Excerpt:

At The Rake (651A W Tower Ave.), a new Alameda pub opening Friday, Jan. 26, malt takes center stage. The bar comes from — and is attached to — Admiral Maltings, California’s first floor-malting facility since Prohibition.

“This is a way to show off what we’re doing here, which is making malt,” said Ron Silberstein who co-owns The Rake and Admiral Maltings with Dave McLean (Magnolia Brewing Company) and Curtis Davenport. He also owns ThirstyBear Organic Brewery. “You can’t just take barley and make beer.”

Located on Alameda's old naval base, the 2,000-square-foot bar sports a clean, classic feel designed by Ben Frombgen (Arthur Mac’s Tap and Snack, Drake’s Dealership). It uses a mix of modern and original industrial features — local railway tracks along the bar, timber ceiling beams, forest green booths, gleaming white tile, succulents — and overlooks Admiral’s facility, so folks can drink while observing the malting process in action. It’s a wholly unique experience, paired nicely with cured meats, cheeses, sandwiches, and fun snacks like pickled quail eggs.