The Trappist in Oakland. Tiny fairly new spot in Oakland. Think the maximum capacity is 50. Place has beautiful workworking throughout, bar, and doors, archways, etc. 15 taps of mostly Belgian Trappist brews. St Bernardus, Urthel, Chouffe, Chimay, Caracole & more. Also a few local American made brews from Russian River, Avery, Port, & Stone.
Feels like a real Belgian beer bar. Check it out.
http://thetrappist.com/
Also stopped into Cato's Alehouse in the Piedmont area of Oakland. First time at this place. I'll be back for sure.
Real cool laid back vibe. Nice selection of California brewsd on tap. Moonlight Bombay By Boat(on cask!), Stone 12th Anniversary, Lagunitas, Bear Republic, Russian River, & lots more. Menu includes pizzas, sandwiches, salads, etc.
http://www.mrcato.com/
Some recent oddities I've liked.
Peche Mortel Imperial stout brewed with coffee. Delicious. Roasted/toasted flavors with a big coffee presence. Made in Canada. Not all Canadian beers are fizzy yellow lagers.
One of my all time favorite beers, Pliny The Elder fromRussian River, is now in bottles. I drank this about 2 weeks after it was bottled! The hop aroma is awesome. You can smell it from across the room.
Tiny the cat takes lots of naps.
Big A Imperial IPA from Smuttynose Brewing in New Hampshire. One of the "Big Beer Series" releases. Huge citrus hop overload in this one. Filled with the "chronic" of hops. Oily, sticky, & delicious.
21st Amendment's Hell Or High Watermelon Wheat. Now available in cans. Not a huge fan of fruit infused wheat beers, but this one is good for what it is. Very refreshing. Great out of a cooler on a hot summer day.
