Take it from the Tap: Phenol-menal Belgian beers
Go: The Belgian Room at Clem’s Tap House
Know: Two years ago, Paul Kasawdish opened a 50-tap annex to Clem’s Tap House, where 30 taps focus on made-in-San Diego brews. “I decided to theme it,” he said. “Why don’t we just do a bunch of Belgian beers?”
Glow: The annex also pours 20 Belgian imports, all fresh and all on tap. Popular offerings include Cuvée de Jacobins Rouge, a sour ale; Saison Dupont, a classic farmhouse ale; and St. Bernardus Tripel.
Geeking out: Belgian beers usually feature distinctive aromas. Phenols are responsible for odors that can manifest as fruity, sour, herbal, clove-like and even reminiscent of Bazooka Joe bubblegum.
To and fro: Clem’s Tap House is behind Clem’s Bottle Shop, a liquor store owned Wally Kasawdish, Paul’s father. Paul honed his beer expertise by expanding the store’s ale and lager offerings to its current 700-plus unique labels.
Pro: Photos of Will Ferrell decorate this bar, but not because the comedian/actor has Belgian roots. (He doesn’t.) Clem’s Tap House supports Cancer for College, a charity founded by one of Ferrell’s USC fraternity brothers, Craig Pollard of Vista.
Clem’s Tap House: 4108 Adams Ave., Kensington, 619.255.4526, clemstaphouse.com
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