Beer of the week: Tabula Rasa from Second Chance Beer Co.

March 19, 2019 6 AM PT

Beer Name: Tabula Rasa Toasted Porter

Brewery: Second Chance Beer Co.

Style: Robust Porter

ABV: 6.2 %

Winning back-to-back gold medals in the Robust Porter category at the 2016 and 2017 Great American Beer Festival (GABF), the Tabula Rasa ranks at the top of award-winning brews for co-owner-brewer Marty Mendiola and the Second Chance team. PACIFIC recently chatted with Mendiola’s wife and brewery CEO Virginia Morrison about the beer and her favorite pairings.

What’s with the name? Tabula Rasa is a Latin phrase meaning “blank slate,” an idea that Second Chance believed was in perfect alignment with their company name and vibe. Fun fact: it’s also a theory that people are born absent of any innate content, but gain all knowledge from experience.

What to expect: Pours dark brown-black with notes of dark chocolate, espresso, toasted oats, roasted malts, and a smooth and balanced mouthfeel.

What she says: “This style of beer is one of the reasons I fell in love with my husband. I made myself a float with vanilla bean ice cream and this beer. Beer happily ever after.” — Virginia Morrison

Morrison’s favorite pairings: Chocolate souffle, a steak medium-rare with sear, and cocoa nib rubbed pork with mole.

This beer writer’s take: This award winner belongs in your regular rotation as a classic example of a craft porter. Smooth, balanced and comforting, it’s perfect for a variety of seasons when you feel like the snuggles, whether it’s cold winter days, crisp fall afternoons, or even brisk and breezy spring evenings. Make sure to head to the tasting room for limited edition variations, like chai, coffee, espresso, and once a year, the Coco Rasa, with coconut.

Where to buy it: As a core beer in the Second Chance lineup, this beer is widely available. Find it at both of the brewery’s tasting rooms and multiple locations around the county, including Bottle Craft, Bine and Vine, Bevmo, Vons, Whole Foods, and Lazy Acres.

Rancho Bernardo: 15378 Avenue of Science #222, 858.705.6250; North Park: 4045 30th St. Ste. A, 619.487.1470 secondchancebeer.com