Trip to Sonoma (Brewery visits)

November 9, we headed for Sonoma for some wine tasting and sightseeing. We stopped at two breweries in Santa Rosa that we visited last year. The first was 3rd Street Ale Works. They didn't have as many beers on tap this year but their quality is still top notch. I think their Annadel Pale Ale is one of the more drinkable, well-balanced beers I've had. Their Bodega Head IPA is really good too. If anyone knows what hops are used in it, please let me know. From there we walked across the street to the Russian River Brewery and like last year, we ordered the sampler. There were 14 beers to try this year which could be a bit overwhelming. Of note was the beer made using only Bravo hops, a new strain that I've never had before. They impart an almost bubblegum flavor to the beer. It wasn't fruity or sweet and I'm definitely going to try these hops out at home. Russian River really pushes the limits in some of it's brews. They focus on making authentic Belgium ales including their Sanctification, and Deification which both make use of brettanomyces. They have a wine like taste with strong sourness. Also, the bartender really knew her beers. We definitely recommend tastings at both breweries.