Gypsy Atlas: Tippling at Redwood Curtain Brewing Company, Arcata

Ari Friedman of Redwood Curtain Brewery
photo by Melissa Burman

One of the best things about Humboldt is the multitude of excellent breweries to choose from. The people of Humboldt take their beers seriously and often. I visited Redwood Curtain Brewing Company on the industrial outskirts of Arcata with my family, where we tasted a flight of eight beers, served in a wood mini-pint glass holder. After tasting flights of beer at a couple breweries in Humboldt, I'm in love with the mini pint glasses and their wooden holders as much as I am impressed by the distinctive beers they hold. Visiting a brewery was an ideal activity after the Arcata Farmers Market and lunch.

Ari serves some pours
photo by Melissa Burman

Ari told us his favorite beer is the Aigrecarbonise, a sour porter, which none of our table of six liked at all. It was a very sour beer, with low carbonation. Ari warned us that it was very distinctive and would be unlike any other beer we had ever tasted. He was right, but I don't want to revisit that one-of-a-kind taste experience anytime soon. Redwood Curtain's most popular brew is the IGA, Imperial Golden Ale, which seemed to be a popular beer at many of the breweries in town.

The beer list
photo by Melissa Burman

Aside from Ari's fave - the Aigrecarbonise - we enjoyed all of the beers we tried at Redwood Curtain. This brewery is worth a visit if you find yourself in Arcata. Ari told us that on weekends, they stay open until midnight and food trucks set up in back. As of this writing, the tasting room is closed while they finalize the new, larger tasting room. However, you can still fill up your growler or purchase a keg while the tasting room is closed. Check the website for up to date information.