Skylines and Six-Packs: Gritzilla Beer Release
Last Saturday started with the familiar diesel clatter of my ’79 Mercedes 300TD as I rolled toward Jason Evart’s place, where I made my way to the left-hand side of another vintage diesel—but instead of a steering wheel, I was greeted abruptly by an “oh shit” handle after stepping over an OZ Racing alloy and into the passenger seat of Jason’s 1993 Mitsubishi Delica. We headed east to the Analog and Grit x Mike Hess car meet and beer release, where the beer was cold and a few cars were likely running a little hot after the climb up Interstate 8 to the Alpine brewery. Not to worry, there was plenty of time for engines to cool as laughter, conversation, and live music filled the air. We were greeted by many familiar faces, but before we got deep in the weeds talking about cars, Jason had to open the top of his Delica and put his 4x4 mobile apartment on full display.
Placed on the top of the United States Boost Service R32 parked front and center was a snazzy looking 6 pack. Gritzilla—a limited-edition Japanese rice lager—was brewed and canned by Mike Hess Brewing in collaboration with Analog and Grit. The can, designed by Builds and Banter’s very own Nico Randolph, features cherry blossoms, mountains, and most importantly an R32 and R34 Nissan Skyline. Do you understand the name of the beer now? Best enjoyed responsibly, it pairs perfectly with live music, rumbling engines, and the smell of fresh pizza drifting from the brewery. Despite being a good-sized event, the atmosphere felt as intimate as a backyard barbeque with a few close friends. Sticking to the theme, the front parking row leaned heavily JDM. Even though there were a few euro imposters sprinkled in, each car still had more character than most people I’ve met at dive bars.
Unsuspecting locals shopping at neighboring businesses were pleasantly surprised by the presence of vintage cars, and many stuck around to grab a beer and chat up car meet attendees. We planned to stick around for an hour or two, but ended up staying put until the early afternoon while time evaporated like it does at any car meet worth a damn. After making my rounds and saying goodbyes, I hopped back into the Delica, this time in the back row which featured reclining seats and Maybach rivaling leg room. The westbound trip back home in the 3rd row felt more like a first class flight than a commute in a ‘90s Mitsubishi. Similar to the hum of a jet engine, the rhythmic diesel clatter would have put me to sleep if I wasn’t taking in the scenery through what felt like a greenhouse on all-terrains.
