San Rafael Brewing Company aka TJ's Bar and Grill
(short notes)

Novato, California

All beers sampled at the brewpub, August 1995.  As of 2002, this still ranks as the worst beer for which I've paid money, although it is now in a tie with a beer I bought in Tangier, Morocco.  That's heady company for a brewery from California.  I would be surprised if it were still available.

 

San Rafael Amber Ale

American Amber

1/2

The score is no joke. This is perhaps the worst beer that I have ever paid money for. The "brewpub" is a sportsbar, with plenty of "guest taps" serving up industrial swill. In fact, this amber was the only one of their own beers on tap. The bartender seemed surprised that we would even order the house beer, what with all the Budweiser, Miller, and Coors paraphernalia hanging about the place. I cautioned my companions against buying full pints, suggesting that perhaps we should share a pint. The voice of reason lost out that afternoon, and the three of us had full pints of the San Rafael Amber Ale, served in ice-chilled pint glasses. The beer itself had a very fruity aroma, and after the first sip I pointed out to my friends that I have dumped better homebrew. In fact, this commercially-brewed beer, that I paid money for, actually featured a fine interpretation of "That Hombrew Tang". I had one more sip to confirm the worst, and then the three of us promptly got up and exited the premises, leaving behind three basically full pint glasses as a testament to our opinion of the beer. This was probably the worst beer that I have paid money for, and it certainly was the worst beer on which I have taken notes.