[DINNER PARTY]
Whether you want malts, ales, or lagers, Angel City Brewery has you covered on the art of beer-making
Welcome to chef/lifestyle expert Jazz Smollett’s new column, Dinner Party, a corner of UpRising to ponder all things food and culinary culture. Hope you’ve got an appetite!
Los Angeles has a long history in beer culture. The first home brewing club in the country after prohibition was established here, and we have so many wonderful destination breweries, one of which is Angel City Brewery in Downtown L.A. — a haven for art, culture, and beer.
This spot is quintessentially L.A. The building itself is a work of art, wrapped in a multicolor mural of street art. You’ll find a food truck parked outside; and inside the foosball tables and cornhole setups contribute to the welcoming vibe. I learned some interesting facts about beer-making on a recent tour. My guide, Christian, taught me that there are four main ingredients needed when brewing beer: water, hops, yeast, and grain. I also learned additional grain and yeast yields beer of higher alcohol content.
Did you know what makes a beer light has nothing to do with alcohol percentage? It’s actually based on the water. Hard water produces a heavier beer that makes you feel full; a lighter beer is made with soft water and is easier to digest, contains less calories, and makes you feel less full.
After a full education on beer-making (I will be trying this at home!), I did a tasting. Here are some of my recommendations:
BEER: Tropical Light Lager
TASTE: My fave. A little sweet, with tropical fruity notes
BEER: PBEERerry Ale
TASTE: Notes of pear and lemon juice
BEER: BarrelJuice
TASTE: It has notes of Chardonnay because it was brewed in a Chardonnay barrel
BEER: Tepache Gose
TASTE: Tart flavors with notes of pineapple
Be sure to pick up some of Angel City Brewery’s to-go options as well, especially the limited-edition cans designed by various local artists. I highly recommend catching one of their tours and tastings or checking out the upcoming family- and dog-friendly Halloween event on October 27th. Otherwise, this month is the perfect time to take part in Oktoberfest events or host a Halloween beer tasting at home (parents can wait until the kids are tired out from trick-or-treating). Happy Brewing!
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