I love discovering new beers and new breweries.  There is certainly something magical about initial discovery and a fresh experience that stirs curiosities and heightens anticipation.  Some places, and brews, that I have experienced may have already been established, but my first visit to the scene, or the first taste of a beer from a brewery whose beers I’ve never had is always an exciting experience.

Not all of these trials are successes.  I’ve been to breweries whose lineups have failed to impress.  I’ve had first examples from many companies that resulted in nothing more than pursed lips and a shrug.

But, when that blissful satisfaction occurs, it makes all of the seeking worth while.

Crystal Ball Brewing and its beers stand out as one immensely satisfying experience.

As the first stop on a day-trip local brewery tour, the expectations for Crystal Ball were enigmatic at best.  Typing in Crystal Ball Brewing didn’t even afford a direct spot on Google maps.  Only via the address on the website could a destination be pinpointed.  Even then, a drive by, then double back, followed by gut instinct navigation, resulted in finally discovering this warehouse-type locale nestled behind an automotive shop.

The signs on the outside of the building didn’t alleviate the dubious feeling, but the taps upon the wall of a refrigerated room directly to the left of the entry door did.  Further left a rack of T-shirts were available for purchase. To the right, a rustic, and unadorned set of stairs made perpendicular angles towards the second floor along with a small chalkboard declaiming pricing as well as several examples of glassware, cans, and growlers set up on the ascending steps.    A small, inquisitive and friendly dog, later known as Bella, scampered down the steps to greet the only customer in the building, myself.

After an admitted shock at the sparse environs, I settled into pleasurable and informative discourse with the proprietors of Crystal Ball Brewing.  My questions were answered professionally, enthusiastically and honestly from Ashley, Ryan, and Jesse.  Most of the discussion was with Jesse, and we chatted about the ten month existence of the company, the distribution first approach of Crystal Ball, some challenges and future hopes, and of course, the beer.  All the while people filtered through the doors, several having samples, though mostly filling growlers, several at a time, affirming an established following.

I had several excellent examples of Crystal Ball Brewing craft during my stay.  Each sample was coupled with a thorough explanation of the intent of the style, tasting notes,  and devoid of brewing jargon regarding malt selection or hop profiles.  Doubtless though, if I wished, these gentlemen could have spoken amply to the specifics of their brews.

The coconut porter is an excellent flagship beer for Crystal Ball.  Their Forewarned triple is terrific and smells of candied apples and tastes like cotton candy and belgian sugars, and is way too easily drinkable.  The All-Seeing Ipa is a bit more on the fruity, juicy side of the ipa range, and thus didn’t hit my palate with great impression.  I prefer a more bitter, dank, citrusy and piney ipa.  The pale ale, on the other hand, was tasty and hop flavorful, crisp and bitter.  A guest appearance was made by a Mango Hibiscus Wheat which tastes exactly as advertised and which I can’t wait to try again.  The show stealer, however was the

Breakfast Stout w/bacon – Crystal Ball Brewing Company – This deliciously light oatmeal stout is a caramel-tinted darkness topped with a fluffy mocha head.  The nose has roasty barley notes, and hints of molasses, rounded out by a sugary sweet smell similar true to the style of an oatmeal stout.  A light but rich flavor graces your taste buds coupled with a smoked meat, campfire element. Each sip beckoned another, eventually resulting in my purchase of a growler to take home.  8/10

My minor disappointment came from an inability to spend more money at Crystal Ball.  I wanted to purchase several four packs to share with friends, and also to have cans for myself, but I was thwarted by an absence of inventory.  Realistically, I could have contacted Crystal Ball and confirmed inventory before I made the trip.  My assumption was based on the one day a week sales hours of Saturdays twelve to five.  I believed that cans would surely be available for purchase.  I was, however, graciously provided with a few cans from the owners, and was provided with a future canning date whereupon I could purchase cans in the future.

I can’t recommend this brewery highly enough.  And I look forward, with great anticipation, to the fantastic beers surely on the immediate horizon.

Humbly yours,

J