The ocean view from Toro Creek Brewing Co.’s hop field is beyond epic. Located on a towering peak halfway between Morro Bay and Atascadero, the sticky cones bask in the sun while enjoying calm, coastal breezes. The best of these estate-grown hops make it into new beers like Toro Creek’s Session IPA, released during Castoro Cellar’s Beaverstock celebration last weekend. I had the joy of trying this new brew fresh from the keg, and I have to say it is a perfect reflection of its surroundings: beautiful, breezy, and hop-centric. No, they don’t have a tasting room, but you can find their beer on taps across the region at places like Centrally Grown in Cambria, Baywood Ale House in Baywood, Nardonne’s Pizza in Atascadero, and The Hatch in Paso (for all locations, check out their website at torocreekbrewingcompany.com). Heading to SAVOR this weekend? Go say hello and tell ’em I sent ya!

• Toro Creek Brewing Co’s Session IPA—Price varies; torocreekbrewingcompany.com.

This weather is wack. One day it’s raining and everyone is dancing in the street with tears in their eyes—the next, temps are nearing triple digits in SLO and it’s not even 11 a.m. Don’t even get me started on what’s happening north of the grade (hope y’all are wearing your SPF). When it’s too hot to think, stop by Big Sky in downtown SLO and do two things. One: order the veggie spring rolls, because they are delicious and come with two from-scratch Asian dippin’ sauces. Two: order up any of their freshly made iced teas. I am obsessed with Big Sky’s yummy iced mint tea, also incredibly cooling. If you live north of the grade, God help you! Stay hydrated, friends.

• Big Sky’s Mint Iced Tea—About $2 with refills, Big Sky Café, 1121 Broad St.

What’s the best North County cooler? Send your faves to [email protected].