Beer Me from the Past: Wait, what?

I'm fortunate enough to write two blogs for the Patch -- one about beer and one about history.  On a recent Saturday afternoon, I was able to enjoy both.

My wife and I were going to the Home Front Festival at the Craneway Pavilion, in the restored Ford plant in Richmond.  We decided to stop first for lunch at Elevation 66 Brewing Company in El Cerrito.  I was very excited when I first learned a brewpub was opening there, as previously the closest brewpubs to us here in West County were either in Berkeley or Walnut Creek.

I've been to Elevation 66 a few times now, and they haven't disappointed.  Their menu features small plates as well as entrees, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredrients where possible.  Beer-wise, they offer a great selection of six to seven house brews, and about as many guest taps as well.  Even with the guest beers, they try to be as local as possible.  Every time I've been there, they've carried at least one brew from Linden Street in Oakland.

On this visit, I tried their own White Rabbit Double IPA.  Wonderful beer, very tart for an IPA.  One of the smoothest doubles I've ever had.  It's 9.2% ABV, but deceptively easy drinking.  I've had their Ramble Tamble Red in the past (in honor of CCR, who hailed from El Cerrito), a wonderfully complex, aggressively hopped Red Ale.

After lunch, it was on to the festival, which honors the contributions of Richmond's ship-building industry to the war effort during World War II.  The highlight for me was visiting the Rosie the Riveter Visitor Center, located right next to the plant in the restored "Oil House," an oil storage facility.  The center is filled with fascinating exhibits, including posters encouraging civilians to give their all -- buy bonds, ration food, start "victory gardens," save gas, and recycle, recycle, recycle.  There's also a theatre and gift shop.  And if you're a little short on cash, admission is free, although they do encourage donations.

We capped off the day with a drink at the Boilerhouse, next door to the Pavilion.  I thought it only appropriate to try the Rosie's Shipyard Ale, brewed exclusively for the Boilerhouse by Drake's Brewing in San Leandro.  At least I think it's exclusive.  I've seen conflicting reports, and it's possible Drake's may license the same recipe under other names as well.

It was even difficult to find a description of the brew.  It tasted to me most like a Hefeweizen, with that tart clove and spice profile.  However, I saw one description of it as a Rye Pale Ale, which would explain the spiciness.  Either way, it was a great way to finish up an enjoyable and educational afternoon.