Craft Beer

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

Thorn Brewing’s tasting room in Mission Hills opened in late July 2019. It is a great spot. #sdbeer #craftbeer

June 2019 #SanDiego #craftbeer update: 161 breweries (+1 net) + 49 tasting rooms (+1 net) = 210 locations (+2 net). 3.4% growth in locations since Jan 2019. Since June 2018, 50% increase in tasting rooms & 4% increase in craft breweries. 40 projects in planning.

Thinking about a San Diego beercation? Here for a conference and want to explore the famous San Diego craft beer scene? Here’s a beer tour of downtown’s East Village neighborhood, a hot spot where you’ll find 8 (soon ten) breweries and tasting rooms in 1.4 mile walk.

There is an excellent grouping of eight craft breweries and satellite tasting rooms in Ocean Beach. Come for the #beach, stay for the #beer. #craftbeer #beertour #beercation #sdbeer #sandiegocraftbeer #sandiego #localbeer #indiebeer