Did someone say… Rally!?! One of my all time favorite and go to guilty pleasures has been following World Rally Championship since the “Killer-B” (Group B) era of the 1980s. And when I’d heard that a new craft beer was being introduced in homage to the classic days of rally – a harmonious fusion of two beloved passions – it was hard to pass up the invitation from Steve Kittrell of Veloce Media.
The setting for the debut pours of the newest classic motorsports-inspired beer “Rally Time” was Other Brother Beer Co. located at 877 Broadway Ave in Seaside, CA. The brewery was conceived in 2015, and its tap room opened in 2019 and offers craft beer along with natural wine selections in an industrial-cool brewpub setting with interior beer garden seating and an outdoor street-side patio. Other Brother also offers a light faire of pizza slices, pretzels and snacks and other food provided by the Ad Astra Bread Co.
Meanwhile, the world of classic cars and the art of brewing collided with the release of a remarkable new beer. “Rally Time” was crafted under the auspices of Veloce Media part of well-known Veloce Evaluations co-founded by Steve Kittrell. In introducing the beer, Steve promised us a libation that was more than a mere beverage – “it’s a celebration of nostalgia, craftsmanship, and the finer things in life.” As enthusiasts of both vintage automobiles and the finest brews eagerly gathered, we raised our glasses to a delightful union that fuels our senses and transports us through time.
The new beer was also featured alongside Veloce’s prized Alfa Romeo Giulia, carefully placed by the brewing equipment and stainless apparatuses that helped create Rally Time. Seen from behind a heavy metal gate it created a striking display as you entered the brewhouse.
As many might not know, there is a connection between Alfa Romeo and World Rally Championship (WRC); though its successes are brief, in comparison to brands like: Lancia, Audi, Ford and others – it still holds a place in the record books. As our friend and fellow Giulia owner Chris Bright from Collector Part Exchange likes to remind us, the Alfa Romeo Giulia is an automotive masterpiece that seamlessly blends elegance with performance, capturing the essence of its era. With its sleek lines and classic Italian design, the Giulia exudes a timeless charm that continues to captivate enthusiasts. Its agile handling and rev-happy engine make it a formidable contender in competition, where its remarkable power-to-weight ratio and precise steering make it a pleasure to drive as much as to look at. Renowned for its agility and reliability, the Giulia carved a significant niche for itself in the world of rally racing, cementing its connection to the sport’s heritage and its enduring appeal to those who appreciate both a captivating road presence and a thrilling performance.
Fellow classic car enthusiasts and weary track-day volunteers gathered after a long first day of car week activities for much needed respite to sample this much anticipated new brew. Rally Time is a sensory journey akin to sipping a cherished classic “Italian Lager” and delivers a taste and visual experience reminiscent of La Dolce Vita era and cars like the Alfa Romeo Giulia. Its smooth, crisp profile greets the palate with a gentle symphony of malt sweetness and delicate hops with a touch of blueberry on the initial sip. A radiant, golden hue entices the eye, crowned by a velvety foam that whispers of sophistication. Other Brother Beer Co. has crafted a truly harmonious dance of flavors that pay homage to tradition and the motorsports discipline of Rally.
This was the best possible way to close out our first full day of events in Monterey, a wonderful new beer paired with the camaraderie of fellow petrol-heads swapping stories and experiences from the celebrations of speed and design happening all over town. Rally Time is a metaphor for this great festival of speed, its a tantalizing journey where horsepower meets hops, and a tribute to the past with a taste of the present. So be sure to pick up a 4-pack or get some on-tap at Other Brother Beer Co. and enjoy some this week!
