Callistoga Inn Restaurant and Brewery
Wine country is known for being the home to many great breweries. Sonoma County is known for Russian River, Bear Republic and Lagunitas among others while Napa County is home to one of the father’s of California craft brewing, Don Barkley. Hidden along the Napa River in the town of Calistoga is an another example of fine craft brewing taking place among the vineyards at Calistoga Inn.
Brewmaster Brad Smisloff started his brewing career on the East Coast with Cambridge Brewing Company. This experience brings a fresh approach to the typically hop-driven styles of Northern California. This approach to brewing beer is particularly on display in the current seasonal offerings available at the brewery.
Start with the Pumpkin Wit, a unique take on a seasonality. The pumpkin, traditionally used in the fall, and the wit, a great summer drinker, blend perfectly in this beer thanks to a wonderful balance. The spice of the wit compliments the pumpkin and allows the subtle sweetness of the orange vegetable to shine through in the aroma and finish. Fantastically refreshing and like nothing you’ve ever tasted, Calistoga’s Pumpkin Wit is a must-try for those looking for creative and innovative beers.
Left to Right: Pumpkin Witbier, Belgian Pale Ale, Blitzen IPA, Barleywine
Equally creative is the Belgian Pale Ale. Initially, the beer may seem rather pedestrian, nothing significant in the nose and the malt washes over the tongue without much fanfare. As you move to dismiss the beer, an earthiness rises from the back of your mouth, bringing to mind herbs and that familiar dusty yeast character for which Belgium is known. It is through the use of rosemary that the beer seems to build on itself with each sip. Funky, refreshing and increasingly intriguing, the Belgian Pale Ale grows on you, then compels you to not just drink, but gulp down the remainder of your pint.
The final two beers are best experienced together. These would be the Blitzen IPA and Barleywine. The reasoning behind this I will explain a little later.
Blitzen IPA is a nice change-of-pace for those of us living in the midst of hop-topia. Bringing a sense of balance from the East, this beer is rich and cake-like, powered by a full body and malt sweetness with the hops providing a stiff floral finish. Not what one might consider ground breaking in the grand scheme of things, but unique given the geography and local tastes.
The barleywine may be a misnomer. Malty and with a generous amount of hops, the color and flavor profile skews slightly lighter than one would expect from a barleywine. As a barleywine I think it misses the mark, but as a Double IPA, I see this as a wonderful beer.
In all, Calistoga Inn Restaurant and Brewery is a place many may not have heard of. Their license allows only for in-house sales. This means no keg distribution and no festivals. The only place to try their beer is at the pub, so make sure to head down Highway 29 and grab a pint or two. You may even want to take a bottle home with you.
