What the...?!?

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San Diego's Thriving Craft Beer Scene

Yeah, we've known it for years, but it's nice to see word has spread across the country.  Check out this nice piece in The New York Times with nods to beer hot spots all around the county.  Brew on, San Diego!

How many beers died in the making of this video?

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The Brewery Project: Rough Draft

Rough Draft Brewing Co. has only been open since March, but is already making a name for itself in the beer community.  Regular social media updates, weekly (usually daily) food trucks, and hosting various events around town has put this fledgling brewery on San Diego's "beer map".  At 7:30pm on a Thursday evening the place was hopping.  No pun intended.  Actually, the pun was intended.  Anyway, not only was the place filled with people, it was nice to see a diverse crowd as well.  A nice bar area, large bar-height tables, and intimate, cozy seating areas provide large groups, smaller parties, and even those with children a spot to commune over the current selection of brews being offered.  When asked what time they closed, the guy behind the bar (possibly the manager or owner) said that they close at 8:00pm, but would stay open as long as people were there.  I like that philosophy.  Take care of the customer and they'll take care of you!  I sampled 7 different beers, and while there were no huge standouts, they were all very good.  I expect great things to come from this brewery, and am sure they will grow to be a San Diego mainstay.

Beach to Brewery Beer + Music Fest 2012?

I was thinking about the annual Karl Strauss event the other day wondering why I hadn't heard anything about this year's festivities yet, so I went to their website and found the following announcement.

"As most of you know, we partner with the Surfrider Foundation each May for our annual Beach to Brewery Beer and Music Fest.  Over the past eight years, Beach to Brewery has raised more than $100,000 for Surfrider’s cause, while offering Karl Strauss fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes brewery experience.

This coming May our Main Brewery will be in the middle of major renovations.  This massive project will transform our brewery from a production facility into a craft beer destination open to the public.  When we open in late summer, the Karl Strauss Brewery will offer public tours, beer tasting, and plenty of hosted events.  Due to all the construction, we’re regrettably cancelling Beach to Brewery this year.  However, we look forward to continuing our longstanding partnership with Surfrider in the future."

Progress, at times, means taking a few detours along the way.  I can't wait to see the upgraded facility, and will be content waiting for Beach to Brewery Beer + Music Fest 2013.

Happy Monday!

The Brewery Project: AleSmith

I have been a fan of AleSmith Brewing Co. since attending this tasting event, hosted by owner Peter Zien, back in 2010.  I already liked the beer, but the passion that Peter showed for his craft completed the package for me.  This isn't a "business" or "work" to him, it is his art.  Liquid art.  In fact, the brewery itself could be called a "Liquid Art Museum".  Hmmm... I may be on to something there.  I should coin that phrase!  But, I digress.  The recently renovated tasting room looks very clean and polished.  Large brewery prints adorn one wall, while beer-filled barrels line an adjacent one, creating an artistic beer-drinking backdrop and conversation piece.  Used barrels sprinkled throughout the space serve as tables, and a large L-shaped bar provides plenty of spots to enjoy current offerings.  The bartenders were friendly, if not a little cold, lacking the warmth and enthusiasm of smaller, newer breweries in the area.  I hope that growth and prestige don't lead to a path where the beer becomes more important than the people who drink it.  I think that is the turning point that changes the product from a "craft" to a "commodity".  The danger is present whenever a brewery grows in size and popularity, but the choice to stay true to the craft always lies with the brewery itself.  With Peter in charge, I don't believe that will be a problem.  The beer, as always, was spectacular.  The highlight of this visit was a private tour of the brewery.  Ryan, an assistant brewer, showed off  the brewery as if it were his newborn son.  He has only been there since September, but I was in awe of his knowledge of the brewing process and the equipment itself.  The small space is so tightly packed with brewing equipment, I wonder how long it will be until a larger space is required.  A huge thanks to Ryan for taking the time to share his passion.  With people like Ryan on board I have no worries about the future of this growing company, know that the craft of beer will always remain the top priority, and look forward to the exciting road ahead.