Scenes from The Halford, July 2018

Some pictures from a couple of recent visits to The Halford in Santa Clara to taste some beers…

and to catch up with co-owner Derek Kempinsky.

Started with Alpha Acid Brewing Company 2017 Vanilla Bourbon Barrel Constrictor Imperial Stout aged in Four Roses Single Barrel.

Derek holding court.

Next up: Alpha Acid Brewing Company Double Barrel Constrictor Imperial Stout aged in Buffalo Trace and Caribbean rum barrels…

which paired very well with Joey’s Sliders – pork belly on artisan bun served with red cabbage slaw and special sauce.

It also paired well with the Brioche Bread Pudding – Guinness gelato, craft IPA butterscotch, topped with candied nuts.

Enjoyed a taste of King Harbor Brewing Company King Swirly IV Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Dark Ale brewed with cocao nibs, vanilla beans, cold brew coffee and lactose.

Derek shared that The Halford is a family-owned-and-run business, started by him and his brother-in-law Charlie Moon. Derek is married to Charlie’s sister.

Derek is from Southern California, which is where he developed his passion for beer. He’s a fan of all beer styles.

Among many responsibilities, Derek has been doing a stellar job in procuring and curating a great beer list for The Halford.

Cheers, Derek! With De Brabandere Brewery Bavik Super Pils Belgian Pilsner in our glasses. It was great to finally catch up.

And we caught up some more the following day when I had the good fortune of returning to The Halford.

A stealth photo of Charlie, who shared that he’s partial to stouts and porters.

Epidemic Ales Undead Red Imperial Red and Perennial Artisan Ales Static Electricity Double IPA.

With French Fries with parsley, lemon zest, super aged jack cheese, served with chili aioli.

Modern Times Beer New Atlantis Sour Ale with Black Currants – red wine barrel-aged sour and saison blend.

Beertender Blake and Derek. Blake knows his beers and offered up excellent recommendations, including the…

Black Hammer Brewing Ruby Darkskye aged in Ruby Porto barrels, which was my overall favorite from the beers tasted, edging out several other tasty beers.

I was really in the mood for its wonderful aromas of cherry, chocolate and wood and the accompanying flavors of slightly sweet cherry, chocolate and port. All with a delicate, ridiculously smooth mouthfeel and no bitterness. Delicious.

A perfect beer to round out my visits.

Cheers! Prost! Gunbae!

~Andy