Hoppy Purrfection (2025)

27/08/2025

The only time I’ve ever packed beer in my suitcase on a cross country trip to bring back home was with 🍺

They don’t (and still don’t 🥲) have a taproom, and shipping/pickup is only in California. On their website, they only offered 4 packs, but we wanted singles. So, we did the most awkward thing ever: just walked up and asked.

Surprise! Alex met us and happily let us pick singles, sharing stories about his brewery journey and the beer itself. Definitely one of the highlights of the trip.

And of course, Cooper had to show off the beer too!

🍺 Love is Supreme | Sour/Farmhouse Ale | 7.2%
A blend of Sour & Farmhouse Ales with Bing Cherries, naturally conditioned with honey. Red wine based fermentation brings a perfect balance of tartness and a touch of cherry sweetness.

Honestly, we almost didn’t walk through that garage door, afraid of being turned away, but I’m so glad we did. One of those totally unforgettable travel moments. Can’t wait to try more of Alex’s beers someday!

Want your cat to be featured next? Tag or use with a photo of your cat and a beer for a chance to be spotlighted on the page! 🐾 Cheers to the purrfect pairing! 🥰

25/08/2025

Saturday was all about Brew at the Zoo with 🦓🍻

Always such a fun event, and while this year had way more cocktail brands than ever before, I’m keeping this post strictly beer focused (don’t worry cocktail crew, I see you 👀).

Here were my standouts of the night:

🍺 Peanut Butter Jelly Sour | Fruited Sour | 5.5% |
If you know, you know. This is the beer that put Vigilant on the map. Strong peanut butter on the nose, the wheat/bready backbone comes through as you sip, and then you get the sweet pop of jelly at the end. It’s literally a full PB&J sandwich in a glass.

🍺 Fest Bier | Marzen-Style Lager | 6% |
Smooth malty goodness with a sweet finish. Crisp, light, and the kind of beer you could sip on repeat.

🍺 Michelada made with
Okay, I’m sneaking this in because it was too good not to mention. First time I’ve had a michelada at Brew at the Zoo. Not too spicy, good amount of tang, and refreshing perfection.

🍺 The Substance Ale | IPA | 6.6% |
My boo, I love them! Their flagship IPA. Hopped with Centennial, Chinook, Eureka, Falconer’s Flight & Simcoe. Dank, citrusy, classic Bissell vibes. Funny side note: I spotted their company car on my way in and we gave each other a wave 😂

🍺 All Day Grapefruit | Session Hazy IPA | 4.7% |
Bright grapefruit upfront, soft hops behind it, and super crushable. Light but full of flavor.

Let's be honest: after sampling a dozen or two IPAs, they all start to blur together (oopsie 🫠) so I'm sure I missed a few gems.

So instead, scroll to the end for my chaotic attempt at a goat photoshoot!

📍 Brew at the Zoo, Providence, RI

20/08/2025

On one of my previous posts, I raved about my amazing time at so of course, I had to check out the OG location to compare.

Walking in, you might be surprised by how minimal the space is. Inside, there’s just a small counter and a single two seat table (which doesn’t see much action due to the constant line). The real vibe reveals itself outside, where all the seating is patio style, with a garage style covered area tucked out back for a little extra room. It’s perfect for sunny days, though I imagine the colder months make lingering a bit less cozy.

I say that to say I still had a great time. They also had a food truck parked right by the patio.

What I sipped:
🍺 Another Sunrise | IPA | 6.8%
Hopped with Citra, Centennial and Anchovy. A soft, juicy pour with tropical fruit sweetness. One of my faves from when I visited the Anaheim spot.

🍺 Zag Zip Zombies | New Zealand IPA | 6.8%
Hopped with Nelson Sauvin, Nectaron, Rakau & Southern Cross hops. Super smooth sip with a gentle bitter finish.

Different vibe, same great beer. The OG Monkish proves that amazing hops can shine no matter the setting.

📍 Monkish Brewing, Torrance, CA

18/08/2025

Drink While Smiling 😄 That’s the motto at , and honestly, it’s impossible not to.

This was one of my most anticipated stops on my California trip. Green Cheek has blown up over the last eight years, opening multiple locations and earning a rep for hop forward hazies, crispy lagers, massive stouts, and even playful hard seltzers.

We hit their original location. We arrived at night but it was still welcoming, and packed with personality. I’ll admit, this was our 6th brewery of the day (don’t judge 😅), so we were running on fumes. Sadly, no tasters here, so we managed just two pours before calling it quits. Next time, I’m coming back with a fresh palate and zero beer fatigue.

What we tried:
🍺 Starry Configurations | DDH Hazy IPA | 9.1%
Hopped with Citra and Nelson. Big juicy vibes with orange forward hoppiness.

🍺 Ruffle’n Feathers | Hazy IPA | 7% | Collab
Hopped with Citra, Citra Dynaboost, Krush & Galaxy. Bright lemon notes meet lush hop character.

Can’t wait for round two with this brewery. Next time, I’m showing up thirsty and ready for the full lineup.

📍 Green Cheek Beer Co, Orange, California

15/08/2025

Say hello to Gatsby! 🐾

Today's featured kitty comes from . This distinguished gentleman clearly knows a thing or two about the finer things in life, like a rich, velvety barrel-aged imperial stout.

🍺 doppio affogato from

Want your cat to be featured next? Tag or use with a photo of your cat and a beer for a chance to be spotlighted on the page! 🐾 Cheers to the purrfect pairing! 🥰

13/08/2025

💥 Calling all heroes (and villains)! Your headquarters awaits!

isn’t just a brewery, it’s a full blown comic book universe come to life. Every corner is bursting with vintage superhero figurines, epic murals, and little details that make you feel like you just stepped into the pages of your favorite graphic novel. Look up, and you’ll even spot a lifesize Spider Man swinging from the ceiling.

Each beer is its own origin story, with cans that read like the backstory of your favorite hero or arch nemesis. The artwork is half the fun. And of course, the flavors are just as bold as the characters.

What I tried:
🍺 Psyblast | Sour Ale | 6%
A sweet-meets-tart adventure. Juicy guava up front, finishing with the tropical twist of prickly pear. A bright and refreshing power up for your taste buds.

🍺 Lumino | Mexican-Style Lager | 4.8%
Smooth pilsner malt and corn create a perfectly balanced, crisp, and crushable lager. The light cracker notes and touch of sweetness make this one dangerously drinkable.

From the immersive décor to the creative beer lineup, Unsung Brewing is proof that superheroes and craft beer make an unbeatable team.

📍 Unsung Brewing Company, Anaheim, CA

05/08/2025

I love a brewery that isn't afraid to get weird, in the best way, and is all about that! 😏

Known for their bold, experimental brews and unexpected flavor combos, they don’t play by the usual beer rules. Their most famous creation is Black Tuesday, a massive 20% ABV stout that’s become a cult favorite. Sadly, I didn’t get to try it (it’s mostly reserved for members), but if you're local, their exclusive beer club seems like a dream.

The tasting room is tucked away behind an industrial yard, blink and you’ll miss it. But once you spot the water tank and turf covered patio in the distance, you know you’re in for something special. If it wasn’t blazing hot, I would’ve stayed outside. But thank goodness for that glorious indoor AC and tons of seating. Long bar, big tables, plenty of space for a crew.

Now, the beer menu was HUGE. We grabbed two flights, and here are the stars of the show:

🍺 Mango Carriage | Lager | 4.1%
Lager with mango. Tons of mango right up front. Bright and juicy, with a clean lager finish. Super refreshing.

🍺 Desert Flora | Belgian Table Beer | 3.5%
Made with hibiscus and prickly pear. Light and malty with a subtle tart kick at the end.

🍺 Girl Grey | Belgian-style Ale | 8.5%
Earl Grey tea, milk sugar, and almonds. The aroma is tea heavy, with creamy and nutty notes that balance out that strong Belgian base.

🍺 Frozen Grove: Pineapple Lemonade | Sour Ale | 3.1%
Straight up lemonade slushie vibes. Tart, tropical, and so fun to drink.

🍺 Frozen Grove: Strawberry Lemonade | Sour Ale | 3.1%
Similar to the pineapple but with a berry twist. Still tasty, though pineapple wins this round.

Definitely a spot worth visiting if you’re into creative, out-of-the-box brews.

Would 100% go again. Hopefully next time I can try that elusive Black Tuesday.

📍 The Bruery, Placentia, CA

24/07/2025

I’m all about good vibes and nailed it.

The moment you walk in, it just feels happy. Bright colors, awesome murals, super friendly staff. It’s a spot that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and I love that. The art on the walls is playful and fun in the best way.

Here were the highlights:

🍺 Beautiful Something | Helles Lager | 4.8%
Brewed with extra pale pilsner malt and gently hopped with Hallertau Mittelfrüh, this one’s crisp, slightly sweet, and finishes dry.

🍺 Infinite Universe | Hazy IPA | 6.8% | collab w/
Hopped with Motueka, Motueka Hop Kief, Citra, and Nelson, plus oats and premium pilsner malt. Soft and hazy with a subtle bite, just enough to keep things interesting.

Also, they were selling plushies of their logo and I deeply regret not grabbing one. So cute it hurt 😂

📍 Everywhere, Orange, CA

22/07/2025

Say hello to Violet! 🐾

Today's featured kitty comes from . We’re not sure what she thinks about the beer, but she’s definitely intrigued! 😸

🍺 Feral from .beer and

Want your cat to be featured next? Tag or use with a photo of your cat and a beer for a chance to be spotlighted on the page! 🐾 Cheers to the purrfect pairing! 🥰

14/07/2025

I still laugh thinking about a friend who literally ran to but honestly, I get it 😂

There’s a lot of hype around this spot, especially for their stouts, but don’t sleep on their fruited sours either. They’re legit!

The vibe inside is super cool. Science themed with chalkboard menus and even a full chalk mural.

Here’s what I tried:
🍺 Eve of Destruction | Smoothie Sour | 7%
Dragon fruit, passion fruit, and pineapple bring the tropical chaos in the best way. Bold, fruity, and totally refreshing.

🍺 Tropical Hideaway | Smoothie Sour | 5.6%
Inspired by a Dole Whip! Madagascar vanilla and marshmallow meet pineapple for a creamy, sweet tart sip.

🍺 Krakatoa! | Smoothie Sour | 5.6%
Like Tropical Hideaway’s berry loving cousin. Strawberry forward, thick, and extra fruity.

🍺 Hanamachi | Japanese Rice Lager | 5%
Crisp, dry, clean. Classic and crushable.

🍺 Explorando | Mexican Style Lager | 5%
Light with a soft bite. Easy drinking all day.

Also, remember the guy I met at Monkish in my last post? He said he was coming here too. And then never showed. I like to think the full Monkish tap list got the best of him 😅 RIP.

10/07/2025

Dreams really do come true 🤩🍻

At the top of my California beer bucket list was , and I was especially excited to check out their location. It lived up to every expectation!

Tucked away in a charming spot, the Anaheim taproom features a shaded patio surrounded by greenery and a cozy indoor space with a long bar and intimate seating. It’s small, but has big vibes.

The beer menu was absolutely stacked. I wanted to try everything. If we didn’t have other breweries lined up for the day, we probably would have!

Here’s what I tried:
🍺 Timeless Fuzz | TIPA | 10%
Hopped with Riwaka, Strata, Enigma. Creamy, smooth, and everything I want in a triple.

🍺 Another Sunrise | IPA | 6.8%
Hopped with Citra, Centennial, Anchovy. Soft, juicy, and a touch sweet.

🍺 Le Petit Pug | Farmhouse Saison | 3.5%
Funky with a hint of sweetness. Super easy to sip.

🍺 Taste the Shapes | TIPA | 10.3%
Hopped with Citra, Rakau, Krush. Lightly hoppy with a sweet finish.

🍺 Unfold the Scroll | TDH DIPA | 8.3%
Hopped with Citra. Slightly bitter but smooth overall.

We sat next to a couple who had just gotten married, and the husband’s goal was to try every single beer on the menu. We chatted for a while, and I even showed him my brewery tracker spreadsheet. His energy was pure joy, just excited to be with his wife, family, and drinking great beer. It made an amazing visit even more memorable.

📍 Monkish Brewing, Anaheim, CA

08/07/2025

Finally made it out to the much talked about in California! 🍻

I’d seen so much love for them on Instagram, so I couldn’t wait to finally try their beer fresh from the source.

The space is super inviting with a chill patio outside and cozy vibes inside. I was obsessed with the menu design. It felt like I was ordering beer at a retro diner! They also serve food, but I was focused on the beer.

🍺 Vienna | Amber Lager | 5%
Smooth, slightly smoky, and super crushable.

🍺 Electric Living | Hazy IPA | 6.8%
Hopped with Citra, Galaxy, and Riwaka. Bright, juicy, and just the right amount of sweet.

Also, shoutout to their cat themed merch (which sadly wasn’t in stock when I visited 😭). Just another reason to go back!

📍 Highland Park Brewery, Los Angeles, CA

Hoppy Purrfection

27/08/2025

25/08/2025

20/08/2025

18/08/2025

15/08/2025

13/08/2025

05/08/2025

24/07/2025

22/07/2025

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