When I last left off, we were getting brewskies at the Sierra Nevada Taproom & Restaurant.
There are several cool (hippie approved) things about Sierra Nevada that you should know:
- In their fermentation tanks, living yeasts convert the malt sugars into alcohol and CO2. The type of beer produced depends on the strain of yeast and the fermentation temperature profile. So basically, the entire area smelled like nooch. I love me some yeast 🙂
- Natural bottle conditioning is one of the signature features of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. They produce more bottle-conditioned ales than any other brewer in the US. This traditional method of carbonation and bottle conditioning follows a time-honored practice where a dosage of yeast is added to each bottle. This small dosage of brewers yeast produces a secondary fermentation in the bottle (among other things).
- Sierra Nevada has installed a system to recover CO2 that is produced by the natural fermentation process. With this system, Sierra Nevada is able to recover and recycle most of this gas for use around the brewery and during the bottle filling process to assist in dispensing their ales and lagers. Green beer. Holler. By recovering CO2 that would normally be released into the atmosphere, they are able to FURTHER reduce their carbon footprint. If I could give them a pat on the back, I would. For now, this virtual thumbs up will have to do.
- In 2007, they commissioned the first phase of one of the largest privately owned solar arrays in the US…and with it’s completion in 2009, the solar array provides over 1.5 megawatts of AC power from over 10,000 panels. When combined with the fuel cells (read below), this brings in over 80% of their current electrical needs. They are well on their way to meeting their goal of producing 100% of their electrical energy requirements. Wow.
- In 2005, they installed four 250 kilowatt co-generation fuel cell power units to supply electric power and heat to the brewery. The overall system’s energy efficiency is DOUBLE that of grid-supplied electric power, plus air emissions are significantly reduced. Even more, surplus electrical energy is sold back into the power grid and the the methane generated at the wastewater treatment plant is used as a fuel source.
Dude. That’s some major hippie friendly beer making.
We ordered two samplers for the table in addition to the regular pints.
In addition to the year round flavors:
- Pale Ale*
- Porter*
- Stout*
- Kellerweis*
- Torpedo (extra IPA)*
They had the seasonal flavors:
- ESB (Knightro)*
- Summerfest Lager*
- Anniversary Ale
- Celebration Ale
Some specialty releases:
- Harvest Ale
- Southern Hemisphere Harvest Ale*
- Chico Estate Harvest Ale
- Bigfoot (Barleywine Style Ale)*
- Pale Bock
Etc.
Our sampler had some of the above (indicated with stars*), plus a few different ones (Draught Style Pale Ale, Old Chico Brand Crystal Wheat, Blonde Ale, Brown Ale, Charlie, Fred and Ken’s Bock), and two Audition beers (experimental pilots brews used to test new ingredients and methods).
Elise’s non-connoisseur notes:
I really loved the Audition #44 and I hope they make it into a regular microbrew.
The Kellerweis tasted like a banana smoothie beer. T’was yummy.
I didn’t like the Stout or Porter at all, despite the promise that coffee lovers would enjoy the chocolaty, rich, roasted flavor.
The Blonde Ale and the Pale Ale were exactly the kind of brews I enjoy, and I could have sipped on them all night long.
The Audition #66 tasted just like grapefruit. Seriously. Grapefruit beer.
I swear the Bigfoot was more intense than Guinness. Not a fan (even though it wins all the awards for it’s dense, fruity bouquet).
Anyways, as you can imagine, I left the place with a bit of a buzz.
But, instead of calling it a day, we forged ahead.
But not without some food first. The others went ahead to the next bar, but I went to Pluto’s for some food. I craved veg, and this place specializes in fresh food (create your own salads are the main feature of the chain).
I made a completely random salad, but I was drunk, so cut me some slack (food combining wasn’t my priority in the moment).
It actually looks pretty decent in the photo, but strawberries and tomatoes are like Russell Brand and Katy Perry, they may seem like a good pair at first (they do share the color red), but eventually they will realize they are a hot mess together.
After dinner, I met back up with our friends and we all continued the festivities.
Blog world, meet Brendan…and the devil on his shoulder (Kyle).
Too many beers…and encouragement from significant others…led to some very bad decisions.
Karaoke.
The rest of the night will go down in history (please see category: ridiculous).
Tuesday started slowly and with lots of water. Eventually we went to Starbucks to meet with our wedding DJ (woop woop!) and after we handled our biz, we hit the road.
Before ditching town, I loaded up on Kombucha and vegan treats for the road at the local Co-op (Chico Natural Foods). They have a decent bin section but prepared foods are hit and miss. Their veggie and/or faux-meat sammies seem to run out early in the day.
When I got home, I wanted something simple.
Raisin Bran + nanner + skim Lactaid
I have a cereal addiction. Once I pop, I just can’t stop.
So I had another bowl. Then another. Then I was sloshy full. Ugh.
No worries though, because it held me over for several hours of errands…and in even by the time dinner rolled around my appetite was still hibernating.
I made myself a bowl of berry goodness just for sh!ts and giggles.
Strawberry/blackberry/Chobani…slice, stir, enjoy.
T-minus 2 days til the World Cup starts!!! Who’s excited (I am, I am). 😀
someones gonna get DRUNnnknk lol hehe
mmm love the gorgeous bowl of yogurt and berries! sometimes simple is best huh!
I love those nights that take you beyond plans and you end up having an awesome time. That salad does actually look really good 🙂 x
Holy crap – that is the best beer sampler I have ever seen! Although, like you – I would probably leave with a bit of a buzz.
And girlfriend, ANY night that ends in karaoke is one of the best nights ever in my book. No contest.
Beer heaven! i can’t even imagine a beer that tastes like a smoothie, interesante. I never drink Sierra Nevada, but now that I learned about them I think I will have to try some of their beer again.
That beer looks awesome! I need to do a brewery tour sometime soon, they look like so much fun!
I also have a cereal addiction. For me one serving is about three bowls.
Wow, that is a serious sampler…looks so good!! I’ve had a few Sierra Nevada beers, but I never even knew they made that many!
Cereal = food of the gods. I eat it every day!
Now THIS is a review I adore! You know, blondes are the best 😉
Even though I haven’t been commenting I have been faithfully reading H^3. I love that you’re back home!!! You sound (and look) so happy now!! I was in Chicago a few weekends ago and I totes thought of you as my dinner one night was 2 Magic Hats and a plate of hummus.
WOOHOO for World Cup! So much hotness packed into the next few weeks – can’t wait!
Love you bunches!!
that’s a lot of beer! hahaha looks great too bad I’m underage 😀
i’m the same way – a serial cereal eater.
i CAN’T WAIT for the world cup! i have to hustle to try on my bridesmaid dress on saturday morning so i can make it back in time to see usa play – they’re screening the game in dupont circle in dc for optimal viewing.
Totally random but we met with our wedding DJ at a Starbucks too.
Between your fondness for good beer (Sierra’s IPA – the. best.) and subsequently getting driz-unk and your unstoppable cereal consumption (I can never just have ONE bowl, c’mon!), I think we are soul sistas (is that creepy?). Not to mention your love of eating and Kombucha. Love your blog – it’s the first one I read every morning (after Perez, thank-you-very-kindly). (:
Eclaire! Those were some DRANKS! I think I’m gonna need to give Sierra Nevada another chance. I’ve only had mostly the dark beers and those are not for my taste buds, the blonder the better…eh? Getting hints? 😉 Kudos to them being green! I would buy them and stack them side by side with the B minus just for that fact.
p.s. karaoke with brendan as the front man? Jealous.
p.p.s. like B, my neighbor since he was 4, is graduating from UCLA on Sat at 9a and we’re gonna do our best to head to the restaurant and look for a place to watch USA vs. England stat! FIFA World Cup! Sooo stoked!
A girl after my own heart! 🙂 I have a cereal addiction toooooooo <33
I wish I liked beer…you make it look fun and interesting. But I DO love cereal (especially raisin bran) and I can’t stop once I pop, either. It is kind of a yummy problem.
I love brewery tours! Last spring when I was graduating, our class went on TWO. It was pretty awesome. And I’m the same with cereal… once I start (especially at night, when there’s booze involved) I cannot be stopped.
Loving the looks of that salad–I love customizeable salad places!
Raisin bran is glorious, no?
First of all, I just tried to comment and my computer ate it SO if it disappeared but actually came through, I am so sorry for unintentionally spamming your blog!
Just wanted to say I LOVE Sierra Nevada Brewery. I live in Sacramento but head to Chico from time to time. I actually went there for New Years dinner this past year when I was home for the holidays (I live in Africa now). The Lentil Burger is AMAZING. Chico is the best. I could eat at Sierra Nevada and Pita Pit every single day, so delicious. Where do you live now??
Good luck with the wedding, it all sounds amazing!
i love how drunk you’ve been lately haha
I am painfully jealous of your summer! Sierra Nevada = win. It’s really popular up here.
Also: drunk salad making = only a hippie…
LOL: “I made a completely random salad, but I was drunk, so cut me some slack (food combining wasn’t my priority in the moment).”
and strawberries and tomatoes, yeah, i can see where that may not be so hot in the tummy
all drunken nights either end in karoake or pole dancing. Either way, it’s all good 🙂
Raisin bran…ahhh my childhood favorite. You’ve successfully inspired me to go out and buy a box to relive my childhood days. hahaha 🙂 It looks great with bananas!! I’d totally do a triple bowl serving.
Gosh, i have a feeing the world cup celebrations are going to overtake the fathers day ones here in Hong kong! 😛
Oh, how I miss beer! I love it, especially in the summer, but I’m nursing my son so I’m off the sauce.
For now…
(People always tell me a little won’t hurt, but I just can’t do it knowing the alcohol will get to him.)
My drunk salads usually consist of chips and something with buffalo sauce on it.
WOW! That is a lot of samplers… looks amazing 🙂
That is a salad with little brain power? I am very impressed!
Holy heck!!!!! That’s A LOTTA BURR!!! haha looks like a blast!!!
Now if only I could get a tray of vino….. 😉
Happy Sunday!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XOXOX
you mean beer and veggies isn’t food combining?
yeaaaah world cup baby!!! how do you feel about getting on a plane and meeting me in africa?
Love the comment about Russell and Katy Perry. Although, I have to admit I have a strange crush on Russell Brand. Something about a dirty, British rock-star is really sexy. Your salad looks awesome to me. I’m the same way. Always putting EVERYTHING in a salad and realizing that those things probably don’t go together, but I eat it anyway. And I can’t even allow myself to buy cereal these days. I could eat a box in one sitting.
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