Beer Appreciation at Four Points

How many Hotels in LA can say they have an entire panel of people devoted to their beer program?

Only one that I know of, and that’s Four Points by Sheraton at LAX. As mentioned in our previous article about this hotel and its beer-centric restaurant, Brewster’s, Four Points is not only a stop for beer bound layovers, but also thirsty locals. They have beer-style-specific events monthly, and now that they have their new Beer Advisory Board (and they may even have more).

I had the opportunity of attending their Sour, Lambic, and Wild Beer event this past Friday with Brian Holter from Pipe Dream Brewery, and I think we can safely say that we had some incredible beers. Here’s the line up:

• Mort Subite
• St Louis Geuze Fond Tradition
• Oud Biesel Ol Kriek Lambic
• Mikkeller Spontanwildstrawberry
• Birra Del Borgo Duchessic
• Cuvee Des Jacobins Rouge Barrel Aged Sour
• Jolly Pumpkin La Roja
• The Bruery’s Oude Tart
• Los ABeey Framboise de Amorosa
• Mikkeller Monks Brew barrel – aged wine with raspberries
• Mikkeller It’s Alive – aged in white wine barrels
• Timmermans Oude Gueze Lambic

My personal favorite was Oude Tart from The Bruery based in California. Events like this are interesting and are aimed more at being purely educational. Each beer was introduced and history as well as tasting notes were explained. It was a little tough to hear everything from the back, but anything I didn’t hear from the MC was filled in by Brewster’s knowledgable General Manager, Phil Baxter, and Director of Beer Relations, Justin Blake.

Now on to the Beer Advisory Board. Four Points LAX is already unique in its beer-focused events, but they are aiming at reaching even further. They recently held a contest of sorts looking for beer officiandos from the LA area. Many of these individuals are already well known in the beer scene. Among the ranks are Tomm Carroll from the Celebrator, Sean Inman from Food GPS/Beer Search Party, and Curtis Taylor from CraftBeer.Com/Hop Head Said. Each person in the group brings different experiences and backgrounds to the table. Bierkast was lucky enough to be invited to the media portion of their inaugural meeting, so we got to see first hand how the magic happens. From events, to beer educational series, to promotions for hotel guest, all ideas were passed around. During the meeting a food pairing was also going on. Carne Asada Fries and Baltic Porter. Crazy.

All in all, I’m a huge fan of getting beer knowledgeable people together to collaborate. From the Beer Advisory Panel to the newly founded LA Beer Bloggers, it’s great to see LA Beeries working together just like the brewers do. Be sure to keep your eyes open for upcoming events at Brewster’s. There is a lot to look forward to.

Cheers!

*Special Thank you to Phil Baxter, Lauren Modica, Justin Blake, and the Four Points by Sheraton at LAX staff for their hospitality during these events!

*Keep a special eye out for Phil Baxter’s Baltic Porter, Baltic Joy #78, appearing in the Sierra Nevada Beer Camp.  There will be a special tapping wednesday September 19th starting at 5pm.  Short notice, but worth it.

About Kristofor Barnes

Kip is the founder of Bierkast and co-founder of Los Angeles Ale Works. Kip picked up home brewing after college and has since become an accomplished award winning home brewer. He enjoys drinking and brewing all types of beers. He is graduate of the University of Southern California's School of Cinema Television. Kip lives in Culver City, CA with his sciency wife Katie. Follow him @bierkast or #FollowTheLAAW @laaleworks

• Mail
|
• Web
|
• Twitter
|
• Facebook
|
• More Posts (127)