When we found out today is National Beer Lover’s Day, we hurried up and poured ourselves a cold one. But not before calling Kevin Diedrich, the bar manager at Jasper’s Corner Tap & Kitchen, San Francisco’s new upscale tavern. As head honcho of all things sudsy and one of the San Francisco Chronicle‘s “Bar Stars,” Kevin is quick to recommend good pours, depending on what you’re looking for.
Here are Kevin’s beer picks matched to your mood or favorite fall/winter activity.
When you’re celebrating
“Miller High Life! It’s the champagne of beers, after all. Sure, it’s a little kitschy, but definitely a crowd pleaser.”
When you’re down and out
“Wells Bombardier. It’s a bitter beer that fits a bitter mood. Perfect for drowning your sorrows into.”
When you’re ready for some football
“Pabst. I can drink it all day long. It’s not the beer with the lowest alcohol percentage out there, but it’s not too high either.”
When you’re fresh from the ski slopes
“Ice-cold pilsner. It’s super refreshing and quenches your thirst.”
When you’re in good spirits
“A wheat beer like Blanche de Bruxelles. It’s in the typical Belgium style … light and refreshing. Even the golden color of the beer matches a good mood.”
When you’re walking the dog
“North Coast Pranqster. Sometimes you just want to have a cold one in your hand, and this is beer fits a playful mood.”
When you’re visiting San Francisco
“Anchor Steam, of course. It’s made here!”
Speaking of visiting San Francisco … we’d be lying if we said you shouldn’t stop at Jasper’s, where there are 18 beers on tap and more than 25 by the bottle. Be sure to chat with Kevin; he not only knows his beer, but can whip up a mean cocktail using fresh juices and fruit purees. The gathering place also has tavern-inspired eats from Chef Adam Carpenter (try his shrimp salad roll with vegetable remoulade, bacon and tomato on a brioche-style roll).
Fun fact: Jasper’s is named after one of San Francisco’s first surveyors, the legendary Jasper O’Farrell. O’Farrell helped shape the city’s landscape with the creation of Market Street, the long diagonal thoroughfare that encouraged the city to be more social. Turns out being social isn’t much of a struggle in the City by the Bay these days — especially at Jasper’s, where you can eat, drink and be merry all day.
Cheers to National Beer Lover’s Day!
Throw back a cold one at Jasper’s Corner Tap & Kitchen, 401 N. Taylor Street in San Francisco (415-775-7979 or jasperscornertap.com).
