Bayhawk Ales

This rating is only in reference to a bottle of Bayhawk Pale Ale that I purchased… Bad sign when I popped the cap and half the beer came foaming out, waited it out, sipped and then dumped the rest down the sink. Soury/​bretty/​spoiled… hoping this was just a one time deal and the issue is fixed… I take note of the other ratings and still do hope to try Bayhawk Ales again and get a more favorable experience!

Fair warning I had certain expectations about this brewery due to how things are done in San Diego. Most breweries have a tasting room which allows them to sell and serve their beers in house without getting the licensing that a bar, restaurant or liquor store would have to sell beer. A vast majority of breweries in North County and San Diego do this. In fact I can’t think of one that doesn’t. Perhaps it’s because they are the oldest and largest that they don’t have tastings on a regular basis, but rather events. I know there are quite a few others around that adhere to the norm.
I think it’s because Bayhawk is an originator. I think it’s because their marketing strategy is pretty unique and their business has shareholders that they haven’t caved to this.
Ingenious is how I’d describe them allowing local restaurants to brand their beer as their own. Obviously there is some kind of licensing fee or exclusivity. I’m sure some discerning buds can taste and name by the originator, but that’s still rare. On a «long lunch» I mosey on to see if I can’t get a pint or two in me, sadly it’s appointments only, but they do sell just about all their beer at McCormick. After sampling I decide on California Pale Ale, Chocolate Porter and Imperial Brown Ale. I realized I have had the imperial brown somewhere, but under a different name. Nutty, roasted malts, sweetish aftertaste. The Chocolate Porter was to counter the roasted brown flavors with more a pure malty flavor. (stouts are roasted, porters are not).
Without getting into a dissection of each beer. I have to say the facility is nice, it’s kept up with the times on equipment, but I would really really love to see them have regular weekly tastings. I might never go home.

Here is to the little guy!!!
We had a rocking’ St. Patrick’s Day party at my house. One of the highlights was the «pickle back». That’s a shot of Jameson followed by a shot of pickle juice. We got a gallon of pickle juice from Lucci’s Deli and, well, do the math. That’s 128 ounces of Jameson and 128 ounces of juice. Damn good party.
Mixed in, of course, was a lot of beer. This year, it was Bayhawk California Blonde. We added a nice healthy shot of green dye and got in the spirit. The keg was a huge hit. Thanks to my guys at Mr. kegs for hooking us up. I hear Bayhawk is featured at a bunch of restaurants around H.B.
Support your local brewery… drink beer…

Excellent quality micro-​brew beer!
I most often have the Hefeweizen at Claim Jumper.
When we’ve had them deliver kegs for events at our church thye’ve always been friendly and on time!

I’ve had kegs of this. Bayhawk really serves up a nice beer. This is one of those brands that is worth supporting if you leave in Irvine. Haven’t you had enough Bud Light in your life? Every once in a while switch up and support the little guy. And that little brewer is right in our backyard.

Luv their Blonde Ale!
BTW: Bayhawk is pursuing a very interesting (smart!) business strategy by allowing local restaurants to brand their beers with their own names. So far I discovered their beers at Outback, Napa Valley Pizza, and few others. Cheers!

Great beers served up at McCormicks off Main in Irvine. One of the few active microbrews in Irvine, and darn good!