Anchor Steam 2009 Christmas Ale: Good Beer & Classic Design

I recently read an article in the Chronicle Newspaper (actually on SFgate.com) that was a small expose on the Designer of the Anchor Brewing Company's beer labels, Jim Stitt. This is a gentleman who has been designing the labels for roughly 4 decades! A true graphic artist. In his own words, "It is a hand made beer, so the label should be hand drawn.". This in the age of computers - very refreshing.

Each year Anchor Brewing Co. comes out with a slightly different recipe for their "seasonal" Christmas Ale and a unique label that typically highlights, illustratively, a specific tree type. In the past they've had Redwoods, Pines, Palms and Birch Trees. This year, to commemorate their 35th season of their Christmas Ale they chose a very special tree. They chose the Cuppressus Macrocarpa, or the Monterey Cypress (pictured below).

Now this is not just any old Monterey Cypress that Jim Stitt chose to draw, he selected a very special one. This year he drew the Cypress that is located at the intersection of Stanyan and Fell streets here in the City. A tree that is lit up every year just after Thanksgiving and known as the unofficial Christmas Tree of San Francisco. This basically is the Gateway into the Sunset District and I pass by this tree every night - saw it about 2 hours ago!

So you might be saying, that is a lot of typing without any mention of the brew itself. Well it is the season for darker heavier beers (at least for me) and this one does not disappoint! A spicey brew that is about as dark as they come. I could barely get the kitchen light to show through my pint glass when held up to it. I find it to be best when poured into pint glass and let sit for a few, warm up a bit and let the spicey flavor come out. If too cold, I find the full flavor can be a bit masked. It has a mild carbonation that enables the brew to go down smooth.

There you have it, good beer and good design coming together with a dash of Sunset Pride!!! Happy Holidays to you and yours.

DISCLAIMER: This in no way nullifies my declaration of beer loyalty to the BOONT Brewery out of Anderson Valley who by far crafts the most sublime beers on Earth. Sorry Anchor, you are my home town brewery, but only a close second to BOONT!!!

 

SUNSET PRIDE: Hess Surfboards

The San Francisco Chronicle is assisting me in highlighting yet another person of interest and source of SUNSET PRIDE, Danny Hess of Hess Surfboards. A true artisan when it comes to making hollow core, wood and epoxy surfboards. A nice guy as well - I've only met him once through a mutual friend. Read all about his boards and the lifestyle he has created for himself as a full-time surfboard maker right in the heart of the Sunset District - click here to read the article.

The shot below is of a friend of mine that I took last Summer. He is hiding behind a Hess "Handplane" he was using for bodysurfing. Little buggers are $150.00 - YIKES! But worth it as I am told by those who have bodysurfed with them - I have not.

Do you own a Hess surfboard or handplane? Would love to hear if you do and why you chose Hess over other board makers.

SUNSET PRIDE: Carol Schuldt, Queen of the Beach

In my continued effort to highlight what makes the Sunset District so great, I'd be in error if I were not to mention Carol Schuldt, "Queen of the Beach". At one point in my life a few years back, she was my landlord (a story for another time).

She has been a fixture, better yet a foundation, out in our neighborhood for years. One of the original locals to hang out at Kelly's Cove back in the day. Describing Carol is really tough to do. Much of who she is can be best described by her actions. Here are just a few I can rattle off (keep in mind that she is in her 70's):

- Bikes to most of her destinations on a daily basis

- Body surfs damn near on a daily basis on the very south end of Ocean Beach - NAKED!

- Recently completed a hike up Mt. Shasta (I don't think that she summited but close)

- Has biked Death Valley not too long ago

- Has (2) hip replacements

- Retains a keen eye on her environment (especially the ocean)

- Has a kick ass garden in her backyard (not neat and orderly but just thriving and beautiful)

- Raises chickens 

I believe that most people who cross paths with Carol find her on the "eccentric" side and to their credit she does dress a bit tusseled (the dirt is typically from her garden). She can be a bit in your face if you are not used to her demeanor. And certainly if she is standing in front of her house on La Playa (her domain) you really get a sense of her eclectic style in the form of the bright colors, painted murals, stuffed animals, buoys, statuary and random found artifacts that she utilizes to decorate the exterior.

I'll end this by saying that she is truly one of a kind. One of the unique personalities that make the Sunset District so great. I truly enjoy talking with her and catching up. She has greats stories to tell. If you pass by her in front of her house, I'd encourage anyone to stop and say "hello". If you have time ask, "I hear you have a terrific garden in back?". Chances are she'll invite you to take a look. Time worth spent from my perspective.

Here is a link to The Surfers Journal which recently highlighted her lifestyle and body surfing in an article. Worth the read.

SUNSET PRIDE: UFO Response Team

I live with my family in the Sunset District of San Francisco on the far western edge of the United States. I love this neighborhood and have lived here off and on 8 years - I think. Hard to pin-point exactly what I love about this neighborhood, so many different facets. The people, the fog (world class), Golden Gate Park, the ocean... So I'll try and write about my hood whenever inspired.

What not a better way to start off this series than with the UFO Response Team. Yeah, they are headquartered right down the street from our apartment. I know this because their response vehicle is always parked a few blocks down the street. Can't tell you how nice it is to have them close by. After all there are a lot of unexplainable activities going on inside Golden Gate Park and around the hood these days.

Are you a believer? Have you run into the UFO Response Team? Do you know what to do if you run into a UFO? If not go here and find out more about UFOs.