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Enjoying a cold brewski on a hot day has become more of an obsessive art form than an after-work hand-in-the-waistband Al Bundy ritual.
Wine Country? Pshaw. With several local breweries as the home base for some nationally known ales, this is BEER country.
Which brings us to this week’s Settle This.
Share your favorite ale and where you can find it in the comments. But wait, there’s more. Convince us to try your favorite local libation through your creativity and wit, and you could win a pair of tickets to the Battle of the Brews happening this Saturday, March 31st at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. We have 4 tickets to give away, so two lucky beer-lovers and their friend will get into the beer party for FREE!
Note: Give us your answer by noon on Friday March 30th to be included in the contest, and include your real email address so we know how to contact you. Must be 21 to enter. Tickets are for General Admission to the Main Event, and do not include the Craft Beer Event.
For more rules, click here.
CONGRATULATIONS TO KB AND JIMMY FOR THEIR AWESOME ANSWERS! Have fun at the Battle of the Brews!
For more on Battle of the Brews (including insider tips to the beer party of the year), click here.
I don’t drink, but I like going to free events, so give me the tickets. Now. Because I said so.
Report comment Report commentPliny the Elder!
Report comment Report commentI’ve got to say the Russian River does make the best beer. Yes, Pliny Rocks but what is even more amazing there is the ROW 2 with 100 simcoe hops. It’s not always on tap but when it is I’ll jump for it. This beer has a nose of a grapefruit which I love. I’d call it “pliny lite”. You can drink a few of these and not be floored. Cheers!
Report comment Report commentAhh good ole XP at Bear Republic. I love going there after a week of crazy children and enjoy myself a nice tasty XP. Pair that up with a burger made with their beer buns and you have a mighty pleasurable weekend starter! The environment is not too shabby either!
Death and taxes from Moonlight brewing company in Fulton! Nothing like a nice cold chocolatey beer! All you need is a couple and it sets me up just right.
Report comment Report commentMy favorite is Repemption (blonde ale) by Russian River Brewing Company!
Report comment Report commentAnything by Lagunita’s brewing company….cause beer speaks, people mumble!
Report comment Report commentOut of all the beers i have tasted Lagunitas is the best beer in Sonoma County. That is my first choice when going out to dinner, camping or just hanging out with friends on the weekend.
Report comment Report commentCoors Light!
Report comment Report commentJust got back from LA, just go back from NYC… You find Laugnitas IPA on tap both places. Not bad for a small brewery from Petaluma. IPA has my vote. Plus, the excitement you hear from Angelinos and New Yorkers over Lagunitas IPA is amazing. They willingly pay 8 for a pint in some bars and clubs. It’s a great example of brand recognition based on an amazing product. Their determination in providing a high quality product has gone far in building their brand equity nationwide. Let’s face it, if you can make it big in both of those cities, you’re brand is going to grow and grow.
Report comment Report commentWell…. Damnation is often my Salvation, and although I’m a more Elder than Younger… I still have a Lil’Sumpin Sumpin going on… and this weekend if I’d choose, I’d rather drive a Racer 5 straight to THE BATTLE OF THE BREWS!!!!
Report comment Report commentRacer 5 IPA, hands down the best beer ever…
Report comment Report commentSonoma County’s best kept secret is Pliny the Elder by Russian River, more so because they refuse to export keeping it strictly local. As a beer taster this is my favorite and closely followed by six rivers chilli pepper beer… More importantly as a beer taster it is good to know what Sonoma County can give you and where to find it…
how about … Pliny the Wanker by Stumptown Brewery in forestville
or a the Mead next door. Also try the Occidental’s Hops and Barley not a brewery but only sells micro-brewed beer… with the one exception of the can of bud-lite for sale at $1500.00 Same for Hopmonk Tavern with not only a huge array of micro-beer but offer equipment rental for you to do your own brewing. Toad in the Hole downtown Santa Rosa always has specials of Lagunitas and Death and Taxes on tap. 3rd Street AleWorks is probably more famous for their $2.50 Tuesdays then their beer; but their oatmeal stout is especially yummy with their $2 deep fried pickles
What most people wont know in the future is the great places we lost during the res-session. Such as the Black Rose in Santa Rosa, and Little Switzerland in Glen Ellen… OR the Pink Elephant in Monte Rio (fortunately that will be opening up again in the summer!)
Sonoma County is home to some of the worlds greatest beer and the people that serve it!
Russian River Brewing Company’s Russian River IPA is by far my favorite brew in town. I don’t believe they bottle this hoppy little number so I can be found drinking it at the brew pub – most likely during the ALL DAY happy hour on Sunday, or out of my personal growler at home or anyhwere else I choose to bring it along. Hopefully I will be drinking it at the Battle of the Brews as I help my lil’ sister celebrate her 30th Birthday : ) Cheers!
Report comment Report commentAnything by Healdsburg Beer Company. Limited production hand crafted beers the guy makes in his garage. And its awesome stuff.
Report comment Report commentWhat is the best beer in Sonoma County!?! you must mean what types of beer are the best in sonoma county. According to Beer Advo its Pliny. Already got my tix but thanks anyway.
Report comment Report commentLil’ Sumpin’ Sumpin’:
O Pliny (the Younger), Pliny, wherefore art thou Pliny?
Deny thy father (Pliny the Elder) and refuse thy name;
Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love
And I’ll no longer be a Lagunitas.
Pliny the Younger:
Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at this?
Lil’ Sumpin’ Sumpin’:
‘Tis but thy name that is my enemy:
Thou art thyself, though not a Russian Riv…
What’s Russian Riv? It is not hop nor barley,
Nor brettanomyces nor yeast, nor any other part
belonging to a beer. O be some other name!
What’s in a name? That which we call a beer
By any other word would taste as sweet;
So Pliny would, were he not Pliny call’d,
Retain that dear perfection which he owes
Without that title. Piny, doff thy name,
and for thy name, which is no part of thee,
Take all myself.
So… It’s close, but my favorite is RRBC, but I highly recommend trying both to be sure!
Pliny the Younger and Row 2 Hill 56 at Russian River. Amazing, amazing beer.
Report comment Report commentWhile not an ale, in reality, Reality Czech checks out. But then again, if lunacy is insanity relieved intermittently by clear-mindedness, then it’s appropriate to nominate Lunatic Lager as best beer in Sonoma County. Then again, it is tax season, and nothing is certain but Death and Taxes. I’d say when you need a respite or refresher, Hunt down these offerings by Moonlight (at Flavor Restaurant) and enjoy from a moonlit patio table in courthouse square.
Report comment Report commentEvery since I tasted it at Stumptown’s beer festival last august, I have been crazy about Speakeasy {out of Hunter’s Point in the city} Brewery. Specifically Prohibition, which was a dark beer that was aged in whiskey barrels. AMAZING! So amazing that my husband, who doesn’t drink AT ALL took 3 sips and proclaimed it good. I was so impressed with it that we have followed them to TAPS during their Brewery Night too so I could give props to the beer makers! Would love to go, thanks!
Report comment Report commentAs much as I love my local craft brews I would prefer an Al Bundy ritual” to “a major gourmet event”. I am going to take up crack.
Report comment Report commentDempsy’s on the river in Petaluma, should not be forgotten just because they are not as loud and raucous as the larger beer venues. Their Strong Ale and burger must be considered as best in the county.
Report comment Report commentLet’s give Napa County the title of Wine Country and I will settle for Sonoma County as the Beer Country…Bear Republic’s Racer 5 is my latest love! next to golf of course. Combine golf and Racer 5 beer together, I’m in 7th heaven, cloud 9, Nirvana. I already forgotten my old pal San Miguel (Beer of the Philippines)
Report comment Report commentWow – all these great beers and beer places listed. I personally am quite fond of the Annadel Pale Ale at 3rd Street Aleworks, and their IPA is my husbands favorite. I like the simplicity of the APA and how it goes with everything. It’s not too bitter, not too heavy, it’s just right. And pair it with some of the food offerred at the establishment and you’ve got bliss right there. Hmmm, I think I know where I’m going for lunch today!!!
Report comment Report commentLoads of amazing beers in this neck of the woods, so very hard to pick a single best beer. A hearty salute goes out to Lagunitas, but I just can’t see anyone other than Russian River walking away with this. Damnation, Pliny, oh my. It’s 8am and I’m drooling.
Report comment Report commentAhhhhhh….Wee Heavy from 3rd Street. (When your lucky enough to get it) Sooo lip smackin good it will make you wanna slap yo mama!!! And the staff is awesome!
Report comment Report commentDeath and Taxes!!
Report comment Report commentPliny The Elder. Forget that it’s internationally applauded. Not important. Disregard that its sparkle splashed against a warm Winter sun is the color of happy. Who cares that it fills a pint or two, or three, to overflowing then invites you to sip the bar. It’s the way it transitions from local honey to rutting pig to burning barn to Hallelujah Lordy as it falls through your body and bombs your mojo is enough for me.
Report comment Report commentOh yeah. And you can find Pliny the Elder at Russian River Brewery.
Report comment Report commentWith Death and Taxes
I just relaxes
Don’t send no faxes
But poetic I waxes
And listens to saxes
Like Kenny G
I always love to have an excuse to go to the town of Healdsburg and when I do, I like to go to Bear Republic Brewery and enjoy me a nice XP Pale Ale. It definitely makes for one of those “Awe” moments, especially since I’m working all week and raising two kids. This definitely should be one of those beers to be put on your “BEER PRIORITY LIST”, that is if you’re a beer lover
Pliny the Younger
Pliny the Elder
Blind Pig
Lagunitas IPA
Racer X
Lagunitas IPA is amazing, but my favorite it Brown Shugga from Lagunitas… it rocks my world!
Report comment Report comment“Vanity,Thy name is Beer”
Report comment Report commentMy fav beer is Great White, never been to the Lost Coast Brewery before, but I cant wait, Im sure itll taste even better….mmm that nice ice cold taste…yummy!
My 2nd fav is a nice cold one from the Bear Republic, Racer 5 is awespme, followed by Redrocket, if I win tix to Battle of the Brews, I would sure hope to see those breweries there
Hey, wait a min… Im goin whether or not I get the tix, Cant wait!!!
A Blind Pig and Big Bear Black went to the River to find Salvation. In the River swam a Drunken Weasel who Hopped so Stoopid off his Gnarley Wine he looked at his watch but couldn’t find the time. “Red Rocket!!” he howled as he pointed to the skies “No Salvation in Space!” he yelled with blood shot eyes. Blind Pig looked to Big Bear Black, “Now he’s got a point, though he’s missing some screws, I just hope to find Salvation at the Battle of the Brews.”
Report comment Report commentAs one with a beer perspective groomed here in Beervana (Oregon), I would have to say that the offerings from Laginitas and Bear Republic do the county proud!
Report comment Report commentIPA all the way and Lagunitas Taproom & Beer Sanctuary is the place to be. You’ll find great music to listen to while you sip your favorite brew. Free pretzels and roasted peanuts along with great menu choices. A covered patio during the winter months and heaters. Staff is upbeat and you can bring your dog! My vote is for Lagunitas!
Report comment Report comment30 minutes left to enter! GOOD LUCK!
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Hmmm…. As tempting as that sounds, we’re not really convinced.
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