Hermitage taps into several IPAs, sours
San Jose’s Hermitage Brewing Company, located just south of Spartan Stadium, bills itself as “a retreat from the ordinary.” In today’s craft beer world, that might be an overstatement, but the brewery does offer some interesting beers: 16 on tap, plus a root beer brewed on site.
On the day I visited, hopheads could choose from three IPAs, including two in Hermitage’s single-hop series as well as an imperial IPA and a session IPA that was more balanced than most. Those who prefer more malt-forward beers could taste a very balanced Czech-style pilsner, a Scotch ale, an imperial stout and a barleywine. And if you like sours, there were seven on tap! Two were foeder beers — aged in large wooden vats. The rest were barrelaged, four with fruit additions. Among the fruit sours, the cherry-almond and blood orange were my favorites. I found the strawberry rhubarb and wild-blackberry a little too fruit-forward for my taste.
Price-wise, full pours range from $5.25 for the more mainstream beers to $13 for the sours. A taster set of four 5.5-ounce pours runs $10 to $22, depending on the beers you choose.
Hermitage is one of the larger craft breweries in the area. They have been brewing at their current location since 2008, occasionally using their equipment to brew under contract for other craft brewers.
The tasting room has a comfy, welcoming feel to it, with both indoor and outdoor seating at picnic tables and barrels. Free pretzels are offered and food trucks swing by Thursday through Sunday. On the Sunday afternoon I visited, C. George’s Smoke & Fire BBQ truck was serving some delicious fare, including tri-tip, pulled pork and pork loin, that paired well with the beers.
DON’T MISS >> The Ale of the Two Tun imperial stout, which is 9.0 percent alcohol by volume and 30 IBU (International Bitterness Units), was my favorite of the day. This is a black, roasty beer with chocolate and coffee flavors. It’s balanced and flavorful, but packs an alcohol punch.
DETAILS >> Open from 4-9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at 1627 S. Seventh St., San Jose; www.hermitagebrewing.com.