The Brewery Project: Mad Lab

A tiny suite in an industrial park way out in Otay.  No money or investors, just a husband and wife with a dream.  Fermenters sitting in kiddie pools on the carpet of a small office.  Growlers and 22 ounce bottles labeled by hand with homemade labels.  Are they mad?!?  Actually, they are Mad Lab Craft Brewing.  Owners Mike & Daphne McFarland, who live in Imperial Beach, wanted to bring great craft beer to South Bay, an area of San Diego that has yet to open up to the craft beer movement.  With their grand opening yesterday, the floodgates have opened.  What the new location lacks in fluff is more than made up for in the passion of the husband and wife team.  Mike, who is also the brewer, artist, marketer, etc., can't hold back his enthusiasm as he explains the ingredients and brewing process of each of his "babies".  I was highly impressed by I.B. Blonde, a style that I don't usually like, which weighed in at 6.5% alcohol.  Sultry Venus, an Abbey Ale, also stole my heart and taste buds with its 6.9% alcohol punch.  With 6 beers currently on tap including an IPA, Scottish Red, Porter, and a Stout, there's something for every taste.  The fact that my group won a couple of growlers and a t-shirt while we were there was just the icing on the cake!  Don't let the drive scare you away from checking out San Diego's newest brewery.  As they say, "Release the Madness"!

Manzanita grows!

The following is a Manzanita Brewing Co. Facebook post from yesterday.

"You've waited long enough!!
This weekend we will have a "Soft Opening" of Manzanita's New Tasting Room.
Same Hours Thurs. 4-8, Fri. 4-10, Sat. 1-10 & Sun. 1-6
Come see the new place 10151 Prospect Ave. Santee!
We'll see ya soon."

Let's go check out the new digs!

How long could you get away with this at work?

The Brewery Project: Ballast Point/Home Brew Mart

Whether you're a fan of this staple San Diego brewery, like to brew your own beer, or both, a visit to Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits/Home Brew Mart is a must.  I have done numerous posts about this nautically themed brewery, and paid them a visit here.  Where else can you taste world-class beer, brewed right on premises, while shopping for your homebrew supplies?  I think the standout for me is the friendly, knowledgeable staff.  They are always more than happy to give you brewing advice, suggest products to try or brews to taste, or just hang out and talk beer.  Whether you're new to the world of homebrewing or you've been doing it for years, you'll get the same attention, same care, and same service.  No stress, no worries.  I do suggest, however, that you keep an eye on the clock if you plan on sampling any of the award-winning beers they are featuring during your visit.  Due to their licensing, they are only allowed to serve tasters of their beer during certain hours.  On this particular visit I got there too close to the last call.  I was able to taste Sculpin, their local favorite IPA, and Navigator, an extremely tasty Dopplebock, but missed out on Dorado, a local favorite IIPA which hasn't been bottled since 2009.  I was bummed, but know that I will just have to make another trip again soon.  Will you join me?

iDiotic

I found him!

Have you found him?

2012 Zymurgy Best Beers in America

Zymurgy readers have spoken once again, the lists have been compiled, and results can be found here.  For the second year in a row, Alpine took the top spot in the "Spirit of Homebrew" category, edging out Russian River, The Bruery, AleSmith, and Jolly Pumpkin for the honor.  Regardless of position, all of the breweries and beers on these lists are winners in my book.