Barrelworks

Every once in awhile, there's an experience that's so remarkable, and so special, it brings you back to the yelp community again.  And I feel like Barrelworks is that place for me.

After a long hiatus, and frankly, pure laziness, I finally found a place worthy of yelping about.  Located in Buellton, CA, is a little known secret called "Barrelworks."  A division of Firestone Walker.  

We were on our way to Paso Robles for the Firestone Walker Invitational, and had been tipped off by our local Firestone Walker rep about Barrelworks.  We flew in to Burbank, and rented a car to drive to Paso Robles.  Buellton is on the way, which breaks up the trip nicely.

As soon as we landed in Burbank, I tweeted Jeffers, the genius behind Barrelworks and all of their glorious concoctions.  I was super excited to see I got a welcoming reply from him almost instantly.  

Entering the huge wooden door, you pass by literally barrels and barrels of beer until you enter the taproom.  The decor is fantastic, and the room is clean and comfy.  Jeffers instantly made us feel right at home, as well as the gal that was working behind the bar.  Even as crowded as it was, everyone was patient and respectful.  Chances are, if you find yourself at this location, you are a respectful of craft beer and it's culture.

The pours are small, as they should be.  If you aren't familiar, most of their beers are high in alcohol, and are meant to be savoured and enjoyed.  

After spending a bit more time there than we planned, we said our farewell to Jeffers and took a picture with him of course!  We also met some new friends that we still keep in contact with.  Lifelong friends.  Fellow beer drinkers out to enjoy life, meet new people, and appreciate great beer.

I would have to say that my favorite part of the entire "beervaction" was our stop in Barrelworks.  If we hadn't had such a long day on Saturday, we would've stopped by again on Sunday. Overall, here is what you should expect.  The tasting room is small, but accomodating.  The service that day was exceptional.  Jeffers is one of the most humble brewers we've come across.   There is a pub area literally connected to the taproom that serves food and the normal "Firestone Walker" list of beers (Union Jack, Pale 31, etc etc).  They also sell bottles and merchandise.

We didn't encounter any craft beer snobs there.  Nor did we encounter any of the "I just want to get wasted on 9% beer" variety either.  Even if you aren't well versed in different styles of beers you can still have a good time.  If you have a question, just ask.  They will be more than happy to help you.  There are also descriptions of the flavors so you aren't blindsided before you order.  Although many of the Barrelworks beers are barrel aged or of the sour variety, you can try a small taster, and still get an IPA in the pub next door.  There really is something for everyone.

The wife and I walked in to pick up a tulip glass.  I wish we had time to get a growler fill and taste some beers.  It seemed a bit pricey compared to some of the other breweries i've been too, but hey!  Got my tulip, got my wife and got the hell out of there!

Will I again, yeah, gotta pick up a couple growlers so I can get bombed with my father in law.  HAHA!

Small pours is the max that you'll get here; no pints due to the limited supply.  Nevertheless, the Saison and especially the Russian Imperial Stout were phenomenal.  Had dinner in the restaurant afterwards and I felt like I transitioned from Cristal to Cook's with going to the regular firestone offerings.  Don't get me wrong; I'm all about regular Firestone beer, but there's no touching Barrelworks' goodness.  

This beer is unbelievable, plus you can walk through their barrel aging warehouse!  Not many tables (5-6 I think).  Beer pourer knew his stuff.  

One sip, and you'll be hooked.