The Conduit
Stories from the Abbey
News and Events
Lance's Brewery Tour coming to The Lost Abbey
Lance’s Brewery Tour, a documentary following Lance Rice across the country as he visits over 60 breweries for information on his upcoming book, is stopping the The Lost Abbey's Tasting Room this Friday!Lance is touring the country helping bring awareness to both craft beer and helping people understand more about being autistic. In addition to visiting breweries, Lance is also visiting schools and speaking with children with autism as well as speaking with other individuals whose lives have been affected by autism.Beer Autism Hope / Lance's Brewery Tour from Rare Brain on Vimeo.Lance will be at The Lost Abbey Tasting Room (155 Mata Way, San Marcos, CA) on Friday, September 27th around 4pm with a portion of all pint sales going to help fund Lance’s journey.About Lance's Brewery Tour:Lance’s Brewery Tour follows Lance Rice, a brilliant beer historian with autism, and his nephew on a 1500 mile road trip as Lance sets out to visit the breweries of the Midwest and fulfill his lifelong dream to write a book about the history and culture of American Beer. The documentary chronicles Lance’s awe inspiring journey as he faces his social fears and phobias and spends nearly a month away from home to collect the photos, experiences and information he needs to write his book.
LA Beer Week 2013
Mohawk Bend - Monday Sept 23rd
Meet DOBO, Tomme Arthur, for a Port Brewing & Lost Abbey tap take-over at Echo Park's notorious Mohawk Bend.Directions: 2141 W. Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90026
The Lost Abbey
- Carnevale
- Red Barn
- Lost & Found
- Avant Garde
- Cuvee de Tomme
- Red Poppy
Port Brewing
- Wipeout
- Mongo
- Hot Rocks
- Older Viscosity
- Brandy Barrel-Aged Santa's Little Helper
Surly Goat - Tuesday Sept 24th
Our own Tomme Arthur will join Eric Salazar (New Belgium Brewer & Wood Beer Specialist) for a night of barrel-aged goodness at The Surly Goat, Tuesday, September 24th.Directions: 7929 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046
The Lost Abbey
- Bourbon Barrel-Aged Santa's Little Helper
- Deliverance
- Angel's Share
- Red Poppy
- Hot Rocks
- Hop-15
- Saison Blanc
New Belgium
- Eric's Ale
- Irby's Ale
- NBB Loves Leopold
- Biere De Garde
- Imperial Coffee Chocolate Stout
- La Folie
- Le Terroir
Tasting Videos
We've added some new tasting videos to our list. Get some interesting insight on our beer as Tomme talks about Port Brewing's Hop-15 and Lost Abbey's Framboise de Amorosa, Red Poppy, Saison Blanc, Saint's Devotion, and Duck Duck Gooze.
Tasting Notes Playlist
Condolences
As brewers, employees and owners we get up each and everyday and head to our brewhouses. For many of us, brewing is in our blood and we are blessed to have a job that brings so much joy to many.We also know that brewing is a hazardous occupation and daily we work together to ensure the safety of our staff, patrons and brewery visitors. We're not always successful in preventing the smallest to the largest accidents but make no mistake, all of us in the business of beer want nothing but the best for everyone in our buildings.On Saturday, I was having beers with two Stone employees at Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey. During our beers it came to my attention that an accident had occurred at Stone Brewing and they were gone in an instant. Clearly an incident requiring the attention of many had taken place.I awoke Sunday morning to the news that an employee of their great company had perished in a tragic accident. It was only after searching the Internet that I came to learn a friend of Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey would no longer be visiting us.Yesterday was a tough day. When accidents happen they can affect us all. The San Diego brewing community was clearly shaken by such an unfortunate incident and one that took place in our backyard.I personally will miss a young brewer who was just getting his wings underneath him while working for an A+ company. He will no longer be stopping by our brewery on Friday nights to discuss his day at Stone Brewing. That sucks in more ways than I can speak to. Life is precious and sometimes it takes a moment like this with a beer in hand to remind us of this.Matt C. you will be missed. Greg, Steve and all of Team Stone our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you all. On behalf of our Port Brewing and Lost Abbey family of brewers, I raise a glass of amazing beer in the honor of one who left us all far to soon.- Tomme Arthur(on behalf of Port Brewing and Lost Abbey employees and patrons with the heaviest of hearts)
2013 Pre-Stone Anniversary Brunch
We are all about traditions here at The Lost Abbey, so join us, once again, for our annual pre-Stone Anniversary Brunch. Once again we’ll be feeding the masses before the annual sojourn up the hill to attend Stone’s Anniversary Celebration. As in years past, the Tasting Room will open at 8:30am with an incredible carb-laden spread and 42 taps of fresh Port Brewing / The Lost Abbey beers.2013 Pre-Stone Anniversary Brunch from The Lost Abbey on Vimeo.
- What: Pre-Stone 17th Anniversary Brunch
- When: Saturday, August 17, 2013 – 8:30am to 11:30am
- Where: The Lost Abbey / Port Brewing, San Marcos, San Diego County, CA
- How Much: No entry fee. Food is free. Standard pricing for beers.
But wait — there’s more! Reminiscent of last year, again Churchills and Executive Chef A.G. Warfield will be serving an epically and appropriately arrogant menu, perfectly prepped and paired for craft beer’s paramount party. Carnivore, Vegetarian or Omnivore, you’re guaranteed to be impressed and well-sated by a buffet as impressive as the many beers to come throughout the day. As always, the food is free and the tasters regular price. It’s just our — and Churchill’s — way of saying Happy Birthday to Stone and thanks to all the craft beer lovers of the world! (We’ll have more details on the beers and food next week as we get closer to the big event.) Come early, come hungry, and be prepared for a day of stories from start to finish.

2013 Duck Duck Gooze: Update II
THIS POST IS ABOUT THE 2013 DUCK DUCK GOOZE RELEASE Duck Duck Gooze, The Lost Abbey’s much-anticipated blended oak-aged sour, returns to The Lost Abbey pond this August. A blend of 1, 2 and 3 year old beers aged in French Oak barrels, Duck Duck Gooze was first released in 2009 and has since remained one of the more sought after beers in The Lost Abbey portfolio.“We never envisioned Duck Duck Gooze as being available each year, the plan was to have it released into the wild every three years or so. Last year we delayed it in order to produce The Lost Abbey’s Ultimate Box Set.” Said Tomme Arthur, Director of Brewery Operations at The Lost Abbey. “Duck Duck Gooze isn't slated to be released next until 2016 so we expect this year's version to sell out quickly”
Starting Thursday, August 8th at 10am PT, beer lovers everywhere will be able to purchase up to 6 (six) bottles of Duck Duck Gooze at $40 per bottle (plus CA sales tax and a $1 convenience charge per bottle). There will be a total of 7200 bottles available split between the four sessions (1800 bottles reserved per session).
After careful consideration and research, The Lost Abbey has decided to use a company that we have a great relationship with and an even better understanding of, Nexternal, for the online sale of Duck Duck Gooze. We were able to streamline the process of selling Duck Duck Gooze while also being able to keep the convenience charges to a minimum. Nexternal has a brilliant track record of handling extremely large releases without any server interruptions or failures.

Part of the new process of selling Duck Duck Gooze online will also come with a few restrictions. The main addition is the requirement of whoever purchases Duck Duck Gooze, must also be the individual to pick up the bottles… NO EXCEPTIONS. Removing the option of proxies will help get the beer to as many people as possible and will allow a smoother pickup process. Consumers who do not pick up their bottles during their designated pick up time will surrender the bottles back to The Lost Abbey. A valid ID and confirmation email will be required to pick up the purchased bottles. Any duplicate sales to the same name, email or credit card will be rendered null and void.

The sessions for retrieving purchased Duck Duck Gooze will happen Labor Day weekend, a morning and afternoon session on Saturday, August 31st and Sunday, September 1st (8am – 11am & 12pm - 3pm). To reiterate - If beer is purchased and not picked up during the designated pick up session, the beer will be surrendered back to the brewery. NO PROXIES ALLOWED
To purchase bottles, please use this link (http://bit.ly/143mOBz) – Please note the sessions will not activate until Thursday, August 8th at 10am PT.

2013 Duck Duck Gooze: Update 1
THIS POST IS ABOUT THE 2013 DUCK DUCK GOOZE RELEASE With the upcoming release of Duck Duck Gooze, The Lost Abbey has decided to go in a new direction in releasing this beer to the public, with the emphasis on ease and getting the beer to as many people possible. Taking a page from some of the successful releases of our brewery brethren throughout the country, our mission is to reestablish the beer as the focus and not the trials of waiting in line.

Duck Duck Gooze will be sold in advance using Brown Paper Tickets prior to Labor Day weekend, with 4 different sessions of pick up times (Two Saturday and two Sunday). If beer is purchased and not picked up during the designated pick up session, the beer will be surrendered back to the brewery. Online sales should commence in early August.There will be a six bottle limit per person, any duplicate purchases will be rendered null and void. In keeping with tradition, Duck Duck Gooze will be packaged in 750 ml cork finished bottles, the same as the original batch.More info, including the exact date the bottles will be put on-sale, will be released in the coming week.
Brewbound Presents BREW TALKS Live at The Lost Abbey
Today Brewbound sets off on their west coast tour for their new live show BREW TALKS. Their first episode will air live at The Lost Abbey.
The evening’s feature panel will take an in-depth look at the mature but growing San Diego craft beer market and the equilibrium that exists between competition and collaboration. Speakers will include The Lost Abbey’s own Tomme Arthur, Stone Brewing’s director of Southern California sales, Chad Heath, and Tom Nickel, the owner of O’Brien’s Pub. Together, the trio will discuss the increasingly competitive environment for craft in San Diego, the ability for existing breweries to continue growing share and the opportunities that exist for new startups.
Earlier in the evening, a panel discussing the pitfalls of starting a brewery will include Modern Times Beer founder Jacob McKean, Bagby Beer Company founder Jeff Bagby, and Shawn DeWitt, the co-owner of Coronado Brewing Company. Together, the three will discuss the immense challenges of launching a new beer company in today’s crowded marketplace. Dialogue will range from how to attract investor partners to brewery site selection and will be a must-see for any brewery-in-planning.
VIEW THE LIVESTREAM HERETuesday July 23, 2013 5:30pm-6:45pm PST
Christmas in July Photos
The Event[nggallery id=62] Photos With Santa[nggallery id=64]If you would like a higher-res version of one of the photos please contact ryan@lostabbey.com
Santa's Got a Brand New Sleigh
In celebration of Santa coming to town for The Lost Abbey / Port Brewing's Christmas in July, We took Santa out on an LAV, thanks to the US Marine Corp and Toys for Tots. So when you see a couple of amphibious vehicles storming the brewery, don't be worried, it's just Santa making a grand entrance.Santa's Got A Brand New Sleigh from The Lost Abbey on Vimeo.
The Details:
- When: Saturday, July 13, 2013; Two sessions – 11am – 3pm & 4pm – 8pm
- Where: The Lost Abbey/Port Brewing, San Marcos, San Diego County, CA
- How Much: Whether you’ve been naughty or nice through the first half of the year, as long as you bring an unwrapped toy (valued at $15 or more) you’re in! Did your dog eat your toy along with your homework from 1995? Not a problem, for just $15 at the door you’re set to join us for food, fun, entertainment and photos with Santa all included! (Beers are all regular price)
Annual Christmas in July Celebration - 2013
Our annual beer release and party to benefit the Marine Corps' Toys for Tots Foundation!Join us for a day of Christmas time festivities, great food and beer to celebrate the release of bourbon barrel-aged Santa's Little Helper and collect toys and cash to benefit the Marine Corp's Toys for Tots foundation.
The Details:
- When: Saturday, July 13, 2013; Two sessions - 11am - 3pm & 4pm - 8pm
- Where: The Lost Abbey/Port Brewing, San Marcos, San Diego County, CA
- How Much: Whether you’ve been naughty or nice through the first half of the year, as long as you bring an unwrapped toy (valued at $15 or more) you’re in! Did your dog eat your toy along with your homework from 1995? Not a problem, for just $15 at the door you’re set to join us for food, fun, entertainment and photos with Santa all included! (Beers are all regular price)
Events on tap:
Beer releases:
- 2013 Bourbon Barrel-aged Santa's Little Helper - 22oz bottles; $12 ea. / 6 bottle limit.
Food & Beer:
- Food - Entrants will receive a ticket good for food at any of the three vendors in our mobile food court. Vendors include: Hoangies, Devilicious, and Red Oven Pizza
- On Tap - All of The Lost Abbey and Port Brewing’s full core lineup of beers will be available, plus a few specialty taps will be available. Besides the fat man in the red suit (who will be available for pictures throughout the day), we’ll also be celebrating 5 years of releasing a Bourbon barrel-aged version of our Imperial Stout, Santa’s Little Helper. A robust beer with tones of sweet malt, dark cocoa and notes of deep bourbon, Santa’s Little Helper is the perfect accompaniment to fruit cake during a California Christmas in July
Specialty Taps (Limited Draft):
- '12 Deliverance
- Older Viscosity
- Framboise de Amorosa
- Red Poppy
- Special "Santa's Flight" - $8 for tasters of '13 Bourbon Santa's Little Helper, '11 Brandy barrel-aged Santa's & '11 Santa's Little Helper (Brandy and Vintage Santa's only available on Flight)
Activities:A Visit from St. NickSanta Claus loves to visit us while he's on vacation in San Diego! He'll be dropping by the brewery so you can get you, your friends' and family (kids welcome) professionally photographed with him.
- Santa's Schedule -- 11:30am - 3:00pm & 4:30pm - 8:00pm
Toys for Tots toy drive and fundraiser
- Toy Drive -- Bring a new, unwrapped toy valued at $15 or more to benefit Toys for Tots
- Giving Tree - Make an additional donation to Toys for Tots (above & beyond the unwrapped toy) and you get to select a gift from the Christmas Tree. Gifts will include rare bottles, Port Brewing & Lost Abbey gear, tickets to our legendary Barrel Night, and The Lost Abbey Ultimate Box Set.
The Lost Abbey Received 1st Ever Champion Brewery Award in 2013 San Diego International Beer Competition
San Marcos, CA, --The 7th Annual San Diego International Beer Competition concluded Sunday, June 23rd with The Lost Abbey earning 6 total medals as well as being honored with the first ever “Champion Brewery” award. (The Champion Brewery award was bestowed upon the brewery location with the most cumulative points based on awards.)
For three years running, The Lost Abbey / Port Brewing (Port Brewing Co) has led or tied for the lead with the most medals in The San Diego International Beer Competition. In 2011, Port Brewing Co garnered 6 total medals which was tied for the most awards. At the 2012 Competition, Port Brewing Co topped the leaderboard with 8 total medals in addition to winning the Best of Show for Carnevale Ale.
“Having one of the largest commercial craft beer competitions in California each year, we take great pride in competing at the highest level on our home turf.” Said Tomme Arthur, Director of Brewery Operations for The Lost Abbey and Port Brewing. “Consumers are always looking for validation, an award from the San Diego International Beer Competition shows them the excellence in brewing we strive for each day.”The San Diego International Beer Competition and Festival ran from June 21st through June 23rd at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The competition received over 900 entries from 19 different countries and 22 states in the U.S. making it one of the largest in the country.
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About Port Brewing / The Lost AbbeyFounded in 2006, Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey produce an extensive line-up of continental and American- inspired ales and lagers. Under the direction of visionary brewmaster and co-founder Tomme Arthur, the brewery has garnered dozens of awards in its seven year history including the 2007 Great American Beer Festival Small Brewery of the Year, The 2008 world Beer Cup Champion Small Brewery and the 2013 Champion Brewery at the San Diego International Beer Festival. The company’s beers, many of which are aged in oak barrels for 12 months or longer, are universally recognized for their complexity, unique flavors and bold boundary-pushing styles. For more information, contact Port Brewing / The Lost Abbey at 155 Mata Way, Suite 104, San Marcos, CA 92069, telephone (800) 918-6816, and on the web at www.LostAbbey.com
PORT BREWING AND THE LOST ABBEY CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN JULY – 2013
Annual beer release and benefit for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation
San Marcos, CA – St. Nicholas makes his way to the Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey Tasting Room for the 5th Annual release of Bourbon Barrel-aged Santa’s Little Helper (Port’s Imperial Stout) and a Christmas in July celebration to benefit The Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation on Saturday, July 13th, 2013.

Whether you’ve been naughty or nice through the first half of the year, as long as you bring an unwrapped toy (valued at $15 or more) you’re in! Did your dog eat your toy along with your homework from 1995? Not a problem, for just $15 at the door you’re set to join us for food, fun, entertainment and photos with Santa all included! (This is a Family-Friendly event)The Port Brewing and Lost Abbey “Giving Tree” will also be making an appearance, for an extra donation to Toys for Tots, you’ll receive a gift from the tree. Gifts can include rare bottles, Port Brewing / Lost Abbey gear, tickets to our legendary Barrel Night during San Diego Beer Week or a Lost Abbey Ultimate Box Set.All of The Lost Abbey and Port Brewing’s full core lineup of beers will be available, plus a few specialty taps will be available (more info to come). Besides the fat man in the red suit (who will be available for pictures throughout the day), we’ll also be celebrating 5 years of releasing a Bourbon barrel-aged version of our Imperial Stout, Santa’s Little Helper. A robust beer with tones of sweet malt, dark cocoa and notes of deep bourbon, Santa’s Little Helper is the perfect accompaniment to fruit cake during a California Christmas in July. AboutPort Brewing / The Lost Abbey Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey produces an extensive line-up of continental and American- inspired ales and lagers. Under the direction of visionary brewmaster and co-founder Tomme Arthur, the brewery has garnered dozens of awards in its seven year history including the 2007 Great American Beer Festival Small Brewery of the Year and the 2008 world Beer Cup Champion Small Brewery. The company’s beers, many of which are aged in oak barrels for 12 months or longer, are universally recognized for their complexity, unique flavors and bold boundary-pushing styles.
Where's the Best of Show Trophy?
In 2012, The Lost Abbey received the Best of Show trophy at the San Diego International Beer Competition for Carnevale Ale. In celebration, we had each brewer spend a day with the trophy. From surfing and yoga to finding a new drinking buddy, The Best of Show trophy had quite a year with The Lost Abbey crew. With the festival returning again next weekend (June 21-23) we thought now was the perfect time to showcase its adventures.
Lead Cellerman, Greg Peters, surfing with our 2012 Best of Show trophy.
Father's Day Bundle at The Lost Abbey
This Father's Day, save the trouble of shopping for the man that has everything...
Stop by The Lost Abbey Tasting Room now through Father's Day and pick your Dad up our special "Father's Day Bundle"!For only $20, you'll receive a brand-new (empty) Growler, a $15 gift card (to fill said growler) and two pint glasses.What better way to celebrate Father's Day than sharing a pint with the guy!
Beer and Cheese: The Lost Abbey and Brothers Provisions
The Lost Abbey and Brothers Provision team up for an adventure in Beer and Cheese pairings at The Lost Abbey Tasting Room, Friday May 31st. Beginning at 4pm, we'll pair 5 of Brothers Provisions exquisite cheeses with 5 of our Lost Abbey Beers. Tickets are $20 and are first come- first serve available at the tasting room. Ticket includes 10 tastings ( 5 beers and 5 cheeses or a different ratio if you so desire)Hope to see you there!
Track Repeat Weekend at The Lost Abbey
With Summer right around the corner, we thought we'd relax this weekend and set some "Tracks" on repeat! Starting Saturday (11:30am) at The Lost Abbey Tasting Room, we'll be putting tracks 4 through 9 and 11 through 13 into our Vintage case for purchase. The bottles will be available on a first come first serve basis and must be consumed on-site.Track 4 - Sympathy for the Devil - black blended beer comprised of two barrels from the one of the base components from 2011's Veritas 009, and two barrels of Hot Rocks aged in French Oak red wine barrels with their own unique Brettanomyces.Track 5 - Shout at the Devil - a blend of two fruit beers — Red Poppy and Framboise de Amorosa bumped with additional fruits and sent to rest in French Oak prior to bottling.Track 6 - Highway to Hell - blend of brandy barrel-aged Serpent’s Stout and bourbon barrel-aged Angel’s Share (v. 2009), this one is dark and leathery with plenty of wood notes accented by hints of vanilla.Track 7 - Devil Inside - A remixed track, Track 7 is Veritas 006 blended with raspberries, cherries and a touch of mandarin orange zest.Track 8 - Number of the Beast - A base of Judgment Day aged in freshly emptied bourbon barrels then spiked with liberal additions of cinnamon stick and dried chili pepper.Track 9 - Knockin' on Heaven's Door - A remixed track, Track 9 is Cuvee de Tomme bumped first with currants and then bumped again with extra Brettanomyces.Track 11 - Devil Went Down to Georgia - Angel’s Share sent to fresh Heaven Hill whiskey barrels for 9 months, spiked with fresh peaches and Black Tea and a touch of BrettanomycesTrack 12 - Heaven and Hell - A non-fruited sour made from a blend of Avant Garde, and unreleased sour brown and Gift of the Magi aged in oak barrels.Track 13 - Message in a Bottle - A new barleywine brewed specifically for this Track, the base was sent to freshly emptied cognac barrels and aged with sour cherries and orange zest.
Tomme heads North for Seattle Beer Week
Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey's Director of Brewery Operations (and overall nice guy) leaves the heat of Southern California and heads Northwest for Seattle Beer Week 2013! If you're in the area, stop by and say hi! CLICK HERE for a full list of events during Seattle Beer Week.
Brewers night with Tomme ArthurThursday, May 16thElliot Bay Pizza4 - 7pmSourfest Thursday, May 16thBrouwers Pub8pm - 10pmBottle Signing with Tomme ArthurFriday, May 17thBeer Junction3- 5pmBottle Signing with Tomme ArthurFriday, May 17thChucks 85th6 - 9pmLost Abbey Tap TakeoverSaturday, May 18thSuper Deli MartAll Day (Tomme will stop by for a beer around 11am on his way to the airport... maybe 2 beers)