While chefs are known for their nth-level knowledge of ingredients and culinary techniques, the vast majority’s interest in beer seldom goes beyond wanting something ice-cold and uncomplicated to slake their thirst after a taxing kitchen shift. It’s odd, especially considering how common it is for chefs, particularly those at white-linen establishments, to possess extensive backgrounds where wine or spirits are concerned. Because of this, a professional gastronome taking a significant interest in beer, especially ales and lagers of the locally produced independent ilk, is a big deal. Just ask the team at Vista-based WestBrew, which recently teamed with local toque Lauren Lawless to brew the first in a series of beers of their collaborative devising.
A personal chef and cookbook author, Lawless was introduced to WestBrew by a fan of the business when seeking opinion on a local brewing company that could assist in producing her own line of beers. If her name sounds familiar, it’s because she has been featured on a number of culinary-based television shows, including FOX’s MasterChef and Hell’s Kitchen (where she placed in the top 10 for Season 19), as well as Food Network programs Chopped and Supermarket Stakeout. She came out on top on the latter and has also participated in a number of other on-air chef competitions.
In her bid to compete in the local beer market, she is kicking things off with a self-referencing brand-name and style: Flawless Blonde Ale. The chef is a blonde and, while she does not claim to be perfect, her name can be found in the descriptor that will accompany each of her beers. Light gold in color and hopped with Cascade, Lemondrop and Tettnang, her blonde ale comes in at 5.4% alcohol-by-volume. Lawless’ goal with this inaugural offering was to provide something straightforward and refreshing that can be enjoyed by the masses.
“I’m on a path to create the best of the best in all I do and inspiring others to do the same,” says Lawless. “The launch of my beer brand is part and parcel to that.”
Flawless Beer joins other locally established ale-and-lager concerns that operate without their own manufacturing facilities by partnering with local breweries. Others include BeerDad’s Brew Works, Cerveca XTECA, Hillcrest Brewing, Latitude 33 Brewing, Paradise Hills Brewing, Shoots Beer and SouthNorte Beer Co.
“It’s been super-fun to collaborate on Flawless Blonde Ale with Chef Lawless, and we’re honored she selected us as her brewing partner,” says WestBrew owner Joshua Schreer. “She’s driven, passionate and knows what she wants…all qualities you’d expect in both a celebrity chef and successful businessperson. We’re looking forward to brewing more beers with her as she unveils the rest of her lineup.”
Flawless Blonde Ale is for sale in six-packs online. The beer will not be available at WestBrew’s trio of tasting rooms, however, the company’s Del Mar restaurant will be the site of an official Flawless Beer launch event on Thursday, September 14. In addition to the blonde ale, that event will feature the brand’s second beer, a yet-to-be-named fruited kettle-sour ale.