Beer of the Week: Depon

Thanks to offseason and trade-deadline wheeling and dealing, plus a dedication to two things that, for so long, were unheard of in America’s Finest City – spending money and trying to win now – the Padres are a heck of a draw this season and consistently selling out Petco Park. Fortunately, there are plenty of restaurants and bars in the East Village to take on that nightly onslaught of brown-and-gold-clad Friar Faithful. Many of those game-goers are drawn to happy hours and discount pricing, but when it comes to beer, a lot of those game-day promotions involve something as weak as the Chicago White Sox (who this week tied the American League’s all-time record for longest losing streak at…ouch…21!) and as locally lovelorn as the L.A. Dodgers: macro beer. The way I see it, Padres tickets aren’t cheap, nor is downtown parking or the gas it takes to get to the game. If you’re treating yourself to an afternoon or evening of in-person baseball, treat yourself all the way. Dip into one of the East Village’s numerous brewery venues and go all-in with a quintessentially San Diego experience (even if you are a Dodgers fan…we won’t tell). When it comes to suds styles, none screams SD like a vibrantly hoppy West Coast IPA, which brings us to this week’s featured beer, Depon from Half Door Brewing. A pair of New Zealand hops bring exotic, tropical-fruit flavors to a party that’s further enlivened with grassy, orangey notes from Pacific Northwest varietal, Amarillo. Bright up front with a substantial bitterness in the finish (something that’s rarer these days), it’s best enjoyed at its brewpub of origin, just a half-block from Petco Park’s north gate. Installed in a lovely two-story house on the corner of Island and Ninth Avenues, it’s homey to the nth degree (thanks in part to a food menu stocked with rich, comforting U.K. and U.S. classics) and offers plenty of outdoor seating on both levels. Frugal Friar Bonus: Half Door offers discounts on certain beers and food items two hours before the start of each home game!

When not brewing, you can catch me trying other San Diego brews or behind the computer jamming out to some good ol’ computer games. Depon originated from my World Of Warcraft gamer name. A vibrant West Coast IPA, it includes Pilsner, wheat and Munich malt, which helps create a soft golden backbone so the hops can shine. This IPA is brewed with Nelson Sauvin, Motueka and a touch of Amarillo hops. The Nelson brings an alluring gooseberry and passionfruit flavor with slightly floral undertones. As for the Amarillo, a little goes a long way, offering a zesty burst of orange and grapefruit, and a punchy citrus-forward flavor that helps balance the others. With a clean, crisp finish and a moderate bitterness, this IPA is one that is sure to be enjoyed on these nice San Diego summer days before a Padres game. Go Pads and Sláinte (the Irish ‘Cheers’)!”

Dan Drayne, Head Brewer, Half Door Brewing

Half Door Brewing is located at 903 Island Avenue in downtown San Diego’s East Village neighborhood