Oakland, California. August, 2018.
If the idea is to taste the local drink, what choice do I have when I’m in Oakland and it’s called “Straight Up Oakland” but to give it a shot? I feel just slightly challenged by the name. The bartender at Spice Monkey sympathizes, as bartenders have done since before time, and pours.
In stark contrast to the stout that Mark is enjoying, it’s a very light brew, with a strong taste of fresh apples. Side by side the two drinks look like polar opposites, eyeing each other with uncertainty. Crooked City boasts only two ingredients in this cider, fermented apple juice and yeast. It’s not the best cider I’ve ever tasted (that honor still goes to Double Mountain Brewing for their dry cider) but the simplicity and willingness to aim for a very dry cider is admirable, and it’s got that ancient quality that fermented apples have, which I love.
It’s a bit on the sweet side for my taste, but I know a lot of cider fans like sweet brews. As ciders go, this leans away from the sweetness, which I appreciate. It’s not PJ Harvey, but it likes her music, and that’s pretty great on its own.
Does Billie Joe Armstrong break his sobriety when facing a pint of Straight Up Oakland cider and a crowd of fellow locals challenging his street cred? Or does he fling the glass to floor, punch his fist in the air and tell them all to fuck off? That remains a mystery only he can answer. 4/5.