Q&A with Natalie Mika, Head Brewer at Peter B's Brewpub

At the Portola Hotel & Spa, we have two distinctive restaurants showcasing the bold, fresh flavors of California: Jacks Monterey and Peter B's Brewpub. Behind the hotel, is where you'll find our award winning craft brewery with 18 HDTV's and voted Best Sports bar in Monterey by Monterey County Weekly Readers. In this week's blog, we chat with our head brewer, Natalie Mika, at Peter B's Brewpub about some common questions she's been asked about beer and Peter B's. Check out her insightful answers below!

Natalie Mika, Head Brewer at Peter B's Brewpub

Q: Is there a style of beer that you don't like or aren't a fan of?

A: I really like most styles of beer--"everything has a time and a place"--or there might be an amazing food pairing that makes it taste even better. But to be honest, I'm not the biggest fan of barrel aged sour beer or beers that use the yeast Brettanomyces.

Q: What is the hardest beer to make?

A: That's a hard question! Physically-making very high ABV/alcohol beer is very hard because I have to mash in SO many pounds of grain. But lagers are also difficult because we have to be so careful when we're cleaning. If we do any step even slightly wrong it can contaminate the beer and make it taste off.

Q: What made you want to become a brewmaster?

A: I just LOVE to make things! I feel so lucky to have a job where I can make cool beers and see people enjoy them.

Q: What is your favorite style of beer?

A: My favorite style of beer is probably Lagers or Pilsners! German Pilsners are some of my favorite beers to drink.

Q: What does the term Brewpub mean?

A: Brewpub: a hybrid between a restaurant and a brewery.

Q: What's the "Legend" about the Legend of Laguna?

A: Legend of Laguna is a reference to the amazing racecar drivers that have raced at the Laguna Seca Raceway on Highway 68. 

Q: It's hard for me to describe how beer tastes…How can I learn the right description words?

A: Finding the right words can be really hard! You can start by using the words in the beer description on the menu and in the "Nat's Notes" section f the beer description in the hallway. A good way to find the words is to remember that beer is just like any other food you'd see at a restaurant or cook at home. Ask yourself questions when you're tasting beer (or really any food or drink!! Practice makes perfect) and compare it to other foods or fruits etc you've had before.

Q: Are the Peach Crate and the Tiki Tembo considered Lagers or Ales?

• A: Peach Crate is an Ale--we use a belgian ale yeast for this beer.
• A: Tiki Tembo is considered a "Quick Sour" Ale--we use a modified ale yeast that produces Lactic acid-which is what makes it sour.

Q: The Legend of Laguna is a double dry hopped IPA, how does the beer get affected by the DDH (double dry hop)?

A: Double dry hopping allows us to use more hops and give the beer more flavor while reducing loss and other production side issues. More Hops=More Flavor

Q: Can we watch you make beer and have a worksheet to understand?

A: I will work on a little presentation soon to explain how we make beer!

Simplified explanation:

1. Mix hot water and malted grain together to make the "Mash"

2. Transfer the sugary barley tea made in the mash to the boil kettle and Boil.

3. Add hops to the boil

4. Cool down quickly

5. Add yeast and wait!

Visit Peter B's Brewpub

Be sure to check out what Natalie has been brewing at Peter B's Brewpub. Catch a game this football season with our new hours from Thursday - Saturday & Monday 4pm-10pm and Sun 9:30am- 10pm. We look forward to welcoming you!