Allagash is one of our favorite craft breweries in the nation, and one we keep a close eye on in anticipation of their next seasonal or new release. Just this week we got our hands on 2 kegs of Allagash that might not be on many menus around town: Interlude, and Odyssey.

Interlude is a dynamic Belgian style ale characterized by its yeasty (brewed with both Farmhouse and Brettanomyces yeast strains), and fruity (pear and apricot) flavors. A portion of the beer is aged in French Merlot and Sirah oak barrels, giving it a dry finish. True to Belgian brewing style, Interlude is bottle conditioned; yeast and sugar are added just after bottling, which triggers a natural carbonation process. Small elegant bubbles, the woodsy bite from Oak, and characteristics of fruits like pears and apricots make Interlude an excellent accompaniment to salty cured meats, or bold cheeses. For food pairing suggestions, check out the Allagash website.

Odyssey is a 10% ABV barrel aged wheat beer. Part of the beer is aged in New American Medium Toast Oak, the rest in stainless steel. The two brews are blended, and additional yeast and sugar is added for bottle conditioning. Sweet and a bit spicy, Odyssey has dark fruity notes that taste of dates, prunes, and figs.

Side note: Portland, Maine was just named America's Foodiest Small Town 2009 by Bon Appetit Magazine. It is also home to Allagash, Shipyard, and several other microbreweries. For more on Portland's food and beer culture, check out the video and article on BA's Blog.

You might not be drinking beer at Neighborhood Monday, but we will; our first ever homebrewing competition requires that we close our doors for business on October 13th.

Since San Diego is craft brewing mecca, we thought, why not participate in beer culture as artisans? To increase our employee's knowledge of the craft, all Neighborhood staff has been hard at work brewing their own beers to present to judge (and respected local brewer), Lee Chase of Blind Lady Ale House. Lee will also be leading the crew through the blind taste test portion of the competition.

We're always looking for ways to increase our beer knowledge and can't wait to see how the competition pans out. Who will win the $500 prize? Check out our blog next week for the play-by-play, and photos from the event.

See you Tuesday for normal business hours.

Stop in at 6pm tonight and get a glass of Sculpin IPA by Ballast Point. This 7%ABV IPA is vibrant orange in color, has citrus and pine notes and is hoppy, bitter and dry. A favorite from this brewery, on cask you'll be able to taste more of its bold characteristics because of less carbonation going into each pour.

Stone Brewing Company hasn't let big success overshadow its support of smaller craft breweries. Among the many collaborations we've drank, and the festivals we've attended at The World Bistro and Gardens, Stone continually promotes the smaller guys.

Homebrewers included. Since The World Bistro and Gardens has been open, Stone has hosted a membership rally for the American Homebrewers Association each year. This year's rally included a competition where 23 brews went head to head for the ultimate prize: to have their recipe brewed at Stone's facilities.

The winner was Ken Schmidt with his brew, Aloha Plenty, a recipe he said was inspired by Maui Brewing's Coconut Porter.

Can you guess where this is going?

Stone, Maui Brewing and Ken Schmidt's collaboration 'Kona Coffee, Macadamia Nut, Coconut Porter' is in stock now at Neighborhood, and sold by the 12oz bottle (8.5%ABV).

In the spirit of collaboration, and Aloha, stop in for this limited, decadent craft brew.

We will be closed Monday, October 19th for Neighborhood's first employee homebrewing and blind taste test competition.  In an effort to increase our beer knowledge and understanding of the craft, each employee will brew their own beer, and participate in a taste test judged by an esteemed local craft brewer. Check out our blog next week for details on who won the competition.

Neighborhood will reopen Tuesday, October 20th for regular business hours.