Join My Craft Brew Pilgrimage!

My Summer Craft Brewery Pilgrimage is in full swing; I have already visited two of the six stops on this year’s list!

I am a pilgrim with a mission; actually, several missions.  Recognizing the strong historic connections between monastic life and brewing beer, and the significant contributions monks have made to brewing, I set out to explore those connections.  I also believe in living a life of leadership, monasticism, and revelry; a brewery pilgrimage just seems to fit.  In addition, I have heard that Southern California has a growing appreciation for craft brews, and needed to explore that.  I always enjoy meeting new people and hearing their stories in real life; this is a great, relaxed way to do that.  And, I highlight a different nonprofit organization at each stop.

In May, the first stop on this very first tour was Eagle Rock Brewery.  Eagle Rock brews great beer, especially Solidarity.  Their atmosphere is more of a select choice; I appreciate their focused craftsmanship (it is all about the beer) and minimalist, working class ethos.  Other pilgrims were more nervous about the neighborhood, and the lack of any external signs advertising the brewery’s location, or even existence.  The peanuts and pretzels are a great complement to the very fine beer.  Eagle Rock does provide tours of their brewing facilities on Sundays by their very knowledgeable staff, “as long as it is not too busy.”  We highlighted Wild Hope International, an organization that does leadership and spiritual development work, along with sports training, in Africa.

In June, the pilgrims ventured to the northernmost reaches of Southern California to visit Ladyface Alehouse & Brasserie in Agoura Hills.  The atmosphere at Ladyface is close to the opposite end of the spectrum from Eagle Rock Brewery; they have an extensive menu of excellent appetizers, salads, and light entrees to complement their beers based in French and Belgian traditions of beer making.  I have written in the past about the significant contributions Belgian monks have made to the development of brewing beer; Ladyface is a great place to get a sample of some of the differences. Ladyface also offers tours on the first Monday of each month.   Anthony Yu told us about Urban Light, a nonprofit that works with boys who want to escape human trafficking in Thailand.

The Brewery Pilgrimage continues in July with a visit to Noble Ale Works in Anaheim, and monthly stops until the beginning of October.