Restaurant
Unclaimed profileUniversity of Beer - Rocklin
Rocklin, CA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
University of Beer – runs a serious beer hall with 35+ taps, including Pliny the Elder and a World Beer Cup gold medalist. The cocktail list is ambitious, leaning on house-infused spirits and categorized by strength. Spirits reach allocated bourbons, and the non-alcoholic lineup covers mocktails and dedicated NA beers. Wine stays modest but serviceable.
- What should I order?
- Start with a First Timer Flight (6 pours for $20) to sample the tap list, then a pint of Pliny the Elder. For cocktails, the Smoked Old Fashioned or Spicy Habanero Margarita show the house style. Buffalo Trace at $5 with any beer is a sharp deal.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Craft beer enthusiasts will find a deep tap list with rare pours. Bourbon hunters can check off Blanton's and Stagg Jr. Cocktail drinkers get creative, strength-tiered options. The NA beer lineup welcomes designated drivers and sober-curious guests.
- When should I go?
- Watch for the Pliny the Younger event on February 21, a draw for beer pilgrims.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $12–$14, with happy hour at $10. Beer pints range $8.50–$10; tasters $4.50–$8. A First Timer Flight is $20. Wine glasses $8.50–$10, bottles $24–$28. Non-alcoholic options $5–$9.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The beer program is the anchor: 35+ taps, a World Beer Cup gold medalist (Kaffe Americano), and a Pliny the Younger event. Cocktails include house-infused habanero tequila and a witbier syrup, showing a brewer's touch. VIP pricing adds a loyalty layer.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A broad cocktail menu with house-infused spirits and creative ingredients, organized by strength. Prices are moderate, and happy hour improves value. The Smoked Old Fashioned and Spicy Habanero Margarita stand out.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse cocktail list with house-infused spirits and creative ingredients.
- — Categorized by strength (Easy Drinking, Balanced, Spirit Forward).
Standout selections
- — Smoked Old Fashioned: rye, rum-barrel maple syrup, orange & Angostura bitters ($13).
- — Spicy Habanero Margarita: habanero-infused tequila, mezcal, witbier reduction, Tajin ($13.50).
Pricing: Cocktails range from $12 to $14; happy hour house cocktails $10.
Wine
A small but serviceable wine list with sparkling and still options. Focus on value: La Marca Prosecco and Maggio Cabernet are approachable. Happy hour glasses are a bargain.
Menu strengths
- — Includes both sparkling and still wines.; Available by glass and bottle.
Standout selections
- — La Marca Prosecco: single glass $10.
- — Maggio Cabernet: $8.50 glass, $24 bottle.
Pricing: Wine by glass $8.50–$10; bottles $24–$28; happy hour glasses $7.50.
Beer
A standout beer program with 35+ taps, featuring West Coast icons like Pliny the Elder and a World Beer Cup gold medalist. Flights and pitchers encourage exploration. VIP pricing rewards regulars.
Menu strengths
- — 35+ craft beers on tap, including Pliny the Elder and Old Rasputin.
- — Features a World Beer Cup gold medalist (Kaffe Americano).
Standout selections
- — Pliny the Elder: West Coast Double IPA, $10 pint, $4.50 taster.
- — Old Rasputin: Russian Imperial Stout, $8.50 pint.
Pricing: Pints $8.50–$10; tasters $4.50–$8; First Timer Flight $20; pitchers $25–$28.
Nonalcoholic
A thoughtful non-alcoholic program with four mocktails and a dedicated NA beer lineup from Best Day Brewing Co. Fresh-squeezed lemonade adds a made-to-order touch. Prices are reasonable.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of mocktails and non-alcoholic beers.; Fresh squeezed lemonade made to order.
Standout selections
- — Dragonfruit Agave Spritz: dragonfruit, lime, agave, seltzer ($7).
- — Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer: Best Day Brewing Co., $9.
Pricing: Mocktails $5–$8.50; NA beers $9.
Spirits
An extensive spirits list with allocated bourbons (Blanton's, Stagg Jr.), a broad tequila/mezcal selection, and house-infused habanero tequila. Pricing is fair for the category, with a $5 Buffalo Trace shot with any beer.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive spirits selection with rare and allocated bourbons.
- — Includes house-infused habanero tequila.; Special pricing on select spirits.
Standout selections
- — Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon: $22 single.
- — Eagle Rare 10 yr: $16 single.
- — Buffalo Trace Bourbon: $10 single, $18 double; $5 with any beer purchase.
Pricing: Spirits vary; Buffalo Trace $10 single/$18 double; Blanton's $22; Eagle Rare $16; Michter's $14 single/$20 double.
How it sits with the food
The monthly Chef's Pairing pairs Pad Cha MaMa & Short Ribs with a Grey Goose Moscow Mule for $28, integrating food and cocktails. The food menu's Thai twist likely complements the beer list's range, from citrus blondes to imperial stouts.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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