Exploring the San Diego Craft Beer Scene

 

With the scene blossoming over the past two decades, the San Diego craft beer scene sits at the forefront as being a hub for craft beer. Over 130 breweries in the area serve up unique tastes and flavors that can only come from each brewer’s affinity for quality and passion for the process. A visit to San Diego means taking a peek into the thriving culture of California craft beer.

 

One of the most well known brands in the city, Stone has made a name for itself with its innovative beer selections. Their IPA is a classic taste that has numerous variations available year-round and seasonal selections that reflect the freshest flavors for certain times of year. With a company store in Oceanside and Downtown San Diego, a Tap Room nearby in the Gaslamp Quarter and locations at Liberty Station and in the San Diego International Airport, you’ll have plenty of options for stopping by to taste one of their full-flavored brews.

The quirky atmosphere of this Point Loma brewery complements the artsy style of the Modern Times brand. Collage walls of books, Post-It notes and comic book pages only add to the setting’s friendly ambiance. Their variety of canned and bottled flavors provide a spectrum of choices as you sip on their hoppy ambers, rich stouts, and hazy IPAs. Stop by the Tasting Room in North Park where they experiment with new concepts and pilot batches to get a sip of something surprising.

The award-winning ales at Green Flash are sure to keep craft lovers thirsty for more. From the West Coast IPA to the Passion Fruit Kicker, these aromatic options will be hard to pass up in the industrial-style space. Employees get the opportunity to create their own brew in the Genius Lab, with visitors able to test out the new creations in the tasting room. Take a tour of the brewery to learn more about the brewing process from their team of brewing experts.

A newer addition to the craft beer landscape, North Park Beer Co. is run by an award-winning team that has brought delicious tastes to the neighborhood. Their spacious venue has plenty of seating for you to enjoy their assortment of beers with design elements that put a twist on the typical brewery feel. Their strong stouts give patrons a buzz while hoppy ales bring in a zesty dash of flavor.

What started as a small group of home brewers soon grew into a brand that’s a beloved favorite. You can find the gold medal-winning Sculpin IPA on draft at bars all over the area, and the Manta Ray Double IPA serves as a favorite with its fruity finish. Their expansion through the years has made them a local staple with brewery locations in Miramar, Little Italy, and Scripps Ranch. Their Home Brew Mart in Mission Valley also serves as a resource for aspiring brewers to purchase supplies and continue the homegrown spirit.