Joseph Gelman reviews Russian River Brewing, Sonoma, CA.
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Russian River
Brewing review
Submitted
by Joseph
Gelman
Sometimes
a vacation through Sonoma county
can leave tourists with the impression that the whole place is nothing
but the pungent smells of fancy
Australian goat
cheeses and a constant winery vs winery dueling banjos
theme. But
for one who has time to escape their wineloving friends to enjoy some
of the common and
relaxing breweries, Russian
River Brewing Company is one that shouldn't
be
missed.
Though it may be considered to have a smaller square footage than some other breweries in the area, Russian River proves good things come in small packages.
(Plus, who doesn't love feeling like they've stumbled upon a secret beer garden of their own?)
Russian River, CA
The seating area is generally a little on the darker side; some call it mood lighting, others call it buzz lighting. The tables are well-spaced from each other, allowing a beerguzzling pizza-addict sufficient room to push his/her chair back, undo a couple notches on the belt and stretch out a distended stomach.
Every Sunday there's a live local band playing on the stage, which in general is pleasant but can easily overwhelm the conversation at the tables. As hinted at before, Russian River pizza is unrivaled, and their spicy wings are among the top three of "James'n'Joe's Search for the Spiciest Buffalo Wings Ever Created."
Unfortunately, if you're in the mood for a classic beer/burger and fries combo, you'll be disappointed, as there aren't any burgers on the menu (And not much besides pizza as well!). But enough drinking around the bush...
The beer at Russian River Brewing has something for everyone. Personally, as I'm usually nursing some sort of hangover, I enjoy a thinner, less bitter type of beer. Little White Lie is one of my favorites, as it doesn't leave your mouth feeling as dry as some of the really hoppy brews around. Also good for washing down delicious food products.
For my nights where I want the most bang for my buck, I'll choose Pliny the Elder, Russian River's Double IPA, or Damnation, a 7% abv golden ale (surprisingly smooth for its alcohol percentage).
Another great part of Russian River Brewing is the Sampler, which gives you one ouncers of most of the beers available. It's a fun thing for both first-timers and indecisive regulars.
Russian River Brewing can be a
welcomed break from
some of the high-class wine circuits of the area.
I recommend it to any type as the crowd and staff are all of varying ages and exuding friendly, laid-back temperaments.
If the place gets too crowded for you, there's always Third Street Aleworks a street up that has some kick ass garlic parmesan fries you can sink your sorrows and teeth into.
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