Blue Palms 2nd Annual Ultimate Brown Bag Tasting – Recap and Pictures

Friend of The Full Pint and fellow craft beer drinker Frances sent in this recap of Hangar 24′s 3rd Anniversary party along with some great pictures.

Last Saturday Blue Palms hosted their 2nd annual Ultimate Brown Bag Tasting and Brunch. At 10:30 a.m., a decent crowd had checked into the Hollywood brewhouse for a special gourmet brunch spread worthy of the likes of any other champagne brunch in town. By 11 a.m. there wasn’t an empty table in the house, which was impressive and a true testament to how early bonafide beer fans will show up to stake their ground.

Check-in was a breeze and the atmosphere was mellow as many were clearly still half-awake on such a gloomy Saturday morning. However, all of this clearly changed over the course of six hours as the beer kept flowing from their 24 mystery taps.

-The Food-
The brunch layout was generous, although there were some delays (since everything came out fresh). They served up an interesting mixof classic breakfast items with a Blue Palms seal of authenticity. Particular favorites of mine included the black truffle home fries, their wild boar sausage, and those oh-so-delicate Consecration pancakes.

-The Beers-
The 24 mystery tap tasting was broken up into four hour-long blocks showcasing six beers per theme. While I wasn’t too big on the “Sessionable Starters,” The “Award Winners” theme started strong with a tasty chocolate porter. With the crowd delving into some serious note-taking, the various discussions filled the room as the “New Kids on the Block” and “Got Wood?” themes saw the most debate. We saw a lot more hops and bold sour flavors at this event, which was unique and interesting. I’d have prefered just a little more variety (for my palatte’s sake), but thankfully, the great folks running the show knew to supply tables with some sharp cheese when the beers got a little more intense. Blue Palms really did get us all thinking (and drinking) outside of our comfort zones and for that, I salute them.

-The Big Reveal-
At close to 4 p.m, it was time for the Big Reveal. The packed house eagerly perked their ears up as owner Brian Lenzo hopped up onto the bar with a microphone with Matt, they unleashed the following list:
1. Victory Prima Pils
2. Green Hill Dry Hopped Blonde
3. Pizza Port Pier Rat Porter
4. San Diego Brewing & Alesmith NHC Mild
5. Marin Brewing Chocolate Air Porter
6. Alesmith Lil Devil
7. San Diego Brewing Down Under IPA
8. Pizza Port Chronic
9. Ladyface Alehouse Sauv. Blanc Saison
10. Great Divide Colette
11. Avery Brewing 18th Anniversary
12. Eagle Rock Brewery Yearling
13. Marin Brewing Dirty Blonde
14. The Bruery & Cigar City Marron Acidefire
15. Greenflash 30th Street Pale Ale
16. Port Brewing Ad lib
17. New Belgium Lips of Faith-Metric 10
18. Port Brewing Old Viscosity
19. Taps IPA
20. Great Divide 17th Anniversary
21. Firestone Walker Union Jack
22. Moylan’s Hopsickle
23.Pizza Port Killer Dana
24. Hair of the Dog Fred

-Overall-
The food, the beer, and our gracious hosts were fantastic. Blue Palms staff were on-point, and it was a great way to spend a Saturday. I really love living within walking distance to this place, although it is also very easily accessible to the Metro rail and various bus lines. I think every neighborhood should have a place that upholds the quality and dedication to craft beer and tasty eats the way the Blue Palms crew does. Seeing as though this was my first assignment for The Full Pint, I was a little nervous at first because I didn’t know anyone there. However, by the end of the day there were high fives and hugs going around and a whole lot of TFP love. Big ups to folks like Mark and Gloria of the awesome band the Firkins for letting me feel so welcome.

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