May 28, 2015
Written by Mike Ungerbuhler
My jaunt across the river ends with a visit to Jackrabbit Brewing Company. I had a great time at both Bike Dog and Yolo and I will complete my tour of the Port District with Jackrabbit. Follow me as I Sample West Sacramento.
In 2011 a group of four avid homebrewers brought their passion for beer and their DIY mindset together to build Jackrabbit Brewing Company. They started as a production only facility with a few taps around town and bottles at select stores. As business grew so did the need for a taproom. In November of 2014, they started work on building the taproom in the space adjoining the production facility. Fast forward to April of 2015 and the taproom opened to a standing room only crowd. Jackrabbit is currently open Fridays from 5pm to 9pm and Saturdays from 12pm to 9pm but I’m sure that it won’t be too long until they are open more days of the week.
Walking up to the taproom, one is greeted by a spacious and inviting patio. Enter the taproom and you are welcomed by the dimly lit space and an assortment of seating options. Conversation mingles with music and the clinking of glasses as the comfortable taproom encourages you to stay for a few pints.
Although I have only been to Jackrabbit a few times, I have been enjoying bottles of their brew since I stopped in for their open house back in November. I was part of the standing room only crowd during opening night, so I was excited to grab a sampler and get to sipping. The taproom was bustling on this visit, but it was the perfect spring day to sit back and take notes.
Tasting Notes:
Old Ale – Aromas of chocolate and plum cuddle up to tobacco leaf and sarsaparilla. The deep brown beer gives way to garnet edges and is topped with a thin layer of off-white foam. The flavor follows the nose and is paired with sweetness reminiscent of port. The Old Ale would pair well with a cigar and/or would make for a great desert beer.
Oatmeal Stout – The aroma is reminiscent of a chocolate doughnut and a cup of coffee, practically begging to be drunk for breakfast. The opaque black ale is crowned with beige foam and has ruby highlights. Rich malt flavors give way to the chocolate and coffee noted in the aroma. These flavors are balanced by a mild earthy hop character. The Oatmeal Stout’s medium-full body is near chewy and the moderate carbonation emphasizes the dry finish.
Tripel – This Belgian Tripel is redolent with aromas of both red apple and pear. Graham cracker and subtle coriander character round out the fruity aroma. It is brightly clear, light gold with fine white bubbles that dissipate quickly. The sweetness reminds me of a Juicy Pear Jelly Belly and is accompanied with graham cracker and coriander. The medium body is supported by medium-high carbonation. The Tripel has a sweet finish that is reminiscent of white dessert wine.
IPA – With aromas of grapefruit candy, pine and a doughy malt character, the IPA is true to the West Coast. It is translucent amber with a thin off-white head. The hop flavors of ruby red grapefruit and pine are balanced against a subtle caramel and bready malt backbone. This well balanced IPA has a medium-light body and moderate carbonation making for quite a refreshing beverage.
Jackrabbit is brewing great beers that are rooted in tradition but are true to Californian inventiveness. I have thoroughly enjoyed the brews that I have tried and look forward to getting my hands on more. I found the taproom to be comfortable and thirst inducing. This may have only been my third visit, but I’m sure that I will soon lose count.
Cheers!