The Ultimate Guide to Tasting Craft Beer in San Diego, California
California’s vibrant city of San Diego has always been a prime destination for tourists. Known for its stunning beaches, sunny weather, and exciting attractions, San Diego is also home to some of the best craft beer in the world. If you’re a beer enthusiast looking for some great tasting beer, San Diego is the place to be. In this ultimate guide, we will take you through the best craft breweries in San Diego, where you can savor unique, flavorful beers that are exclusive to the city.
Craft Beer Scene in San Diego
San Diego’s craft beer scene is one of the best in the world, with a long history and over 140 brewpubs and microbreweries. The city has garnered much recognition for its contribution to the global beer industry. Home to some of the highest-rated breweries on BeerAdvocate, and with over 5,000 medals awarded at the World Beer Cup, San Diego continues to set the trend for unique brewing practices and forward-thinking flavors.
Best Breweries to Visit in San Diego
If you’re looking for quality beer, San Diego has the best in the world. Here are some of the must-visit breweries in the city:
1. Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens
A go-to for beer lovers, Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens is a perfect place to start your San Diego beer adventure. The brewery takes pride in its exclusively brewed West Coast-style IPAs and barrel-aged stouts, while their outdoor garden provides a refreshing atmosphere to taste their craft beer.
2. Green Flash Brewing Co.
Green Flash Brewing Co. is known for their award-winning West Coast IPAs like the popular West Coast India Pale Ale and Hop Head Red. One of the brewery’s unique features is its huge taproom with more than 30 taps, including exclusive and seasonal varieties. Their tasting room is open every day of the week, so you won’t miss a chance to try their beer while in San Diego.
3. Ballast Point Brewing Company
Ballast Point Brewing Company is a name that San Diego locals and tourists alike are familiar with. A favorite among locals, the brewery is known for its adventurous flavor profiles, especially the spicy Sculpin IPA and refreshing Grapefruit Sculpin. Their brewing company also has a restaurant where you can enjoy great food accompanied by your favorite beer.
Specialty Brews to Try
While the breweries above are known for their excellent craft beer, the following are some of the unique, lesser-known beer varieties in San Diego:
1. AleSmith Brewing Company: Speedway Stout
Speedway Stout is AleSmith’s super-rich coffee stout, brewed with coffee from San Diego’s Ryan Bros Coffee. It has won multiple medals at the Great American Beer Festival and carries a strong aroma of coffee and chocolate with a hint of roasted malt. They make a vanilla and coconut version that is to die for!
2. Societe Brewing Company: The Pastoral Saison
A rare saison ale that is brewed at Societe Brewing Company, the Pastoral Saison, is a blend of flavors that include coriander, black pepper, licorice, and orange zest. This beer adds brightness and flavor with some complex spice notes to your palate.
3. Pure Project Brewing Co: Murklands Hazy IPA
San Diego’s pride and joy, Murklands Hazy IPA, is brewed with citra, mosaic, and El Dorado hops, joining together for a juicy, aromatic explosion that your taste buds will adore.
Plan Your Visit to San Diego
No visit to San Diego is complete without a taste of their award-winning craft beer and a trip to the city’s breweries. With its perfect mix of sunshine, beaches, beer, and attractions, San Diego has a lot to offer. Make sure to try the recommendations above while savoring the beautiful city atmosphere. Cheers!
