The November gathering of Business & Beer, arguably the South Bay’s most entertaining business networking group, returned to Torrance’s newest production craft brewery, Absolution Brewing Company. This was our second visit to Absolution since they opened their tasting room in March. Taking into consideration that this was our first Business & Beer since Daylight Savings Time ended, we had a pretty decent showing; winter has historically had smaller turnouts. Those that did attend were able to try some of the brews that may not have been available back in March. I know I became an immediate fan of their firkin version of the Trespasser Blister Farmhouse Ale; I am pretty sure a few others in our group enjoyed it as much as I did. In addition to the beer, Absolution Brewing Company’s new head brewer, Bart Bullington, hung around and chatted with the group telling us a little of his history and his vision for Absolution’s future brews. I would say the future is bright and I look forward to seeing more from their barrel program.

The next Business & Beer will be held Thursday, December 11 at Monkish Brewing Company in Torrance. With the cooler and sometimes damp weather we are having lately, there probably is not a better tasting room to visit in this area. Their Belgian-style ales are perfect for it and when we were there the other day they were pouring 2013, 2014 and 2014 Bourbon barrel-Aged Magnificat. If you have not tried them yet, this would be a good time to do it before they are gone. Our Business & Beer meetings start at 6:00 PM and run until at least 8:00 PM. Vella Pizza will be there for those that want hot, fresh, brick oven cooked pizza. If there are special toppings you want, maybe something from your garden, they will add them for you if you bring them with you. Monkish Brewing Company is located at 20311 South Western Avenue in Torrance. We hope you will join us; if not, see you in 2015. Continue reading →