Wunderbar!

Three South Bay gents with a taste for local brews check out four beers on tap at Hot’s Kitchen in Hermosa Beach. Here’s how it went down.

The Judges:
Mike Lawson Contracts Manager, Torrance	Ben Meek Business Manager, Redondo Beach	Jared Sayers Publisher, Redondo Beach

St. Citra – Monkish Brewery in Torrance – 6.3%

Ben: “After a Strand bike ride on a sweaty September night, the St. Citra was a great place to start rehydrating. This beer has a citrus zest aroma and a bit of a crisp to it.”
Jared: “A very hoppy aroma with an abnormally smooth follow-through and sweet on the finish.”
Mike: “This beer starts with a very hoppy aroma, but it wasn’t too strong. It has a smooth yeast/hop balance that makes it extremely enjoyable.”
Score: 7.7

Station No. 1 – El Segundo Brewing Co. – 6.7%

Jared: “More of a personal preference kind of beer. Sweet to the smell but surprisingly dry with a tasty finish. A very West Coast red ale.”
Mike: “This beer seemed like a departure from the standard El Segundo hop bombs that I’m accustomed to. It pours very dark and maintains a nice frothy head. A good option if you’re in the mood a local fall beer.”
Ben: “This is a medium-bodied beer with a smooth and roasty taste with a clean finish. It won’t be for everyone, but it might be for you.”
Score: 6.5

Sabre Tooth Squirrel – Smog City Brewing Co. in Torrance – 7%

Mike: “Smog City’s diversity and quality of fine beer has made them a local standout. This beer is no exception. A hoppier version of a standard amber ale that’s crisp, piney and very drinkable. Tastes of caramel/toffee round out the taste with a nice earthy finish.”
Ben: “The hops slightly overpower the malts, but they complement each other well. Hints of citrus, caramel and biscuits can be detected and a bit of an earthy finish.”
Jared: “More hop than malt with a very neutral finish.”
Score: 7.4

Dual Citizen – Three Weavers Brewery in Inglewood – 9.2%

Ben: “OK, so much going on here. The Dual Citizen is a flavor filled experience from start to finish. Don’t be fooled by the fun passion fruit and crispness characteristics of this beer. It’s got oomph and its not afraid to use it. A very drinkable beer that will sneak up on you.”
Mike: “Despite the high alcohol content, it wasn’t overpowering. The combination of Australian galaxy and American citra hops created a tropical fruity flavor that was very refreshing.”
Jared: “Good balance. Delicious, but for the alcohol percentage, would love to taste some more of that hoppy heat. A sneaky lil’ bastard.”
Score: 8.4