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Thursday, May 3, 2012

Stone Brewing Company - Tavern, not Pub?

Remember when taverns were all about the beer? Beer created onsite, and drank there while in the company of good friends? A place to plot the overthrow of the British? Okay, so maybe that is during the Colonial era of United States history. However, historically taverns were places where the local community gathered to exchange news while travelers could stop along their routes to eat food, drink beer (brewed onsite), and lodge.

Modern society has strayed from this concept, for gone are the days where we stop at the tavern because it is along our traveling route. Instead, we stay at the generic hotel chain that is off the interstate. We eat at fast food restaurants, or maybe the chain restaurant with Bud Light on tap.

The microbrewery has shifted this concept, but only slightly. Now we can enjoy beer freshly brewed onsite, and pair it will great food. But the lodging is still missing, as is the laid back take a seat and sit back, relax, and enjoy drinking a beer or two. They still feel like places you should have a beer, and then head out. Yes, there are some places that still cover it all, and I will be writing about places such as McMenamins Edgefield in the near future (and, if you have suggestions, please send them to me).

One place that is creating a modern day tavern is Stone Brewing Company in Escondido, California (northern San Diego). The brewery is located in what seems like an abandoned industrial district - we almost missed it because there was no descriptive indicators we were there (other than our GPS saying we were there). Even though we almost missed it, we were happy to find it, as it has great atmosphere, great beer, and great reasons to go back again and again.

Why don't we have more taverns around? With the "Go Local" movement happening all around us, one would think there would be a resurgence of the tavern over the brewpub. Maybe you know of ones that exist? If so, let us know so we can explore more about them.

Here are some images of our time spent there. To note, I was drinking the Oaked Arrogant Bastard, and it was effing delicious. Prost!







 

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