Pitchers and catchers reported this week – so it seems like a good Saturday to dust off the beer posts.
I first had the OG .394 beer from AleSmith back in 2016 when I went to Cooperstown for Ken Griffey Jr’s induction. Around then, the haze craze in craft beer was beginning (I actually stopped at Tree House Brewing while I was out there). So, naturally – since then Alesmith has brewed a hazy version of their Tony Gwynn Pale Ale.
Brewery: AleSmith Brewing Company in San Diego, CA
Beer: Hazy .394
Description: Per their website: “Similar to the fan-favorite San Diego Pale Ale .394, this beer pays tribute to Hall-of-Famer Tony Gwynn and the career-high batting average that he achieved with the Padres in ’94. Hazy .394 showcases an intense hop aroma of tropical fruit and citrus, but delivers a fuller-bodied pour than its predecessor, along with a smooth and creamy finish. It’s a guaranteed hit!”
I love, love, love the regular .394 beer. Maybe my favorite west coast pale ale. This beer isn’t quite as good – I think they probably hop it similarly and there’s just something about the more bitter version that really hits – but this one is still damn good for a beer that isn’t too strong and I’ve enjoyed it the couple times I’ve had it.
Medium: Comes in 12 and 16-oz cans and on tap. I got it from a local bottle shop a couple years ago.
How it’s related to baseball: Tony Gwynn helped the brewery designed the original! It has him in his recognizable batting stance. And, of course, the name follows his remarkable 1994 campaign where he hit .394 and was robbed of the opportunity to cross .400 due to baseball’s most recent labor impasse.
Lifetime Topps project 
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