Raising a Glass to History
Here at The Up and Under Pub, we don’t just pour pints – we preserve the enduring legacy of beer itself. As the torchbearer of a historic revival, our very own Alejandro Gamarra has taken on the mantle of Buffalo Bills Brewery, safeguarding the rich traditions that flow as smoothly as the beer on tap.
Alejandro, the visionary owner of The Mexican Restaurant and Bar Casa Del Toro and the esteemed local taqueria empire Metro Taquero, sees Buffalo Bills Brewery as more than just a business venture. For him, it’s an integral part of Hayward’s identity, a place where history and heritage converge in every sip. “Alejandro has an appetite for preserving history and a passion for the community,” and that shines through in every pint poured.
As Buffalo Bills Brewery embarks on this exciting new chapter, it remains steadfastly committed to its roots. The iconic Tasmanian Devil imperial ale and the seasonal pumpkin ale that proudly claims the title of “America’s first” are still here, alongside a host of house favorites. But there’s also room for innovation – expect to savor Latin American influences in the form of Mexican-style Vienna lagers and brews infused with tamarind, all while preserving the production of those core brews that have captured hearts for years.
Elevating the Pub Experience
Of course, it’s not just the beer that makes The Up and Under Pub a destination worth seeking out. The welcoming ambiance remains intact, with 150 indoor seats and 120 outdoor seats bathed in the warm glow of string lights overhead, providing ample space to enjoy great company and even greater beer.
And the food? Well, let’s just say your taste buds are in for a treat. The well-crafted pub menu pairs perfectly with the brews, from hot sandwiches and fresh salads to delectable burgers made with Durham Ranch beef. Don’t miss out on the jalapeño poppers adorned with cotija cheese or the mouthwatering pizzas with options ranging from classic pepperoni to Greek with kalamata olives and feta cheese.
It’s a harmonious blend of old and new, where the enduring traditions of beer-making intertwine with modern culinary delights. And with hours from 11 am to 10 pm Monday through Saturday, and 11 am to 9 pm on Sundays, there’s always time to raise a glass and savor the flavors of history.
The Birth of a Brewing Revolution
But the story of The Up and Under Pub’s beer heritage doesn’t start here. In fact, it can be traced back to the very roots of the craft brewing revolution itself. To truly understand the significance of what we’re sipping on today, we need to rewind the clock and explore the pivotal moments that paved the way.
The year was 1980, and the landscape of American beer was about to be forever transformed. While the big players were busy stripping flavor from their lagers, a small brewery in California was quietly brewing up a storm. Sierra Nevada, the brainchild of Ken Grossman and Paul Camusi, was about to unleash a “nuclear bomb” of flavor that would forever change the way we think about beer.
You see, back then, most Americans had never tasted an ale like Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. The bold, citrusy, and pine-like aromas were a far cry from the watered-down lagers that dominated the market. But Grossman and Camusi weren’t content with playing by the rules. They leaned into the intensity of the Cascade hops, creating a beer that stood out like a beacon in a sea of sameness.
“I think as far as style goes, the craft brewers from early on wanted to do something different but also something that really had some flavor impacts,” Grossman explains. “So malts and hops are what you have to work with, and the Cascade character being quite a bit different from the noble hop aroma.”
A Hop-Fueled Revolution
The impact of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale cannot be overstated. It was a game-changer, a bold statement that challenged the status quo and paved the way for a new generation of beer drinkers. Suddenly, people were craving those intense, American-grown hop flavors, and the craft brewing scene started to take root.
Across the pond, a similar revolution was brewing in the UK. In the summer of 2005, a garden party at Thornbridge Hall in Derbyshire, England, would become the catalyst for a seismic shift in British beer culture. It was here that Jaipur, an IPA that would go on to become the most-awarded beer in the UK, was first unveiled to the world.
The story of Jaipur is one of bold flavors, risk-taking, and a refusal to compromise. Brewed by a young Martin Dickie, who would later co-found BrewDog, Jaipur was a departure from the traditional bitters that dominated the British beer scene. With its intense citrus and pine aromas, it was a revelation to drinkers who had grown accustomed to the muted flavors of mass-market lagers.
“We used to say there was more chance of an iceberg making it safely to India than that beer,” recalls Thornbridge’s Simon Webster, referring to the historic India Pale Ales that inspired Jaipur. “We couldn’t afford marketing, so we just talked about the true history of IPA because the great thing about brewing is the stories, and it became an evocative, emotive beer.”
Enduring Classics in a Changing Landscape
As the craft beer revolution gained momentum on both sides of the Atlantic, the influence of these pioneering beers became undeniable. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Jaipur paved the way for a new generation of hoppy ales, inspiring countless imitators and pushing the boundaries of what beer could be.
But while trends have come and gone, these enduring classics have remained steadfast in their commitment to quality and tradition. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, for instance, is still brewed using the same basic recipe as that first batch back in 1980. And Jaipur, despite the ever-changing landscape of the UK beer scene, has refused to compromise its signature profile, even as it’s expanded into new markets and formats.
“We always talked about challenging the drinker and dragging them along,” Webster says of Jaipur’s enduring legacy. “It’s interesting because a lot of the time now, breweries are reactive to trends, whereas back then, we had to set them.”
At The Up and Under Pub, we’re proud to carry on this tradition of brewing excellence, honoring the past while embracing the future. Whether you’re sipping on a classic Tasmanian Devil or exploring the latest seasonal offering, you can taste the passion, the history, and the unwavering commitment to quality that make our beers truly special.
So raise a glass with us and join the celebration of Brewing Traditions at The Up and Under Pub. After all, when you’re here, you’re not just drinking beer – you’re drinking history.
