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Visiting Blue Bottle, and a Blue Bottle Coffee Imperial Stout Update

Wednesday, May 1st, 2013

As mentioned previously in our blog, we’re very proud to be the first brewery to team up with Blue Bottle Coffee for a production brew.  Partially because we know their name pulls weight in the coffee world, but more because our break room is often littered with the brown paper carcasses of used-up bags of Blue Bottle coffee beans.

As a follow-up to the original brew, our brewers took a field trip up to Blue Bottle’s roastery in Oakland for tour and a cupping session (settle down… that’s just what you call a coffee tasting). There the guys sought to understand the nuances of what they can expect from this beer, to dive into what makes their morning life blood so delicious, to watch the roasting process, and ultimately to just enjoy the day.
The Blue Bottle Coffee Imperial Stout is fermenting away now, and soon they will be adding whole beans (dry-beaning it, if you will) that will slowly infuse the beer with their enticing flavors. It should be ready to go in about three weeks.

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SF Beer Week 2013

Friday, January 25th, 2013

SF Beer Week 2013

SF Beer Week is upon us again. We’re ready for it. You better be, too, because you know damn well it’s not gonna wait around for you to catch up.

Amid the metric zillion events all over Northern California, Drake’s is hosting & participating in a bunch of events, both at the Barrel House and all over the Bay, and if you know what’s good for you, you better swing by at least a few of them.

Friday 2/8: SF Beer Week Opening Celebration
Concourse Exhibition Center, San Francisco
https://sf-beer-week-2013-opening-celebration.eventbrite.com/
We’ll be hanging out with the best damn brewers in California to kick off the best damn beer week in the country.

 

Saturday 2/9: 13th Annual Double IPA Festival
The Bistro, Hayward
http://sfbw.it/37y
Drake’s will be there to defend our 2012 Triple IPA win for Hopocalypse Black Label, as well as bring along plenty other of our only-on-the-West-Coast celebrations of the humulus lupulus.

Saturday 2/9: Casks & Queso
ThirstyBear, San Francisco
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5184294364
Cask & Queso, Triple Fermented. Fermentation lovers unite! Beer, cheese & bread on one table! Unlimited tastings of cask conditioned ales, including a cask of our Hopocalypse, paired with local and Spanish artisan cheeses and fresh baked breads.

Sunday, 2/10: Strong Beer Brunch with Drake’s and Iron Springs
21st Amendment, San Francisco
http://sfbw.it/34b
They’ll be serving Nelson, Jade, & Helga, as well as all the other 21A offerings from Strong Beer Month, which should benefit you as you attempt to lean into your first-weekend-of-Beer-Week hangover.

Monday, 2/11: Drake’s & Cheese
Mission Cheese, San Francisco
http://drakesandcheese1.brownpapertickets.com/
Join us in a celebration of love, as American artisan cheese and the cheese-friendly beers of Drake’s Brewing unite. The event will feature 5 ‘pairing stations’, each with an American cheese, a Drake’s brew, and tasting notes. The cheeses are still to be decided, but the 5 beers are locked in Hopocalypse DIPA, Amber, 1500 Pale Ale, Scorched Earth Imperial Stout, and Jolly Rodger American Barleywine. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

 

Tuesday, 2/12: This is the East Bay, not SF!
Beer Revolution, Oakland
http://sfbw.it/3lg
SF? Pshaw. We’re in the East Bay and this is where we show what we’re made of on the sunny side of the Bay.

Wednesday, 2/13: Sau & Brau
Drake’s Barrel House
http://drakessauandbrau3.brownpapertickets.com/
You’ve heard all the stories, and by now, you know better than to get left out.  So get yourself down to the Barrel House and dig into Chop Bar’s whole roasted hog along with- of course- some of Drake’s amazing beers for a big, full night of gluttony & grog. Throw in some live music, good friends, and nearly the entire Drake’s staff on hand to talk beer and brewing, and you have one helluva great night to look forward to.

Thursday, 2/14: East Bay Brew Fest
Pyramid Alehouse, Berkeley
http://eastbaybrewfest2013.eventbrite.com/
Pyramid hosts this best-of-the-East-Bay brewfest to benefit the Northern California MS Society. San Franciscans too scared to BART to the East Bay need not attend.

Thursday, 2/14: Nightlife at the Academy
California Academy of the Arts, San Francisco
http://www.calacademy.org/events/nightlife/
Nightlife at the Academy has quickly become a mainstay of, well, San Francisco nightlife, and part of that appeal is that they’re certainly no stranger to good beer.  Join us for a special Valentine’s Night edition of Nightlife in Golden Gate Park.

Friday, 2/15: Drake’s Through the Years at Barclay’s
Barclay’s Restaurant & Pub, Oakland
Drake’s Brewing has been around since 1989, and we’ve had more than a few of our beers flowing through the taps at Barclay’s. Beer Club members- this’ll be a good night to get some of those first-and second-page numbers checked off on your cards, as Barclay’s will have a smattering of our classic brews on tap, as well as a few of our former brewers on hand to dish dirt reminisce about their time at Drake’s.

Friday, 2/15: Smoked Beers
Southpaw, San Francisco
Feb 8-17 SF Beer Week: Southpaw Smoked Beer Flights
http://www.southpawbbqsf.com/#menu-item-484
Southpaw BBQ will be serving smoked beer all Beer Week, and Friday night, SF rep Laura will be on hand to break out the last of our Scorched Earth Imperial Stout, so swing by and take advantage of your last chance to get this in your beer hole.

Friday, 2/15: Butchers & Beers
St Gregory’s Church, San Francisco
http://www.kitchit.com/local_events/almanacbeer/butchers
“Fun and educational” isn’t just for Sesame Street any more.  The boys of Almanac are once again getting together with Ryan Farr of 4505 Meats and a handful of meat-loving California craft brewers to host a whole pig breakdown at St. Gregory’s, in a much roomier venue than in previous years.  Plus, there’s a silent auction, so you might just go home with your very own chunk of pork.

 

Saturday, 2/16: 4th Annual Meet the Brewers Festival
Hermitage Brewing Company, San Jose
http://meetthebrewers.eventbrite.com/
Drake’s will be down in San Jose for Hermitage’s 4th Annual Meet the Brewers Beer Festival. More breweries, the best food trucks in the Bay, and new additions to festival acitvities will make this THE San Francisco Beer Week event in Silicon Valley.

Saturday, 2/16: Drake’s Brewery Tap-ocalypse
Rosamunde Sausage Grill, Oakland
http://sfbw.it/35c
Downtown Oakland is becoming one of the Bay Area’s best destinations for beer, and if you haven’t made it to the newest stand-alone incarnation of Rosamunde, we think this’d be a marvelous time to hop on BART and check it out.

Saturday, 2/16: Chocolate & Beer Festival
Craneway Pavilion, Richmond
http://www.chocolateandbeerfest.com/
Join us for a fun afternoon of exquisite gourmet chocolates and local craft brews at the Craneway Pavilion at the Richmond Marina. Tickets get you multiple product samplings, live entertainment, and raffle prizes.

Saturday, 2/16: Grill & Chill
Drake’s Barrel House
http://barrelhouse.drinkdrakes.com/
No big release party, no multi-course dinner, no big hoopla.  Just some picnic tables, a couple of food trucks, and a bunch of taps flowing as we toss open the doors to the Barrel House and let you come by for a leisurely day of catching up on the latest Drake’s releases you might have missed during Beer Week.

Sunday, 2/17: Celebrator Beer News 25th Anniversary Party
Oakland Convention Center Marriott Hotel, Oakland
http://celebrator.com/anniversary/2013/
Returning to downtown Oakland this year, the Celebrator party has served as SF Beer Week’s closing ceremonies every year, and if you’re survived this long, congratulations!  In addition to the usual festivities, Mitch Steele of Stone Brewing will be on hand with our own Alexandra Nowell to share A Quarter-Century of Issues with you as their mercifully-sessionable last hurrah of what is sure to be another kickass SF Beer Week.

Cheers to SF Beer Week!

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Thanksgiving with Drake’s: Beer, Stuffing and Pie

Friday, November 18th, 2011

If you were to have Thanksgiving with the Drake’s crew there are a couple things you can expect to have in large quantities, stuffing and craft beer. We asked everyone to tell us what they will be grabbing seconds and thirds of this Thanksgiving and the beers they will be drinkin’ throughout the feasting.

Here’s what they have to say:

Brian, Head Brewer- Smoked Meat and Stuffing

“I like smoked turkey and stuffing because it’s easy on the tastebuds. I’ll usually drink 1500 before, during the day, and then some stout after.”

 

Alexandra, Brewer- Boozy Pie

“Bourbon Pecan Pie paired with Drake’s Brewer’s Droop Barleywine. I rarely have a weakness for sweets,  but I love the boozy caramel goodness of a bourbon pecan pie, and an aged barleywine can stand up to the pie without overdosing on too much sugar.”

Kyle #1, Brewer- Stuffing

“I love stuffing because it is delicious and it’s meaty with a textural wonderfulness (eloquently put, Kyle). I will probably drink 1500 or IPA, something hoppy.

 

 

Chris, Brewer- root vegetables (potatoes)

“All types of root vegetables: garlic mashed potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes… oh, and pie too.”

“I will probably sip on the C.S. Brown Ale all day. It would go really well with Thanksgiving food and is sessionable for the marathon feasting.”

 

Andrew, Cellerman- Dad’s Stuffing

“My dad makes the best stuffing in all the world.”

“I’ll probably drink the C.S. Brown Ale, maybe some Amber, and Jolly Rodger.”

 

 

Kyle #2, Cellerman

“Is beer considered a Thanksgiving food?” — Sure, Kyle

“Probably going to have some Drakonic for after the meal, nice and smooth, while hangin’ with the family.”

 

 

Gabbi, Barrel House Manager- Stuffing and Pie

“Stuffing, because it is a vehicle for gravy… and Pumpkin Pie.”

“I’ll probably go with 1500 all day.”

 

 

Erin, Barrel House Bartender- Cranberry Sauce

“My mom’s cranberry sauce because she’s the only one who makes it, and it’s special.”

Beer? “Probably have some of the Brown, but if I could I’d be all over some Urban Bourbon.” (Bourbon barrel-aged barleywine)

 

 

Chris, Driver- Everything

“Turkey, stuffing… all of it.”

“I’ll be drinking Drakonic.”

 

Dow, Sales Manager- Stuffing and Beer

“Thanksgiving Food? Stuffing because it is sooo delicious”

“Beer? One of each style. ”

 

C.J., Accountant- Sweet Potato Casserole

“Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows… mmm, that’s my favorite, and the beer I’m enjoying right now, the Total Recall (Imperial Stout/Amber blended in a port barrel).”

 

Kelsey, Community Manager- Everything and Boozy Pie too

“While cooking, I think I’ll sip on some 1500. Then, I’d probably do our Amber or the Brown with dinner, but for dessert, pumpkin pie with bourbon whipped cream and Urban Bourbon (Bourbon Barrel-Aged Barleywine). Yum…”

 

 

Hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving next week. We know we will. Cheers.

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Drake’s and Triple Rock take Stumptown:
Russian River Beer Revival and BBQ 2011

Monday, August 22nd, 2011

Last weekend, we with some of our Triple Rock comrades rolled up north to Guerneville, Calif. to chill by the river at Stumptown’s annual Russian River Beer Revival and BBQ Cookoff.

We brought along some Denog to get the party started and some Batch 3000 Dark Pale Ale, and Triple Rock brought kegs of Pinnacle Pale Ale and IPAX and cooked up a smoker full of ribs made with a recipe they managed get out of the Homebrewchef Sean Paxton.

We spent the day on the river slinging craft beer, eating amazing “Q” and listening to live bands along with a cool crowd of craft beer lovers just like us. Basically, pretty sweet. Check out a video of the event.

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Aroma Coma knocked it outta the park at the Bistro IPA Fest!

Monday, August 8th, 2011

This past Sunday we sent our newest batch of Aroma Coma IPA to the Bistro in Hayward, Calif. for their annual IPA fest. Competing against 49 other IPAs in a blind tasting, our insanely flavorful and aromatic brew took the People’s Choice award and placed 2nd overall!

Brian looked so good sporting Aroma Coma's two metals.

 

The entire day was a big success even before the awards were handed out. Lots of friends, lots of great hoppy beers, and live music rounded out day. Triple Rock Head Brewer Rodger Davis brought his IPAX and the one-off Kanigedda IPA for the festival.


Rodger and Brian ham it up for the camera with IPAs in hand.

Oh the glorious line-up of 57 IPAs... mmm... craft beer flashbacks.

 

Don’t worry if you missed out on the festival though! The Aroma Coma festivities are just getting started. This Wednesday at the Barrel House we are kicking off our Aroma Coma Draft Release Party at 5 pm sharp! Come on down and try the now “multiple-award-winning” Aroma Coma with us! Cheers!

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We got a pretty ribbon from the California State Fair. And some awesome awards!

Monday, August 1st, 2011


Last weekend, head brewer Brian Thorson went to the California State Fair Commercial Craft Brewing Competition. He came home with three gold certificates for our IPA, Denogginizer & 1500, and three silver certificates for our Blonde, Hefe and Amber. We also came in second place in the overall competition. I’d say it was a successful weekend indeed. Swing by Drake’s Barrel House to enjoy these award winning beers. Cheers!

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Drake’s Barrel House– The New Kid on the Block– Grand Opening Events

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

When a new kid comes to your block, you have to size him up. What’s this new-comer all about? Do I like him? Does he share his great snacks with me? Do I enjoy hanging out with him?

Many of you have already had the chance to check out and size-up Drake’s new Barrel House. So, what’s this new-comer all about?

It’s Drake’s new on-site tasting room and retail sales store at the brewery in San Leandro.

Does it share it’s great snacks with me?

Yep– over 24 beers on draft, including nitro and barrel-aged beers.

Do I enjoy hanging out with it?

Indeed. Both indoor and outdoor seating, a comfortable environment set amidst the gritty environs of San Leandro in Drake’s barrel-storage area, surrounded by friends. Now open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday.

Yea, the new kid on the block is pretty cool.

And this coming weekend, the new kid is celebrating it’s arrival with several Grand Opening events. To kick off the weekend, DBH is having a ribbon-cutting event on Friday, with the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce, and special guest Mayor Stephen Cassidy. As it does every Friday, DBH will be open from noon til 8pm, with the ribbon-cutting from 5:30-7:30pm.

On Saturday, come on down to your new watering hole, hang out with your buddies, nosh on some food, and enjoy a few beers, all for a good cause. DBH is helping raise money for the San Leandro Education Foundation (SLED), by donating $2 of every beer sold between 5-8pm to the organization. Doc’s of the Bay, a local Bay Area food truck, is coming by from 4:30-7:30pm to feed hungry Drake’s patrons. All you have to do is grab some friends, and venture over to Drake’s.

We hope to see some of our neighbors and friends around Drake’s Barrel House this weekend!

Cheers

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Drake’s Brew-Rhino Program is Up & Running!

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

Drake’s has come up with a way to make purchasing a 5 gallon keg from the brewery much easier– the Brew-Rhino Program.

Brew-Rhino works like this: You buy a 5 gallon keg from Drake’s, and the beer inside, the first time you purchase a keg from the Barrel House. After that, you just bring your Brew-Rhino keg in and trade it out for a fresh keg of beer, paying only the cost of the beer. And, if you’d ever like to return your keg, we’ll buy it back from you.

Picnic taps are also available for sale at the Barrel House.

While we can’t guarantee all of our many styles will be available in kegs at any time, we will strive to carry the following styles in kegs at all times:

Seasonals, specialties, and our other year-round styles will occasionally be available in kegs.

We’re no longer taking keg orders, but you can just swing by the brewery now and swap our your empty Brew-Rhino keg for any of the styles we have available that day. You can also call Drake’s Barrel House to find out what styles are currently available in advance (though we won’t reserve and hold kegs).

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Drum roll please…

Monday, June 27th, 2011


The moment we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived. We are very happy to announce that our new Barrel House is finally up and running! On Friday, we rolled open the garage door, and starting serving some thirsty customers. We’re now open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday. See the Barrel House site for hours.

Swing by for a taste, half pint, or full pint of one of the twenty beers that we currently have on tap, including a few of our barrel-aged beers and some styles served on nitro.

Year Round Beers
Blonde
Hefeweizen
1500
IPA
Amber
Red Eye
Black Robusto Porter

On Nitro
Dry Stout
Gold

Seasonal & Specialty Brews
Expedition Ale
Batch 3000

On the Strong Side
Denogginizer IIPA
Drakonic Imperial Stout

Barrel-Aged & Sours
Bourbon Barrel-Aged Drakonic Imperial Stout
Brewers Droop- Barleywine aged in Brandy Barrels
Sauer-Brauer- Sour Cuvee in Chardonnay Barrels
Brett Butler- Sour Amber Ale aged in Chardonnay Barrels

Guest Taps
Titanium
Honey Wheat
Quasar IIPA

You can also purchase growlers, cases, six-packs, 22-oz bombers, and 5 gallon kegs, to-go.


Bonus– we have an awesome patio for you to relax on, and fully equipped with umbrellas, tables & chairs, adirondacks, beer, sun… sounds like summer…

And while we don’t serve food (other than nuts and pretzels), you can order delivery, bring your own grub, or buy some at one of the local food trucks we’re inviting to stake-out at the brewery a few nights a week. Check out the Barrel House site for more information on which food trucks will be rolling up curb-side at the brewery.

Check back soon for more details on our grand opening celebrations, the second weekend in July.

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The Barrel House- So Close to Opening

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011

We’ve all been waiting for this moment for quite some time now. Even the brewery staff have been long awaiting this exciting event. Opening day for Drake’s Barrel House is almost upon us. With the passing of a few more inspections, we’ll be opening the doors to the new on-site tasting room and retail store. Those of you who have been following the updates know more on the progress, but for those of you who don’t know, we have the bar set up, refurbished church pews, glossy wood tables, and chairs in place, 24 tap handles ready to pour beer to the thirsty people, and retail 6-packs, cases, bombers and kegs to-go waiting for new owners to take them home.


While we still can’t say with certainty when the exact opening date is, you can expect to be savoring some suds at the Barrel House within the next week or so. Not to worry– we won’t leave you high and dry. Check back in a few days for more updates on our official opening.

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