San Diego’s rise to prominence as a significant player in the craft beer industry is well known. It has earned itself the fitting title of “America’s Craft Beer Capital”. Boasting over 25 breweries within the city boundaries, it has cemented its position on the global beer map. The city is laden with breweries that offer some of the world’s most unique and delectable beers.
The inaugural brewery in this city, The San Diego Brewing Company, has a history dating back to 1896. Positioning itself in downtown San Diego, it paved the path for the city’s remarkable brewing journey.
La Jolla Brewing Company: A Premier Craft Beer Destination
Situated at 7537 Fay Avenue in the heart of La Jolla, California, the La Jolla Brewing Company has carved a name for itself in the craft beer industry. Re-establishing itself under a new banner in the summer of 2013, the former La Jolla Brewhouse has become synonymous with exceptional craft beer within the region.
They take great pride in their handcrafted beers, which serve as the cornerstone of their offerings. The brewery boasts five signature styles: a Pale Ale, IPA, Pub Ale, Dry Stout, and Brown Ale, each brewed with meticulous attention to detail.
Adding to their allure, La Jolla Brewing Company offers a rotating 24-tap selection of local craft beers from around San Diego County. This provides craft beer enthusiasts with a plethora of options to explore and enjoy.
To strengthen their local identity, all their brews are named after renowned La Jolla landmarks. Two of their debut beers, the Sunny Jim IPA and Bird Rock Brown, exemplify this commitment to their La Jollan roots.
Featured Beer: Neptune’s Nitro
With an alcoholic content of 4.9 ABV, Neptune’s Nitro is a compelling representative of the La Jolla Brewing Company’s offerings. Its name pays homage to the Neptune cottages, originally constructed in 1894 as summer beach houses, which continue to embody the spirit of exploration and adventure in the ‘wild west’.
Neptune’s Nitro is a delightful golden ale, showcasing a delicate balance of flavors and light hoppiness. The beer is distinguished by its hint of dryness and a creamy, frothy head, making it an enjoyable drink at any time. As for food pairing, nothing goes better with this golden masterpiece than a hearty burger. Indulge in the gastronomic experience as you explore the top breweries in La Jolla.
Societé Brewing Company: A Visionary in Craft Beer
Steeped in the 8282 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard locality of San Diego, California, Societé Brewing Company is a relatively recent entry in the city’s flourishing craft beer market. Despite a humble commencement in 2012, the brewery has grown exponentially, etching its name as a formidable contender in the brewing industry.
Societé Brewing Company is a tribute to the inclusive culture promoted by the global beer community. It acknowledges beer’s pivotal role as a catalyst for social interaction, cutting across geographies and cultures. Their choice of name alignifies this tribute, reflecting the social harmony that gatherings around a pint of beer foster worldwide.
Housing a 16,000 sq. ft. brewing facility in Mira Mesa, Societé Brewing Company is a treasure trove of distinct craft beer styles. From the bold flavors of hoppy ales to the nuanced character of Belgian-style Old World brews, there’s a brew for all taste preferences. Their repertoire further extends to robust, dark Stygian beers and tantalizing wine-barrel-aged Feral sours, all meticulously handcrafted in their 20-barrel brewhouse.
Featured Beer: The Debutante
With an ABV of 7.0, The Debutante is a standout offering from Societé Brewing Company. It’s a Belgian ale characterized by its alluring amber hue and a robustly aromatic profile. Tantalizing hints of allspice and nutmeg mingle with whispers of caramel, creating an aromatic symphony that’s irresistibly inviting.
On the palate, The Debutante is a light-to-medium-bodied brew that finishes on a dry, smooth note. The flavors of caramel subtly transition into toasted sugar notes in the finish, making it a delightfully balanced beer. Its expressive flavor profile makes it a great companion to desserts or sweet dishes.
By offering an engaging beer experience, Societé Brewing Company is redefining the boundaries of traditional brewing. Their dedication to crafting unique brews that promote inclusivity and resonate with diverse palates has established them as one of the top breweries in La Jolla.
Lost Abbey Brewing Company: Crafting Exquisite Beers with a Story
Hidden away in San Marcos at 155 Mata Way lies the Lost Abbey Brewing Company, a jewel in La Jolla’s thriving craft beer scene. Spearheaded by the passionate and experienced Brewery Operations Director, Tomme Arthur, Lost Abbey has a unique story to its name.
In 2006, Lost Abbey emerged as an independent venture from the erstwhile Pizza Port location in San Marcos. Within a year of its inception, the Great American Beer Festival recognized the fledgling brewery’s commitment to quality and excellence, awarding it the title of ‘Small Brewery of the Year’ in 2007.
Today, Lost Abbey stretches its beer-making capabilities, boasting a repertoire of over 1000 oak barrels that once housed bourbon, brandy, sherry, and wine. This extensive collection represents one of the most extraordinary barrel-aging programs undertaken by a craft brewery of its size. It stands as a testament to Lost Abbey’s keenness to weave complex flavors and rich textures into its beers.
Featured Beer: Angel’s Share Ale
With an ABV of 6.7, the Angel’s Share Ale paints a vivid picture of Lost Abbey’s brewing artistry. Drawing inspiration from the quaint countryside breweries of Southern Belgium, this Farmhouse Ale blends organic ginger, orange peels, black pepper, and grains into a brew that bursts with aroma.
The first sip unfurls a sweet malt expression, intertwining seamlessly with the yeast’s earthiness and the peppery spices’ sharpness. The result is a beer exceptionally refreshing, perfect for the warm summer days. Its vibrant flavor profile makes it a sublime accompaniment to spicy dishes or fish tacos.
AleSmith Brewing Company: The Symphony of Traditional and Revolutionary Brewing
Nestled within the vibrant cityscape of San Diego at 9990 Alesmith Court, AleSmith Brewing Company offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Headed by a passionate team of beer enthusiasts, AleSmith Brewing Company is a craft beer haven with a historical resonance.
Despite the guise of a fresh, dynamic microbrewery, AleSmith Brewing Company operates from an iconic location steeped in the city’s brewing history. The Historic Mission Brewery Plaza, which houses the AleSmith Brewing Company, speaks volumes about the city’s rich brewing heritage. Established in 1912, the plaza was home to one of the earliest breweries, a testament to San Diego’s enduring love affair with beer.
Visitors can relish the harmonious blend of historic and contemporary architecture that the brew house embodies while indulging in an enticing array of beers. With 18 multifaceted craft brews on tap, AleSmith Brewing Company promises a flavorful journey for every beer aficionado.
Featured Beer: San Diego Pale Ale .394
Boasting a modest ABV of 5%, the San Diego Pale Ale .394 is a respectful nod to the brewing legacies of the past. This traditional-style lager showcases an artful balance between mild malts and subtle hops, resulting in a refreshing, palatable brew.
Echoing its iconic location’s spirit, the San Diego Pale Ale .394 harks back to the pre-Prohibition era’s brewing art. Its recipe is an adaptation of the original concoction formulated a century ago within the same walls. This brew is a fitting tribute to the bygone era, epitomizing AleSmith Brewing Company’s acknowledgment of its historical roots while crafting innovative, modern brews.
Ballast Point Brewing Company: A Beacon in the Sea of Craft Brewing
Situated at 9045 Carroll Way, San Diego, Ballast Point Brewing Company has positioned itself as a leading force in the craft beer industry. The brewery, established in 1996 by Jack White, has devoted itself to crafting beers with a depth of flavor that caters to all.
The brand is named after a historically significant point in San Diego, Ballast Point, which was a pivotal landmark for early explorers and traders. Today, the brewery has grown beyond San Diego, spreading its wings across the nation with multiple locations.
In 2007, Yuseff Cherney, the then Head Brewer of Ballast Point, initiated their distinctive spirits program. This diversification added a new niche to their already thriving brewery, further establishing their foothold in the industry.
Featured Beer: Victory at Sea
With an ABV of 10%, Victory at Sea is a bold representation of Ballast Point Brewing Company’s brewing expertise. This Imperial Porter combines sweet roasted malts with a substantial coffee and vanilla infusion. The result is a full-bodied brew with a complex flavor profile that is both balanced and robust.
The rich, robust flavors of this beer make it a versatile pairing partner. Whether it’s a hearty roast, chocolate desserts, or even blue cheese, Victory at Sea complements and enhances a broad spectrum of foods.
Craft Beer and San Diego Memorial Day
As we explore La Jolla’s craft beer scene, it’s important to remember the significance of San Diego Memorial Day, a day of reflection and gratitude when we honor those who sacrificed for our country. Many local breweries in La Jolla recognize this day, offering a moment to savor exceptional craft beers while paying tribute to our heroes. So, whether you’re enjoying a brew or participating in Memorial Day events, let’s celebrate craft beer and honor our servicemen and women on this special San Diego day.
Concluding Remarks
Exploring the top breweries of La Jolla is an immersive journey into the world of craft beers, each brewery offering a distinct narrative of the city’s brewing culture. Breweries like Ballast Point Brewing Company, with their diverse beer catalog and commitment to quality, are essential stops for anyone seeking to enjoy the finest brews the city has to offer. By embracing both traditional and innovative brewing techniques, these breweries represent the city’s rich brewing heritage and its unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional beers. They are laudable testaments to La Jolla’s vibrant craft beer culture and its enduring passion for brewing.