Today, we made our annual pilgrimage to Stone Brewery in Escondido, about 30 miles north of San Diego. I had first discovered Stone Brewery when I found a beer called Arrogant Bastard Ale in our local wine and beer store at home. After reading the label (you have to read it to appreciate it) I absolutely had to try it. It was a truly great beer. Reading further, I discovered its origins in Escondido and decided then and there to visit the brewery on our next trip. That was several years ago ( I have lost count) and we have been going there ever since. The brewery has one of the most delightful beer gardens we have ever been to and the food (along with the beer) is fantastic.

Today, Peggy and I shared a “flight” of 5, 4oz servings of beer (an imperial stout and 4 IPAs) along with fish and chips and a large soft pretzel, Peggy liked the “Best by 07 04 2025” IPA (9% ABV) and the stout (I forget the name, but it clocked in at 13.4% ABV). I can’t tell you how many years it took me to get her to even try beer and now she’s turned into a real beer snob. It was another gorgeous day but unfortunately, all the outside tables were taken, so we had to sit indoors. Afterward, we spent some time wandering around the outdoor beer garden, and finally returned to our daughter’s home where we are staying.