From the Beer Writer: It’s been a quick but fruitful two years for Lomaland’s Bay City Brewing Company, especially over the past two months. In July, they debuted a beer brewed to represent our suds-centric region in collaboration with the San Diego Tourism Authority, and earlier this month they opened Suite C, a private-event and overflow space in the industrial unit abutting their brewery. Its first event, a free comedy night, was so well attended they ran out of seating in less than half an hour. Not to be lost in these high-profile initiatives is last weekend’s second-anniversary festivities, which were toasted with a celebratory invention: Bay City Anniversary IPA. Coming in at 6.8% alcohol-by-volume, the beer feels like a throwback with plenty of evergreen character intermingled with soft peach, mango and papaya flavors, all of which come across as though the fruits have been caramelized thanks to a substantial malt-bill that brings in a bit of East-Coast appeal (circa early-2000 versus the ever-hazy present day). Rich and substantial, it feels bigger than it is and has a decadent feel worthy of a brewery birthday.
From the Brewer: “Our second Anniversary IPA is a golden-pale-colored ale featuring the recently released Idaho 7 hop. This hop varietal offers a pungent, fruity aroma and flavor with notes of papaya and sweet lemon. The bitterness is restrained, which creates a refreshing beer that can be enjoyed during the final weeks of summer. Thanks for another great year and here’s to many more to come!”—Chris West, Head Brewer, Bay City Brewing Company