www.montereycountynow.com MARCH 13-19, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 39 CHILL Most beers hover around 5-percent alcohol. Some push a few percentage points above that mark. When brewmasters dare to challenge the alcohol-by-volume stratosphere, however, the results can be remarkable—even legendary. Thomas Hardy’s Ale—perhaps technically a barleywine—is sold by the vintage. The triple bock produced by Samuel Adams in the mid-1990s was so intense that few could finish the small bottle in one sitting. The same brewery’s Utopias is illegal in several states. Into this pantheon is Alvarado Street Brewery’s Infinite Abundance Batch 3, an imperial stout magnified, at 14-percent alcohol. It is a leisurely beer, something to sit with after dinner, maybe with a cigar. Draped in aromas of dark chocolate, it is as rich and elegant as a ganache. J.C. Hill and his team rested the beer in well-chosen bourbon barrels—Booker’s, Buffalo Trace 10-year—and Caribbean rum barrels for up to 45 months. During this somnolence, they introduced nibs of cacao and vanilla beans. “Abundance” suits a beer of such opulence on the palate. The dark chocolate savor causes you to pause, to appreciate the experience. There is a sensation of caramel and toasted malt, as well as notions of pipe tobacco and oaken warmth, with just a whisper of ocean breeze. With a stout this luxuriant, time is of the essence. Hill was inspired by fudge brownies. But he has taken the idea far beyond an easy treat. Infinite Abundance deserves mention with the fabled brews. On tap at two Alvarado Street Brewery locations: 426 Alvarado St., Monterey, 655-2337; 301 Main St., Salinas, 356-0219. asb.beer. Time Honored With its ‘Infinite Abundance,’ Alvarado Street has brewed a stout for the ages. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com DAVE FARIES Locals’ Favorite: Weekly Specials & Patio Dining Tapas Happy Hour, 4:30–6pm | Dinner starting at 4:30pm Brunch Saturday & Sunday 9am–1:30pm | Open for Breakfast daily Reservations recommended 831-375-0176. estebanrestaurant.com Adjacent to Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa | 700 Munras Ave., Monterey WINE DINNER FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025 FROM 6PM TO 9PM RESERVATIONS $95 inclusive per person Reservations are required (831) 649-7870 or email lhenderson@portolahotel.com Two Portola Plaza Monterey, CA 93940 (831) 649-4511 portolahotel.com VIEW MENU Live music with The International Trio ♦ 3 Card Poker ♠ Century 21st No Bust Black Jack ♣ Texas Hold’em ♥ Baccarat FULL BAR! BLACKJACK BONUS POINTS PAYS UP TO $20,000 SMALL TOWN BIG PAYOUTS! 1-800-Gambler • Gega-003846, Gega-Gega-003703, Gega-000889 Gega-000891 Gega-002838 The Marina Club Casino ensures the safety and security of all guests and team members at all times, while providing exceptional service. 204 Carmel Ave. Marina 831-384-0925 casinomonterey.com ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Just minutes from Downtown Monterey Where Monterey Comes To Play
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