Beer Nerds are a lot like Food Nerds in that the thrill is in the hunt for rare, new and obscure.
To whit: On the counter of JT Fenn’s BeerCraft store is a micro-produced mint chocolate stout that’s just come in. The distributor is downright giddy over finding it and the boys of BeerCraft are equally psyched. “Oh, that’ll be gone by tomorrow,” says JT, getting ready to share the score on his Facebook page — which has more than 1,500 “Likes” after just a few months in business.
The small Rohnert Park store features more than 200 kinds of craft beers, mostly refrigerated and ready for drinking, with a stock that changes up with 10-20 new beers each week. But more than just a place to buy beer, its become a hangout, meet-up and podcasting spot for many of the local Beer-rati who you’ll find wandering around the store, looking for unusual favorites. Fenn brings ’em back with his ‘Beer of the Day’ specials, 50% off specials (I got a six-pack of Brown Shugga for just $5).
Look for special seasonal ales during the holidays, including Rogue Brewing’s Pumpkin Patch Ale, Marin Brewing’s Holidaze, Midnight Sun Brewing Company’s Treat (made with pumpkin, cocoa, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg) and, well, whatever else Fenn can find. 5704 Commerce Blvd., Rohnert Park, 888-989-2337.