Beer of the Week: Gimme Sim’ Mo’
San Diego Brewing Co.'s new regime gives fans what they want...brand-new beers and plenty of hops!
Nostalgia is a powerful thing, particularly when it comes to beer and the companies that produce it. While many are drawn to the shiny new toys of the ale-and-lager world, even those who seek out the latest and greatest harbor affection for the brands and venues they share a personal history with. For many locals, that includes 30-year-old Mission Valley brewpub, San Diego Brewing Co. (SDBC). It was one of the first full-time, enduring entrants into the local “microbrew” sect back in the nineties. Over the years, San Diego’s suds scene grew and evolved around it, but not a lot changed within its four walls. Beers that had been innovative years ago remained set-in-stone staples, but not many new creations found their way onto a beer board that came to be mostly known for its many high-quality guest offerings. So last year, when a new ownership group led by entrepreneurs deeply ingrained in the craft community took over SDBC, local beer fans were excited about the prospect of new brews. It’s taken longer than most had hoped, but the ownership group was tied down with a laborious remodel and the many adjustments that come with a venue takeover. Now that they have their footing, SDBC has a new house brew. It’s this week’s featured beer, a West Coast IPA called Gimme Sim’ Mo’. “Sim’” is short for workhorse hop varietal, Simcoe, the dank, catty, orangey character of which is fully on display along with tropical notes (mango, pineapple, passionfruit) from various incarnations of Mosaic (AKA: “Mo'”). It’s a straight-up hop bomb that goes a long way to modernizing a spot that, while delightfully nostalgic, desperately needed to be pulled into the here and now.
This is a bright, crushable IPA showcasing layers of Mosaic and Simcoe Hops. T90, Incognito and Spectrum Mosaic create a bright, boisterous star boasting citrus, tropical-fruity and berry-like aromas and flavors. Simcoe supports the star with its own citrus kick and harmonious tone. The light malt bill of 2 Row and Pilsner malts let the hops shine while giving it a sturdy stage to perform. A killer flavor bomb, this pale ale is sure to make hop fans say, ‘Gimme Sim’ Mo’!'”
Tyson Blake, Co-owner, San Diego Brewing Co.
San Diego Brewing Co. is located at 10450 Friars Road in Mission Valley