TERA is spotlighting Eagle Rock small businesses to support our neighborhood’s recovery from the pandemic. For February 2023, we are highlighting Talon Tap & Wine, Eagle Rock’s spectacular craft beer taproom and wine shop.
Below is an interview with Talon’s co-owner and wine expert, Tom Anderson:
What is the story behind Talon? How did you come to focus on craft beer and why did you land in Eagle Rock?
My wife, Nicki, and I bought Talon Tap & Wine a little over three years ago. Years of living and working in the Pasadena area led me to develop many wonderful relationships in the restaurant/wine world. When the opportunity to purchase Talon Tap & Wine, formerly named Craft Beer Cellar, presented itself, we were thrilled to embark on this adventure.
We concentrate on loading our shelves solely with smaller, specialty microbrews and avoid the mass production beers. By encouraging our guests to snap off single cans, they can choose, taste & experience a much larger variety. Of course, we a have terrific staff, who can steer you through the constantly changing choices in our bottle shop. Ben & Joe are very “beer savvy” and will help guide one through our weekly new arrivals. Our tap room draft beer selections also change frequently.
My real expertise is rooted closer to the wine world. There is a tremendous similarity to the early days of boutique California wineries and currently microbreweries that are opening. The explosion of so many local craft breweries, we expanded both beer & wine offerings to satisfy more guests.
What are some of Talon’s favorite breweries that you regularly feature in the shop or at the bar?
We love local breweries and of course Eagle Rock Brewery, Ogopogo from San Gabriel & Paperback in Glendale are all featured. Other huge fan favorites are Radiant Brewing from Orange County, Harland Brewing in San Diego, as well as Enegren & MadeWest from Ventura.
How do you see Talon fitting in the Eagle Rock community?
We’re excited to offer a casual place for everyone to taste exceptional craft beers & boutique wines in our Taproom and Patio. Sports has always been a passion of ours and the addition of multiple TVs gives our fans a place to enjoy baseball, football, hockey, golf and soccer. Our spacious, shaded outdoor patio is a great spot to host birthdays, showers or graduation celebrations.
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Talon Tap & Wine
1353 Colorado Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 274-4369
talontap.com
Sun – Mon: 11am-8:30pm
Tue – Thur: 11am-9:30pm
Fri – Sat: 11am-10pm