Just moved to Santa Cruz and need a beer culture primer.

[andy77]

Hi gang. I just moved to Santa Cruz (Scotts Valley, acutally) and need a beer culture orientation. I know about Seven Bridges, Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing, Santa Cruz Aleworks and Boulder Creek Brewing.

I'd really value advice on bottle shops, small breweries, homebrew clubs, etc. in the area. I've scouted out a couple bottle shops, but they seem to be pretty standard, and don't afford any more selection than my old shop in Bakersfield (my old home). Any advice on shops that carry hard to find, california craft brew like Russian River would be valued.

Thanks!!!!!!

[KingMonkey]

Hi Andy77

For bottle shops with Russian River, you are kinda screwed. Sometimes something will pop up, but its an odd occurrence (and maybe a grey market thing). The best bottle shop is probable 41st ave liqueurs. You'll find a few sours there. I also go to U-Save liqueurs on Mission on the westside.

Besides the breweries you listed, checkout Seabright brewery in Santa Cruz. Especially on a nice sunny day where you can sit on the patio.

Then checkout the Central Coast Zymurgeeks http://www.zymurgeeks.org/ and our yahoo group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/zymurgeeks/.

Cheers
KM (aka Shane and VP of the Zymurgeeks)

[andy77]

Hey, thanks Shane. I've been to seabright. It's a nice place. Thanks for the tip on 41st liquors. I'm in Scotts valley, so I've recently learned that the Whole Foods in Los Gatos has a tremendous selection also.