As K&L’s beer buyer, April is when I get excited about the shift into spring. To me, spring means beers with lighter textures and brighter flavors. This month’s arrivals fit beautifully in that vein: fresh collaboration IPAs from Cellarmaker, crisp spring pilsners, expressive fruited sours from producers like Jester King and Drie Fonteinen, and a lineup of wheat beers that showcases just how versatile the style can be. Whether you’re tracking down something newly allocated, revisiting a seasonal favorite, or joining us for our Wheat Beers of Wonder tasting in San Francisco and Redwood City, April’s selection is all about detail, freshness, and place. These are beers I’m genuinely excited to put on the shelf—and even more excited to share with you.
Read MoreAt K&L, we love St. Patrick’s Day not for the kitsch, but for the craftsmanship—those meticulously made whiskeys, the world‑class stouts, the modern Irish spirits driving a new wave of cocktail culture. This guide is your passport to all of it: the bottles worth hoarding, the pours worth sharing, and the proper cocktails that prove Irish spirits can do far more than fuel a party.
Read MoreIreland is famous for its rich, bone-warming stouts and easy‑drinking red ales, but you don’t need to limit yourself to imports to get into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. Some of the best American craft breweries are turning out beers that channel the classic styles of Ireland—with creativity, precision, and plenty of character.
Read MoreSummer is finally upon us and the 4th of July is right around the corner. BBQs, vacations, quality time with family and friends, and fireworks are all summer activities that many will be enjoying in the next few weeks. We have plenty of wonderful options here at K&L to make this time of year extra special. Here are a few beers I wanted to showcase this 4th of July that I think everyone would enjoy.
Read MoreAs St. Patrick’s Day approaches, there’s no better time to raise a glass to Ireland’s rich drinking traditions. Whether you’re reaching for a classic stout, an exceptional Irish whiskey, or a craft-distilled gin, we have the perfect selections to mark the occasion. From unbeatable beer picks to rare, collectible spirits, explore our expertly curated lineup and discover the best of Irish craftsmanship. Cheers to a spirited celebration!
Read MoreThe holidays are right around the corner and people are already strategizing what beverages to pair with their Thanksgiving meal. Sparkling wine, Pinot Noir, and Cognac are on many customers' minds right now, but there are plenty more options to choose from. Beer and cider are excellent choices as well that can make any holiday shine, and we have some that will go great this Turkey Day.
Read MoreValentine’s Day is around the corner, and our San Francisco team has got you covered. They’ve picked their favorite bottles for romancing yoru sweethearts! Whether you’re hitting the town in your finery or cozying up with Netflix, there’s a beverage for you in this list!
Read MoreK&L San Francisco staffer & beer guru Jackson Lee considers himself a “nerd of process,” saying: “There’s something so satisfying about uncovering the mystery of how a can of beer ended up in my hands and what went into making it.” This love for sleuthing the origins of beer has made Barebottle Brewing and their penchant for transparency a favorite in his beer geek’s heart.
Read MoreOur roving reporter Gary Norton is back! And he’s got a list of must-hit events for SF Beer Week 2020. Beer lovers, hop heads, suds savants of NorCal—this one’s for you!
Read MoreAfter my Packers were laughed out of Levi's Stadium a few weeks back, I've been thinking more about what I'll be eating and drinking on Super Bowl Sunday than who's going to Disneyland. As it turns out, there's a lot one can do with the space in the brain that would have otherwise been occupied by recurring visions of Aaron Rodgers hoisting the Lombardi trophy high into the air…
Read MoreBack in March of 2018, we ran a small piece detailing the full cycle of the K&L Spirits single barrel program. Our spirits buyers, after tasting through dozens of samples/barrels at the source, hand select the best single casks from Bourbon country to be bottled up and sold a few times a year. Occasionally, we end up with the empty barrels which we hand deliver to local breweries. This program really gained steam in late 2014 when David OG from K&L hooked up his childhood friend Jacob McKean of Modern Times. Don’t miss this thrilling new release!
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