April 7 holds a special place in the hearts of beer drinkers across this hop-loving nation. It was this date in 1933 when the Cullen-Harrison Act went into effect, thereby legalizing beer sales and production after twelve years of Prohibition (not to be confused with the 21st Amendment, the federal repeal of Prohibition). The masses probably celebrated by heading down to their local gathering place to imbibe in public, and we suggest that you do the same for National Beer Day. Show some civic pride and support local breweries by purchasing these notable new releases.
1. Tarte Noir at Eagle Rock Brewery. For sour beer lovers, Tarte Noir is the latest ale from Eagle Rock Brewery. This dark yet light-bodied offering is aged in oak barrels and features a rich and fruity taste. It's available for a limited time at their brewery tap room in 350 mL bottles.
2. Darts Away IPA at Golden Road Brewing. When Prohibition was initially lifted, it was stipulated that beer could not exceed an alcohol content of 3.2%. Golden Road’s Darts Away IPA scoffs at such restrictions. Weighing in at a hefty 10% ABV, this triple IPA was brewed to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Tony’s Darts Away in Burbank. It's currently on tap at Golden Road.
3. Citraholic IPA at Beachwood Brewing. Head to downtown Long Beach or Seal Beach to try Beachwood BBQ’s Citraholic IPA on draft. This one is a hit with hopheads that like their IPAs heavy on the citrus. It's also available for purchase in 22-ounce bottles.
4. Citra IPA at El Segundo Brewing Co. Coming in at a more manageable 5.5% ABV (we can’t all turn up on a Tuesday) is El Segundo Brewing Company’s Citra IPA. Their distribution list is growing, so you can find this hoppy IPA at your local purveyor of fine sprits or at their tap room.
5. Bohemian Bao Bao at Three Weavers Brewing Co. If heavy citrusy hops isn’t necessarily your thing, head to this friendly taproom in Inglewood to try the latest collaboration brew from Three Weavers Brewing Company and BSG Craftbrewing. Light in color and body, Bohemian Bao Bao prominently features Weyermann Bohemian Pilsner malt alongside Azacca and Mandarina Bavarian hops.
You may also want to check out the best beer bars in LA. You can't go wrong there either.