surprised at how many tasting rooms don’t open until late in the afternoon. So, it can be a bit of a challenge to visit a new brewery on a Monday afternoon.
I realize that wouldn’t bother most readers, but I’ve committed to visiting 24 different brewery patios in a relatively short amount of time! This is my job!
Reflecting on that last sentence… I’ll stop whining about it. So far, the breweries I’ve visited have proven to be worthy challengers for the NCBPOB crown. Check back next week for the first breakdown of head-to-head competition. Also, learn more about the rules and guidelines for the challenge in last week’s column.
Until then, a local beverage round-up.
♦ The enigmatic brewery Horus Aged Ales is holding its next beer lottery for Crowned Eagle to Sky God and sign-ups begin May 10. Details will be shared that morning. Follow @horusagedales on Instagram for more information.
♦ You might remember an interview we did with acclaimed surf filmmaker and the entrepreneur behind Solento Tequila Taylor Steele for the Cheers! North County podcast in October 2020. If not, check it out on your favorite podcast platform. If so, you’ll be pumped to hear they’ve launched gift packs featuring all three of their tequilas — Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo.
You can also hear the story directly from Tony Hawk on how he joined Solento in this interview he did with Benji Weatherley. Shout-out to Pannikin for providing the backdrop to the deal getting down.
♦ N/A beer juggernaut Athletic Brewing Company is going sky high, literally. Beginning this month, JetBlue is offering Athletic’s N/A beers to travelers in-flight. According to JetBlue (as reported by Alexander Soule), they are the first airline to offer N/A beers.
♦ Every spring, I release my Top 10 Beer Happy Places. These are the places where beer tastes better by these locations’ inherent loveliness. The revised list for 2023 has a few surprises. Here is the previous ranking from 2022: 1) Around the campfire; 2) On a brewery patio; 3) On the porch; 4) Overlooking the ocean, lake, or river; 5) On top of a mountain; 6) In the garage, workshop, or at your desk; 7) In a bath, but not a jacuzzi tub; 8) At the beach or on a boat; 9) At game night, and 10) At the park.
Here are the updated 2023 Top 10 BHPs:
On the porch (at home). The porch is the king of comfort, sun, and accessibility. No one cares what you wear, the beer is always affordable, and the music is always good.
In the bathtub (but not a jacuzzi). Up five spots, drinking a beer in the bathtub is a true luxury. The water is warm, and the beer is cold. There are often candles, and all the same benefits as drinking on the porch apply.
At the brewery. The beer is fresh, your questions will be answered, and often there are games, and as we’re proving with the NCBPOB challenge, the patios are top-notch.
At a BBQ or Fish-Fry. (New!) From out of nowhere! The classic friends-gathering wasn’t on last year’s list due to the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, 2023’s biggest mover leaped up the list. Regaining our communities has been challenging, but a beer with friends always tastes better.
On a boat. Preferably, you’ll be on a kayak, canoe, or pontoon for max relaxation and focus. “Boat beer” is a term for a reason. The (sometimes) salty spray combined with a refreshing can of beer in the hot sun is a good reminder of why we’re alive.
Around the campfire. Campfire beers dropped several spots this year partly because rain has gotten in the way of our campouts. Recency bias is real.
Overlooking the ocean, lake, or river. An epic view and an epic beer make for a really good time.
On top of a mountain (or at least a hill). See #6.
In the garage, workshop, or at your desk. Wherever work is being done, the beer will taste better because you’ve earned it.
At the ball game. (New!) You might join a pre-game tailgate, celebrate a big hit or goal, or give a cheers for a job well done. There are infinite reasons to enjoy a pint at the ball game.
Falling off the list for 2023 are at game night at the park, but don’t fret. Both can be combined with other Beer Happy Places.
Don’t forget to buy Mom a beer this weekend! Cheers!
Follow the @cheersnorthcounty Instagram for occasional story updates live from the patios of the NCBPOB challengers. Did I miss a patio? Send a message to @CheersNorthCounty on Facebook or Instagram, or e-mail me at [email protected].
