Golden hour turned into golden memories at Golden Road Brewing’s “Under the Stars” dinner at their Huntington Harbor location — and trust me, this was no ordinary beer tasting.
The vibe? Dreamy. Think cozy lights, harbor views, and a curated five-course dinner that paired like a dream with Golden Road’s most creative brews. The evening kicked off with a Caviar Board and a crisp “Czech Style” pilsner (ABV 4.8%), which had just the right amount of bite to match the saltiness of the roe—sophisticated yet chill.
Next came my favorite beer of the night: “Pampelmousse” (ABV 5.8%), a grapefruit saison served with a delicate Scallop Crudo. This beer was summer in a glass — citrusy, peachy, with a tiny peppercorn kick that made me want to bottle up the moment and sip it all season long. If you typically skip darker beers, this is your flirty summer crush.
For round three, we leveled up with a Kalua Pork Belly Bao paired with “Exact Estimate” (ABV 4.8%). This darker pilsner had deep coffee and chocolate notes with a little citrus resin twist. A dark brew is not my usual order, but it was so well-matched with the pork belly that I understood the appeal—Guinness fans, this one’s for you.
Caribbean Halibut followed the pork belly bao and was paired with “I-Piano,” a bold New Zealand IPA (ABV 7.6%) that hits you with tropical kiwi and pineapple. It’s stronger, yes, but in a confident way. This one earned the runner-up spot in my beer power rankings.
We wrapped things up sweetly with Beer-misu — ladyfingers soaked in stout and espresso, layered with mascarpone. The “Espresso Martini Stout” (ABV 8.3%) was the cherry on top: rich, smooth, and tied for my top pick. Dessert beer? Say less.
Golden Road poured their heart into this celestial experience and their new brews.
