Is your date for this upcoming Valentine’s Day the snobbiest of beer snobs? You know the type I’m talking about: these are the ones who pass out judgmental looks to anyone drinking a Miller, Budweiser, Coors, or anything else not “Micro-Brewed.” Well luckily for you, we’re quite the beer snobs ourselves, and we’d be happy to help you find all the amazing local breweries that will surprise and delight that special beer snob in your life!
So let us take you through our Valentine’s Day beer brewery guide, and you might find a spot your know-it-all date hasn’t even found yet!
Sacramento Breweries
Track 7 – (97% on Beer Advocate)
These guys have been going strong for 30 years and aren’t stopping anytime soon. When it comes to interesting flavor combos, Track 7 has no limits. They even have a peanut butter chocolate beer, which has to be tasted to be believed. The Track 7 Brewmasters definitely know their stuff, and the many awards they’ve won prove it. At the statewide beer fair in 2014 their Panic IPA took the top spot for IPA’s in all of California! There’s no food here as of yet, but food trucks commonly park outside, and you are free to bring in your own food!
Must-Try Beers: Imperial Peanut Butter, Panic IPA, & Soulman Stout
Rubicon Brewery – (85% on Beer Advocate)
This brewery is one of the most notable in Sacramento, and it’s getting known in more and more places as of late. Rubicon is not afraid to be creative with their brewing, and they have a whole variety of different flavors coming out as a result. Also not to be missed are their gourmet burgers, killer sandwiches, and waffle fries.
Must-Try Beers: Oatmeal Stout & Monkey Knife Fight.
New Helvetia – (80% on Beer Advocate)
This brewery is a revitalization of the old Buffalo Brewery that was founded in 1890. After going in and out of business for the last hundred years, New Helvetia is bringing new ideas to the table, and are hoping to bring it back to its former glory. With some amazing IPAs and a specialty stout that is a co-creation with local business Naked Coffee, you’re sure to be impressed! They are just a taproom currently, so bring your own food or go to one of the nearby food trucks that come around on busy nights.
Must-Try Beers: Naked Coffee Stout, Rough and Ready Red IPA, & Thunderbeast IPA.
Auburn Breweries
Knee Deep Brewing Co – (95% on Beer Advocate)
If you’ve heard of the beer the Hoptologist than you’ve heard of Knee Deep. These guys are winning a lot of awards for this beer and awards for many of their other beers as well. Although their location is a bit hard to find (we drove around for 10 extra minutes looking for it.), the search is worth it! They have consistently amazing beer, and they have so many different styles and varieties that even a new beer drinker will be able to find something they’ll like. For instance, their Tanilla Porter tastes kind of like a french vanilla latte–it’s just as delicious as it sounds!
Must-Try Beers: Tanilla Porter, Hoptologist, & Simtra.
Auburn Alehouse – (90% on Beer Advocate)
Auburn Alehouse has a long-tested assortment of beers that are loved by residents of Auburn, and people all over California alike. Not to mention they have an amazing restaurant as well! If you want a full on meal to go with your local brews, I can’t think of a better spot than this one. Plus its setting in historic Auburn will give you a sense of nostalgia.
Must-Try Beers: Gold Digger IPA & Fool’s Gold Ale.
Hope this helped you out. And if you’re looking for food before or after these pubs check out our list of Valentine’s restaurants over here! Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know below in the comments, and we will do our best to add it.
Find the Best Restaurants for Valentine’s Day in Sacramento
