Nickie Peña currently works at the Stone Brewing Company Store in Escondido and just recently completed her tour of duty as an SDSU intern with West Coaster. So, today, our industry member five question-interview is with her. Thank you Nickie!
What are your top 3 Stone Beers?
I find it a little concerning how much I get asked this question since I’ve been a Stone Brewing Co. employee. It’s really hard to pick beer favorites or top choices in a single category. I don’t have children, but it has to be on the same level as picking a favorite child. Almost all of Stone’s beers have something to offer based on their ingredients. To help me combat this question (or some form of it), I created categories. My desert island beer is Stone Ruination IPA. Seriously, I can drink this beer anytime. The best pairing beer is Stone Smoked Porter. Because you can match this beer with vanilla beans, chipotle peppers, BBQ or simply just another Stone beer, it definitely deserves this title. My favorite style of beer from all Stone brews is any recipe that has been double-dry hopped. Hops are amazing. I mean really, what else can I say?
Craft beer businesses to watch in 2012?
I can’t really say there’s a specific business I will be watching, but I definitely will be keeping an eye on Jeff Bagby — if you’re reading this right now Bagby, I apologize in advance for appearing somewhat creepy. But really, who wouldn’t be excited about a recent GABF award-winning brewer starting his own brewery? He’s set the bar quite high for himself, so it’ll be interesting to see how his “personal brews” stack up.
Beer-y New Years resolutions? (i.e. new beers to try, new places to visit)
Haha, I can’t really say I have one. However, I have decided to display a year-round festive tree in my house. The decorations will be based on all the new breweries I plan to visit or different beers I will have tried throughout 2012. As I go, I will add a new coaster, rare beer bottle cap or just a random beer artifact to my tree. By the end of the year, my tree’s ornaments will be complete. Plus, it might be the end of the world as we know it, but I’ll feel fine…
What craft beer trends have you noticed recently?
Lately, and possibly because of SDBW 2011, I have noticed a lot more beer and food pairing events being held throughout San Diego at places like Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, The Lodge, Firefly at the Dana and even the Handlery Hotel. These are great! It’s an awesome way for the hospitality/restaurant business to merge with SD’s growing craft beer industry and put on exceptional events. However, I have to complain about all the meat-loaded meals I’ve come across. If I had the beer and fresh food ingredients available to me, I’d put on a killer vegetarian beer pairing. Plus, I’m not alone. I’m sure other vegetarian craft brew enthusiasts would appreciate more meat-free events!
Your new favorite spot? Or your favorite “locals only” spot?
Honestly, because of you “West Coaster dudes,” URGE American Gastropub in Rancho Bernardo has become one of my favorite places to visit. Every time I make it into this place, I’m impressed by their tap list. They seem to have awesome connections with their craft beer accounts. Plus, I’m consistently satisfied with their service. Together, a great tap list and good atmosphere are always a perfect combination for satisfying locals in the area. Including this great joint, Churchill’s Pub & Grille would definitely be considered a “locals only” spot. Again, I love that this establishment is very close to home for myself and other coworkers. At nearly every occasion, their tap menu is different from the previous visit. Churchill’s frequently brings in regulars and locals, like myself, by delivering a great beer selection and friendly service.