40 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 15-21, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com CHILL For years, the craft beer market gravitated toward hoppy IPAs and other high-alcohol styles. But for the population of beer drinkers who prefer something easier to drink, the pendulum has slowly been swinging back to lagers. It’s swinging even faster at Alvarado Street Brewery, where Monterey Beer is its second most-popular (after Mai Tai “tropical IPA,” which has a 6.5-percent ABV). At 4.5-percent ABV, Monterey Beer is a refreshing, unobtrusive lager. “It’s a very approachable style,” says Brock Bill, ASB’s director of marketing (pictured above). But as ASB transitions production to its new hub in Castroville, the team saw an opportunity to make it even more approachable. Design director Keith Soergel wanted a cleaner look for the vintage can design and the team wanted a modest tweak that would enable them to market the beer as a light lager, taking it from 4.5- to 4.2-percent ABV “to align with the Modelos of the world,” Bill says. Lab tests verified by FDA were required to put “light” on the label. The first batches are now brewing in tanks in Castroville, to be released soon. (The early version was guestbrewed in San Jose by Gordon Biersch Brewery.) Modestly lower alcohol might keep the party going longer. As Bill says, “Monterey Beer is one of our favorite beers to brew, and one of our favorite beers to drink.” Alvarado Street Brewery has three locations in Monterey, Salinas and Carmel; its Castroville brewery will open soon on a date TBD. asb.beer. Lighten Up Alvarado Street Brewery’s transition to a new facility means a loweralcohol facelift for its lager. By Sara Rubin SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com SARA RUBIN ♦ 3 Card Poker ♠ Century 21st No Bust Black Jack ♣ Texas Hold’em ♥ FULL BAR! BAD BEAT JOKER JACKPOT PAYS UP TO $45,000 SMALL TOWN BIG PAYOUTS! 1-800-Gambler • GEAR-000383, GEAR-000376, GEAR-000375 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 Quality feed & pet supplies • DIY dog & cat vaccines • Premium hay at great prices Low cost vaccination clinic for dogs & cats. Microchipping. Prescription flea/tick medication. Open every Saturday 12pm-3pm 101 W. LAUREL DR, SALINAS • (831)443-6161 Mon-Sat 9am-6pm Sun 10am-5pm $5 OFF Any purchase of $25 or more $20 OFF Any purchase of $100 or more WE HAVE PREMIUM HAY! $10 OFF Any purchase of $50 or more QUALITY YOU CAN SEE, NUTRITION THEY CAN TASTE! EXPIRES 11-4-26. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER DISCOUNTS OR OFFERS. LIMIT 1 COUPON PER CUSTOMER. NOT VALID ON HAY, SHAVINGS, SERESTO, MAX BULLY, SPORTSTRAIL, NUTRA-NUGGETS, OR LIVE ANIMALS. MUST PRESENT ENTIRE PHYSICAL COUPON AT TIME OF PURCHASE. COUPON MUST COME DIRECTLY FROM THE MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY. REPRINTS OR PHOTOCOPIES NOT VALID. FORAGE ALFALFA ALFALFA GRASS TIMOTHY MIX $23.00 $28.00 $34.00 $36.00 FALL DECORATING? WE HAVE STRAW BALES! RICE STRAW WHEAT STRAW $16.99 $18.99 BACK IN STOCK! FRESH. LOCAL. TASTY. Fisherman’s Wharf FRESHEST SEAFOOD with PANORAMIC VIEWS Open Daily at 11:30am • At the end of Fisherman’s Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375 carmel plaza carmel-by-the-sea new arrivals sweaters shirting outerwear sport coats soft coats made in italy
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