Harland Brewing Co., Scripps Ranch

The Harland brewery has been operating in Scripps Ranch since May 2019, adjacent to Scout Distribution. (Harland, Scout and nearby JuneShine Hard Kombucha, share the same ownership group.) In October 2019, the brewery opened to the public as a tasting room. This supplements the Harland tasting room at the One Paseo complex in Carmel Valley.

The folks who launched Saint Archer and then sold it to Miller Coors are behind the Harland venture. Its online presence is very much a lifestyle brand in the same vein. So much so that it is sometimes difficult to see the connection between their slickly produced videos and beer. However, the opening of the brewery tasting room has put most of my uneasiness to rest. The brewery tasting room is comfortable and well designed without being over the top, and the beer is shaping up nicely. It is, in short, a good craft brewery and a place worth visiting.

A pair of Ventura natives happened to be on the bar when I visited, and they both provided friendly, helpful service. Even though the place had only been open about a week, they seemed to have some regulars already. I talked to one guy who who told me that he and his tennis partner are especially happy this spot has opened up since their old post-tennis haunt, Ballast Point Scripps Ranch, closed down earlier this year.

I had a flight of four beers and they gave me an extra sample. I like them all.

Fresh Hop Lager (Kellerbier, 4.8% ABV). I like it. Nicely hopped, a bit lemony with a mild bitterness, almost an apple juice finish then it dries right out. 3.6/5

Oktoberfest (Marzen, 5.6% ABV). Malty, very flavorful, clean. 3.8/5

Hazy IPA (NEIPA, 6.5% ABV). On the piney end of juicy. Not my favorite style but I still thought it was pretty good. 3.6/5

New Zealand Hazy (NEIPA with Mouteka and Southern Cross hops). Juicy with lots of citrus and tropical notes. Very hazy. 4/5

Mostra Coffee Creme Brulee Latte Brown (Imperial Brown Ale with coffee, 8% ABV). Pretty nice. Plenty of flavor, Creme brûlée definitely comes through. Mostra coffee is very distinctive, and I don’t think it is my favorite. 3.5/5