Rolled into the city last night around 7 PM courtesy of Thom’s mad driving skills and the Bay Bridge. There was a fair amount of thirst accumulated, thanks to our stop at In and Out in Redding, where Jay sampled the “Animal Fries” and Dan took down TWO double-doubles.
After checking into the hotel (where our car proved too giant for the valet lot), we wasted no time setting out for Toronado. Per usual, it was jam-packed, but the legendary beer list didn’t disappoint. I sampled “Original Albion,” on tap to commemorate San Francisco Beer Week, based on the original recipe from New Albion Brewing, one of California’s first microbreweries. A fairly standard pale ale, but well made and interesting to taste. Next, I tried Pliny the Elder on tap, amazing as always, and other folks tried Pliny the Younger. I made a mistake going for the oldster - the Younger came in a goblet and tasted like hop heaven. Echt Kriekenbier from Verhaege was also on tap. Interesting to sample this from a keg - it did taste a little metallic compared to the bottled version I tried a few weeks ago.
And after Toronado? There was some barbecue, some bar-hopping, and ultimately, absinthe (washed down with Houblon Chouffe IPA) … a very SF night that I am paying for this morning. Some Advil should help, I think. On to Bear Republic, Russian River and Moylan’s! The show must go on!