California is home to some of the most innovative and exciting craft breweries in the world. From San Diego to the Bay Area, the Golden State is packed with breweries that are pushing the boundaries of what beer can be.
Whether you’re a hophead, a sour fan, or just looking for a refreshing pint on a hot day, California has something for you.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best breweries in California, highlighting what makes each one special and why you should make a point to visit them.
So grab a cold one and get ready to explore the wonderful world of California beer!
1. Green Flash Brewing Company (San Diego)
Green Flash Brewing Company is a San Diego-based craft brewery that has been creating unique and innovative beers since 2002.
The brewery was founded by Mike and Lisa Hinkley with a mission to create exceptional, high-quality beers that push the boundaries of traditional brewing styles.
Green Flash is known for its West Coast-style IPAs, which are hop-forward, bold, and intensely flavored. Some of their most popular beers include the West Coast IPA, Hazy IPA, and the Imperial IPA.
In addition to their IPAs, Green Flash also produces a wide range of other beer styles, including stouts, lagers, and Belgian-style ales.
The brewery’s tasting room, located in the Mira Mesa neighborhood of San Diego, offers visitors a chance to sample a variety of Green Flash’s beers in a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere.
The tasting room also hosts regular events, including trivia nights, live music, and food trucks.
Green Flash Brewing Company has won numerous awards and accolades over the years, including multiple medals at the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup.
Green Flash continues to innovate and experiment with new brewing techniques and ingredients, cementing its place as one of California’s best and most beloved craft breweries.
2. Stone Brewing (San Diego)
Stone Brewing Company is a craft brewery based in Escondido, California, that has been producing bold and innovative beers since 1996.
Founded by Greg Koch and Steve Wagner, the brewery has since become the ninth-largest craft brewer to be found in the United States, gaining a reputation for its aggressive, hop-forward beers that challenge traditional brewing styles.
One of Stone’s most famous beers is the Arrogant Bastard Ale, a strong ale with a big, bold flavor and a tongue-in-cheek attitude that embodies the brewery’s irreverent spirit.
Other popular beers include the Stone IPA, the Stone Delicious IPA, and the Stone Tangerine Express IPA, which showcases the brewery’s commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
In addition to its brewing operations, Stone also operates several restaurants and taprooms in California and beyond. These locations serve a variety of Stone beers as well as a menu of locally-sourced, farm-to-table cuisine.
Stone Brewery has also been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, earning certifications for its efforts to reduce waste and conserve resources.
3. Three Weavers Brewing Company (Los Angeles)
Three Weavers Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Inglewood, California, that has quickly become one of the most popular and innovative breweries in the Los Angeles area.
The brewery was founded back in 2013 by Lynne Weaver and the establishment is known for being committed to producing high-quality, flavorful beers that showcase the diversity of California’s brewing culture.
Three Weavers are known for their creative and delicious beer offerings, which include a wide range of styles from classic IPAs to unique sours and experimental brews.
Some of their most popular beers include the Expatriate IPA, the Seafarer Kölsch, and the Knotty Double IPA, which features a blend of tropical fruit and piney hops.
In addition to their beer offerings, Three Weavers are committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The brewery has implemented several green initiatives, including a closed-loop water system and the use of renewable energy sources like solar power.
Three Weavers’ tasting room is a popular destination for beer lovers and features a spacious outdoor patio and a rotating selection of food trucks.
The brewery also hosts regular events, including live music, trivia nights, and community fundraisers.
Three Weavers continue to push the boundaries of brewing and innovation, cementing their place as one of California’s best and most exciting craft breweries.
4. Eagle Rock Brewery (Los Angeles)
Eagle Rock Brewery is a family-owned craft brewery located in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles, California.
Founded in 2009 by husband and wife team Jeremy Raub and Ting Su, the brewery is committed to producing high-quality, locally-sourced beers that reflect the unique flavors and culture of Los Angeles.
Eagle Rock Brewery is best known for its hop-forward beers, including the Populist American IPA, the Manifesto Belgian Style Witbier, and the Amwold German Style Pilsner.
The brewery also offers a range of seasonal and limited-release beers, often featuring collaborations with other local businesses and community organizations.
Eagle Rock Brewery is a beloved institution in the Los Angeles craft beer scene, known for its commitment to quality, community, and innovation.
5. Lagunitas Brewing Company (San Francisco)
Lagunitas Brewing Company is a craft brewery based in Petaluma, California, with a taproom located in San Francisco.
Founded in 1993 by Tony Magee, the brewery has grown to become one of the largest and most respected craft breweries in the country.
Lagunitas is known for its bold, hoppy beers, including the flagship Lagunitas IPA, which is a classic example of a West Coast-style IPA with its citrusy, piney flavors and aromas.
Other popular beers include the Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ Ale, the DayTime IPA, and the Island Beats Tropical IPA, which is a refreshing, citrus beer with juicy undertones that would be perfect for sipping on during the summer.
6. Ballast Point Brewing Company (San Diego)
Ballast Point Brewing Company is a craft brewery based in San Diego, (see also: 11 Unmissable San Diego Breweries You Need To Check Out)California, that was founded in 1996 by a group of home brewers who shared a passion for experimenting with unique and flavorful beer styles.
Today, the brewery is known for producing a wide range of award-winning beers, including IPAs, stouts, lagers, and sour beers.
Ballast Point is perhaps best known for its Sculpin IPA, which has become one of the most popular and highly-rated IPAs in the world, thanks to its bright, citrusy flavor and aroma.
Other popular beers include the Fathom IPL, the Victory at Sea Imperial Porter, and the Tart Peach Kölsch.
In 2015, Ballast Point was acquired by Constellation Brands, a large beverage company, which led to some controversy in the craft beer community.
However, the brewery has remained committed to producing high-quality and innovative beers and has continued to expand its operations and distribution.
7. Cellarmaking Brewing Company (San Francisco)
Cellarmaker Brewing Company is a small, independent craft brewery located in the heart of San Francisco, California.
Founded in 2013 by Connor Casey and Tim Sciascia, the brewery is known for its innovative and highly flavorful beers, with a focus on hoppy IPAs and Belgian-style ales.
Cellarmaker produces a rotating selection of beers, including both year-round and seasonal offerings. Some of their most popular beers include the Dank Williams West Coast-style IPA, the Blammo!
Double IPA, and the Mt. Nelson Belgian-style Pale Ale.
The brewery operates a taproom in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood, which features a rotating selection of beers and a food menu that emphasizes locally-sourced ingredients.
The taproom also offers a selection of beer to-go in cans and bottles.
8. Sierra Nevada Brewing Company (Sacramento Valley)
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company is a pioneering craft brewery located in Chico, California, that has been producing high-quality and innovative beers since 1980.
Founded by Ken Grossman, the brewery is known for its use of fresh, whole-cone hops and its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Sierra Nevada is perhaps best known for their flagship beer, the Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, which helped to define the West Coast-style IPA and has become one of the most popular and influential craft beers in the world.
Other popular beers include the Torpedo Extra IPA, the Kellerweis Hefeweizen, and the Narwhal Imperial Stout
Final Thoughts
As you can see by these various, unique breweries, California is truly the place to find a vibrant and diverse craft beer scene, with countless breweries producing high-quality and innovative beers.
From the classic offerings of Sierra Nevada and Lagunitas to the newer breweries like Three Weavers and Cellarmaker, each brewery brings its unique perspective and flavor profile to the table.
With the state’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, you can feel good about supporting local breweries and drinking beer that is both delicious and responsible.
So whether you’re a long-time craft beer fan or just getting started on your beer journey, be sure to explore the many fantastic breweries that California has to offer.
From San Diego to San Francisco, you’re sure to find a beer that will make your taste buds sing.
Inspired by my love for brewing, I started this site with my friend Derek. We travel, discover unique beers, and share our experiences and recommendations. Join us in exploring our favorite beers and breweries. Enjoy our site as we share our passion with you!
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