For centuries, man (and woman) has brewed beer. The simple ingredients and natural process has made its creation a favorite the world over. As the traditional European Brewmasters began to immigrate to the United States in the late 1800’s, larger, more consolidated operations and standardized recipes began to appear. As the population exploded, so did the popularity of this increasingly available and inexpensive beverage.

The industry was dominated by huge multi-national corporations throughout the most of the 20^th century and the true art and craftsmanship brought over from Europe was abandoned in favor of a mass produced product for the masses. It wasn’t until the early 1980’s that a new trend began to take hold. Small, “boutique” breweries focused more on the process than the profit of beer making, began to pop up all over the country. These “micro-breweries” made their products in small batches and catered to a growing number of people looking for the same experience with beer that they could have with wine.

As the popularity of micro brews swept the country, some breweries began to outpace their contemporaries in terms of sales and national recognition. Consequently, a new term was coined; Craft Brewery. A Craft Brewery, or Craft Beer officially refers to an independent brewery that is producing more than 15,000 barrels of beer per year while still holding to a more traditional and artistic style of beer making.

The term, however, is more commonly used to describe the actual artistic act or the “crafting” of the beer. As this process has grown, brewers have become as skilled and inventive as their counterparts in the wine industry and just as passionate.  In fact, many restaurants are offering beer tasting flights, pairing beer with certain dishes and, in the case of Peter B’s Brewpub behind the Portola Hotel & Spa, brewing their own beer. As Monterey’s only craft brewery, Peter B’s offers all that and more and is actively engaging and educating locals and guests about the process. So in celebration of American Craft Beer Week, stop by Peter B’s, raise a pint and see what all the excitement is about. Cheers!

The Portola Hotel & Spa is proud to be a neighbor to the Naval Post Graduate, Presidio of Monterey and Defense Language Institute’s Monterey Bay campuses.   With the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard all represented between these educational stomping grounds, the Portola Hotel & Spa recognizes the dedication, bravery, commitment and loyalty the members of our armed forces exhibit on a daily basis. That’s why the Portola Hotel & Spa is proud to offer Military Tuesday’s in Peter B’s Brewpub.

With great tasting locally brewed beer; 15 HD Televisions; the popular interactive entertainment system Buzztime; and one of the best pub menus around, Peter B’s Brewpub has it all!  And don’t worry about leaving the kiddos at home, Peter B’s pirate-inspired menu features seaworthy meals like Black Beard Pasta, the ever-popular Portola Pirate Pizza, MacAAAARRRoni and Cheese, and Captain Jack’s Grilled Cheese Sandwich, (all come with choice of Scaly Wag fries and/or a Jolly Roger fruit cup). Each entrée includes a beverage, Landlubber Root Beer Float or Matey scoop of ice cream, all priced at $4.99 per entree.

Every Tuesday, Active Duty military personnel receive a 20% discount off their entire bill, excluding alcohol. A valid military ID is needed to receive the discount. The entire staff would like to encourage the men and women of our armed forces  to come down to Peter B’s Brewpub and enjoy our new food and drink menu while sampling awesome house made beers.

Thank you for all you do!

With great tasting locally brewed beer, 15 HD Televisions and a revamped food and beverage menu, there is an even cooler vibe at Peter B’s Brewpub behind the Portola Hotel & Spa. It’s not often that a good time gets better, but with the addition of the wildly popular interactive entertainment system Buzztime, things are definitely getting Buzzy at B’s!

Buzztime is a restaurant and bar based game system that allows you to test your trivia prowess, sports savvy or card skills through the Buzztime Playmaker. Up to 40 people can play any number of different games and with multiple TV’s dedicated to the fun you are sure to be able to experience everything Buzztime has to offer.

With Portola’s commitment to family fun through their Portola Pirates Program, Buzztime is a great time for everyone with various categories and two children’s trivia channels that are fun for kids six and up. The game is available most anytime you are in Peter B’s Brewpub, although if there is a big sports event on you might have to wait. There are different games at different times of the day so please ask your server for a schedule. There’s even a badge system that allows players to earn badges with different achievements. As Buzztime’s popularity at Peter B’s Brewpub, tournaments can be set up pitting players and teams against each other in friendly competition.

For more information, ask any of Peter B’s Brewpub’s knowledgeable staff or check out www.buzztime.com Come on in, and catch the buzz!

As the old adage goes, “Good things come to those who wait,” and in the case of Peter B’s Brewpub, the wait is almost over! Brewmaster, Kevin Clark has been creating some of the best locally brewed beers and ales on the Central Coast, but fans of his offerings have been enjoying the product almost as fast as he could make it. Consequently, Kevin has had to juggle production just to keep up. Luckily, the fine folks at the Portola Hotel & Spa, where Peter B’s is located, had just the answer and by the end of this month, Kevin and fans of his delicious brews will be reaping the benefits in their new state-of-the-art beer cellar.

The new cellar space, which will also house a cooler, will hold four new serving vessels or brite tanks which will allow Kevin and his team to drastically increase production of Peter B’s award-winning brews. Now, most of the general public remembers kegs from the days of their youth, but these new vessels are 450 gallons (about 29 kegs) and will allow Peter B’s to double their yearly output. Along with the new tanks comes all new taps at the bar and that only lends to a better overall taste.

“I am so excited to have this project near completion.” said Clark on a recent tour of the facilities. “I will be able to keep up with the demand of our loyal customers and free up our other brewing equipment to continue to create and explore new taste combinations.”

That’s great news for everyone, because the cooler also comes with an expanded storage area that will allow Kevin to create aged beer and seasonal selections. “I’m looking forward to brewing a Barley Wine, which is an aged beer,” continued Clark. “Seasonal flavors can be created like something light and refreshing for summer or perhaps an even a more robust flavor for the fall. The possibilities are endless”

One thing is certain though, fans of fine crafted beer and ale are going to truly enjoy what Kevin Clark and his crews at Peter B’s Brewpub are creating.