While still in the Napa Valley we stopped by the Calistoga Inn, home of the Napa Valley Brewing Company. Ironically Napa Valley and Calistoga in particular have a long brewing history reaching back to the Gold Rush when many of the necessary ingredients needed to brew beer were grown in this area.The Calistoga Inn has its own history in the Valley and was even the setting for a 1930's Movie "They Knew What They Wanted" Additionally the Napa Valley Brewing Company was the first outfit to brew beer commercially in the Napa Valley after Prohibition.
The beer choices at the Inn included: Wheat Ale, Pilsner, Red Ale, Porter, Barley Wine and a seasonal American Special Bitter. After reading that the Red Ale had won a few ribbons and medals I was interested but instead I opted to make the American Special Bitter my choice for Day 15. This American twist on the traditional English style bitter packs a punch of hoppiness. With an ABV of only 4.2 this a great football game beer. Which worked out well since the Niner game was on (and they won). This was fresh crisp beer and perfect for a warm fall afternoon.
Although I enjoyed the beer I have to say the best part about the Calistoga Inn and Napa Valley Brewing Company is the atmosphere and the scenery. The outdoor patio provides views of the Napa River and the fall colors were in full effect. This is definitely the right time of year to visit Calistoga.
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