The three High Spot Beer Co. beers are contract brewed as Bluewater Grill’s house beer brand. They succeed in what they are trying to be.

The fun, hip vibe means you don’t need to be a hard core beer geek to enjoy Pure at the Park. But if you are, you will really enjoy it.

SouthNorte, a guest brewery at Coronado Bay Park, now has four permanent taps at that location’s tasting room—two of the four 2019 GABF medalists. Plus Coronado Brewing had two other winners this year, one of which is also a permanent offering. All three of those are available in cans, which is absolutely amazing. Go get some.

Have you heard of the “shadow” beer competition that goes on alongside GABF, The Alpha King Challenge? San Diego breweries performed well there, too.

As of the end of September 2019, San Diego County is home to 155 craft breweries (-3 and +2 since last month), 5 non-craft breweries, for a total of 160 (net -1). We also have 55 tasting rooms (+1 and -1 since last month). That’s a grand total of 215 brewery venues (a net change of -1). Drink up, San Diego! #sdbeer

A lot of excellent breweries fly under the radar. After three years and visiting every brewery in San Diego County, here’s my list of the places that deserve more attention.

22 San Diego County breweries won won 37 (22%) of the 170 awards given at the inaugural California Craft Brewers Cup, September 2019. “Best in Show” was Rip Current Brewing’s Breakline Bock.

There is no shortage of Oktoberfest celebrations across San Diego County over the next month or so. Prost!

The Canadian(ish)-themed Little Miss tasting room is their fourth location. 

#sandiego’s #craftbeer scene continues to grow. There are now 156 craft and 5 non-craft breweries in San Diego county (no change), 54 craft and 1 non-craft tasting rooms (an increase of 3), for a grand total of 216 locations (an increase of 3). #sandiegocraftbeer #beer #beertour

Bolt Brewery & Spirits is the third location for this brand that claims to be the first craft brewery in San Diego County. It has a full bar and serves free hot dogs. If dive bars are your thing, this might be your place. #craftbeer #sdbeer

Kilowatt’s newest location in Oceanside is the best of its three current tasting rooms. Plus it has food. And over the last year or two the beer has really leveled up.

Harland Brewing Co.’s first tasting room, at the One Paseo development in Carmel Valley, is a strong entry into San Diego’s competitive craft beer market. There’s room for improvement with the beer but they are already firing on all cylinders.

Six San Diego brewing companies won a total of nine bronze and silver medals at the 2019 U.S. Open Beer Competition held in Oxford, Ohio.

Original 40, the fifteenth brewery in North Park, is a very worthy addition to this beer-centric neighborhood

The sprawling, kid-friendly, My Yard Live offers food, a full bar, games, and several distinct areas including a lovely patio with umbrellas and lawn chairs. They aren’t competing just on beer—which, at least at this early stage, is lucky for them.

I made a return visit to Division 23 a couple of weeks ago. It is still a great tasting room, and the beer has leveled up. #craftbeer #sdbeer