Tie dye, LSD, free love, peace protests, music and meditation. Five decades ago, San Francisco became the center of counterculture, and Peaks and Pints celebrates the Summer of Love with a special beer flight today. Breweries brewed special craft beers inspired by their favorite songs from the late 60s and we’re pouring them from our Western red cedar tap log while our jukebox pumps out what was heard squealing out windows from Hashbury lofts and bouncing out of radios in Carnaby Street clothing shops back during that special bohemian summer. So enjoy of Craft Beer Crosscut 8.13.17: A Flight of Summer of Love and salute counter-culture brews fueled by music — far and away the thing that most baffled the straights and illuminated the believers during the Summer of Love.
Anchor Brewery Anchor Steam
4.9 % ABV
During the Summer of Love outside its back door, Anchor Brewing was perhaps the most primitive small craft brewery in the world, but by 1971 — the year it began bottling Anchor Steam beer — the San Francisco brewery had perhaps the most modern small brewery in the world, with state-of-the-art quality control systems. Anchor Steam Beer derives its unusual name from the 19th century when “steam” was a nickname for beer brewed on the West Coast under primitive conditions and without ice. While the origin of the name remains shrouded in mystery, it likely relates to the original practice of fermenting the beer on San Francisco’s rooftops in a cool climate. In lieu of ice, the foggy night air naturally cooled the fermenting beer, creating steam off the warm open pans. Northern Brewery hops are enjoyable in the flavor, but the rich, almost chewy malt is the best aspect of this brew. It’s complex, rich flavor, deep amber color, and its thick, creamy head make it an instant classic.
Pacific Brewing & Malting Co. White Rabbit Wit
4.9% ABV
Tune into Pacific Brewing & Malting Co.‘s refreshing, bubbly straw-colored Belgian wheat ale. Orange peel, coriander, and chamomile were added to the brew giving it a zesty, citrusy, and herbal flavor. A creamy mouthfeel from oats and unmalted wheat pairs perfectly with the fruit and spice.
Odd Otter Summer Ekaunot White IPA
6.3% ABV
Odd Otter Brewing Co.‘s Summer Ekaunot White IPA is, in spirit, a blend of a spicy, spritzy Belgian wit and a hop-forward India Pale Ale. “I dig citrus, spice, and am particularly into refreshment on a summer day,” says the Witbier. “Dude — those are my favorite things!” replies the IPA. And they live in perfect harmony.
Dogfish Head American Beauty
9% ABV, 55 IBU
Dogfish Head called upon the Grateful Dead’s fans for input on American Beauty’s pale ale recipe, and after receiving what the brewery said were 1,500 suggestions, organic granola stood out as the top choice. Of course, granola may have won by default considering what ingredients immediately come to mind when you think of the Grateful Dead. At least, mercifully, spirulina and patchouli didn’t make the cut. The beer has a bready, almost oaty smell, and a bit reminiscent of hippie bread. Expect light malt sweetness on the tongue with nutty hop bitterness, revealing caramely hints of apricot, honey and maybe even raisin. We also got a little cotton-mouthed — from the hops, of course.
Wingman Hoppy Together
7.8% ABV
Man, the hops in this double IPA are outta sight. More than five pounds of Citra, Simcoe, Meridian, Denali and Strata hops hung out in the kettle, which equates to about one-third an ounce per pint of beer. Dig it: wheat was used in this craft beer as well to give a smooth mouthfeel.
LINK: Peaks and Pints Beer Flights archive
