Discovering San Diego's Finest Breweries in 2016: A Guide for Beer Lovers

Discovering San Diego's Finest Breweries in 2016: A Guide for Beer Lovers

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Discover the top breweries in San Diego for 2016. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, explore the best craft beers the city has to offer.


San Diego is known for its craft beer scene, and it's no surprise that the city boasts some of the best breweries in the country. With over 150 breweries in the area, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go first. To help you out, we've compiled a list of the top breweries in San Diego for 2016. Whether you're a local or just visiting, these breweries are definitely worth checking out.

First on our list is Ballast Point Brewing Company. This brewery has become a household name in San Diego and beyond, thanks to their award-winning beers like the Sculpin IPA and Victory at Sea Imperial Porter. Not only do they have a tasting room in Little Italy, but they also have a massive brewery in Miramar where you can take a tour and see how the magic happens.

Another must-visit brewery in San Diego is Stone Brewing. Known for their bold and hoppy beers, Stone has been a staple in the craft beer community for over two decades. Their flagship location in Escondido is a sight to behold, with beautiful gardens and a restaurant serving up delicious farm-to-table cuisine. If you're looking for a unique beer experience, check out their Liberty Station location which features a movie theater and bocce ball courts.

If you're a fan of sour beers, head over to The Lost Abbey. This brewery specializes in Belgian-style ales and barrel-aged sours, with names like Red Poppy and Framboise de Amorosa that will make your mouth water. Their tasting room in San Marcos is cozy and intimate, with a fireplace and outdoor patio perfect for sipping on a delicious beer.

For a taste of San Diego's beach culture, visit Coronado Brewing Company. Located on the island of Coronado, this brewery has been serving up cold beers since 1996. Their tasting room has a laid-back vibe, with surfboards and beach decor adorning the walls. Don't miss out on their famous Orange Avenue Wit, a refreshing beer with hints of coriander and orange peel.

Next up is Modern Times Beer, a brewery that has quickly gained a following in San Diego and beyond. Known for their unique can designs and delicious coffee beers, Modern Times has several locations throughout the city including a tasting room in North Park and a new brewery in Point Loma. Be sure to try their flagship beer, the Black House Stout, which is brewed with locally roasted coffee beans.

If you're looking for a brewery with a view, head over to Green Flash Brewing Company. Their tasting room in Mira Mesa overlooks a beautiful canyon, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a cold beer and soak up some sunshine. Green Flash is known for their hoppy West Coast-style beers like the West Coast IPA and Hop Head Red, but they also have a great selection of barrel-aged beers and sours.

Another brewery that's worth checking out is Societe Brewing Company. This family-owned brewery in Kearny Mesa has a cozy tasting room with a rotating selection of beers on tap. They're known for their Belgian-style ales and hoppy IPAs, with names like The Highbinder and The Pupil that will make you feel like part of a secret society.

For a taste of San Diego's East County, visit Alpine Beer Company. This small brewery in Alpine has been brewing up delicious beers since 1999, with a focus on hop-forward IPAs and barrel-aged stouts. The tasting room is small but cozy, with a friendly staff and delicious food from their restaurant next door.

Last but not least is AleSmith Brewing Company. This award-winning brewery in Miramar has been brewing up delicious beers since 1995, with a focus on Belgian-style ales and barrel-aged stouts. Their tasting room is spacious and modern, with a beautiful outdoor patio perfect for sipping on a cold beer. Don't miss out on their Speedway Stout, a rich and decadent stout that's aged in bourbon barrels.

Overall, San Diego's craft beer scene is thriving and these breweries are just a few of the many that make it so special. Whether you're a hophead or a sour lover, there's something for everyone in this beer-loving city.


Introduction

San Diego is a haven for beer lovers, with over 150 breweries and counting. The city has earned a reputation as one of the best beer destinations in the world, thanks to its diverse range of styles and top-notch quality. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best breweries in San Diego for 2016.

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens

Stone Brewing is one of the most well-known breweries in San Diego, and for good reason. Their World Bistro & Gardens location in Escondido is a must-visit for any beer enthusiast. The sprawling property features a beautiful garden, restaurant, and brewery all in one. You can enjoy a pint of their signature Stone IPA while taking in the stunning views. They also offer brewery tours and tastings.

Ballast Point Brewing Company

Ballast Point has become a household name in the craft beer industry, and their San Diego location is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Their tasting room in Little Italy offers a wide selection of beers, including their award-winning Sculpin IPA. You can also take a tour of their production facility in Miramar to see how their beer is made.

Alesmith Brewing Company

Alesmith is a hidden gem in San Diego, tucked away in an industrial park in Miramar. Despite its unassuming location, it's one of the best breweries in the city. They're known for their rich and complex beers, like the Speedway Stout. Their taproom is spacious and inviting, with plenty of seating and a friendly staff.

Green Flash Brewing Company

Green Flash has been brewing beer in San Diego since 2002, and they've earned a reputation for their bold and hoppy brews. Their tasting room in Mira Mesa offers a rotating selection of beers, including some experimental brews you won't find anywhere else. They also have a food truck on-site serving up tasty bites to pair with your pint.

Mikkeller Brewing

Mikkeller is a Danish brewery that opened its first location in San Diego in 2016. Their tasting room in Miramar offers a sleek and modern atmosphere, with an impressive selection of beers on tap. They're known for their unique and experimental brews, like the Beer Geek Breakfast Stout and the Raspberry Blush Sour.

Modern Times Beer

Modern Times has quickly become one of the most popular breweries in San Diego, thanks to their innovative approach to brewing and design. Their tasting room in Point Loma features a colorful and eclectic decor, with plenty of comfortable seating. They offer a wide range of beers, including their popular Lomaland Saison and the Fortunate Islands IPA.

Karl Strauss Brewing Company

Karl Strauss is one of the oldest breweries in San Diego, dating back to 1989. They've since expanded to multiple locations throughout Southern California, but their original location in Pacific Beach remains a favorite among locals. Their tasting room offers a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, with a wide selection of beers to choose from.

Lost Abbey

Lost Abbey specializes in Belgian-style beers, with a focus on barrel-aged and sour brews. Their tasting room in San Marcos is cozy and intimate, with a rustic decor that complements their beers perfectly. They offer a rotating selection of beers, including some limited-edition releases that are highly sought after by beer enthusiasts.

Pizza Port Brewing Company

Pizza Port is a popular restaurant chain in San Diego, known for their delicious pizzas and award-winning beers. Their Ocean Beach location is home to their brewery, where they produce a wide range of styles. Their tasting room offers a laid-back atmosphere, with plenty of seating and a fun, beachy vibe.

Conclusion

San Diego is home to some of the best breweries in the world, and 2016 was a great year for beer lovers. Whether you prefer hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or sour ales, there's something for everyone in this vibrant beer scene. These ten breweries are just a small sample of all that San Diego has to offer, so be sure to explore and discover your own favorites.
A Look into the Craft Beer Scene in San DiegoSan Diego is widely known as the craft beer capital of the world. With over 150 breweries, it's no wonder why beer enthusiasts flock to the city to taste some of the best brews in the world. The city's thriving craft beer scene has attracted both local and international attention, making it an ideal destination for beer lovers.San Diego's beer culture started in the 1980s with the opening of Karl Strauss Brewing Company, the city's first modern craft brewery. Since then, the industry has grown exponentially, with new breweries popping up every year. Today, San Diego boasts some of the most creative and innovative breweries in the world, offering a wide range of flavors and styles for beer lovers to enjoy.Top Rated Breweries in San DiegoWith so many breweries to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. To help narrow down the options, we've compiled a list of the top-rated breweries in San Diego.Stone Brewing Company: Stone Brewing Company is one of the largest and most well-known breweries in San Diego. Founded in 1996, Stone has won numerous awards for its bold and flavorful beers, including its renowned Arrogant Bastard Ale. In addition to its flagship location in Escondido, Stone also has two other locations in San Diego and a tasting room at the San Diego International Airport.Ballast Point Brewing Company: Ballast Point is another popular brewery in San Diego, known for its award-winning Sculpin IPA. The brewery has several locations throughout San Diego, including its main production brewery in Miramar, a tasting room in Little Italy, and a restaurant and brewery in Scripps Ranch.Modern Times Beer: Modern Times is a relatively new brewery that has quickly gained popularity among San Diego locals. Known for its unique and flavorful beers, Modern Times has three locations in San Diego, including a tasting room in North Park, a restaurant and brewery in Point Loma, and a coffee shop and brewery in Encinitas.Green Flash Brewing Co.: Green Flash is another well-known brewery in San Diego, known for its hop-forward beers. The brewery has two locations in San Diego, including its main production brewery in Mira Mesa and a tasting room in Sorrento Valley.Best Tasting Rooms to Visit in San DiegoIn addition to the quality of the beer, the atmosphere and experience at a brewery can also make a big difference. San Diego has no shortage of great tasting rooms that offer a unique and enjoyable experience for visitors.Lost Abbey: Lost Abbey is a brewery and tasting room located in San Marcos that offers a rustic and intimate setting for visitors. The tasting room is housed in a former monastery and features an outdoor patio and fire pit.AleSmith Brewing Company: AleSmith's tasting room in Miramar is a must-visit for beer lovers. The spacious tasting room features a wide selection of beers on tap, as well as a patio area with food trucks and live music.Societe Brewing Company: Societe's tasting room in Kearny Mesa is a cozy and inviting space that offers a variety of beers on tap, as well as board games and a dog-friendly patio area.Hidden Gems: Breweries off the Beaten PathWhile the top-rated breweries in San Diego are certainly worth visiting, there are also many hidden gems located off the beaten path. These lesser-known breweries offer a unique and authentic experience for visitors looking to explore San Diego's craft beer scene.Council Brewing Company: Council Brewing Company is a small brewery located in Kearny Mesa that specializes in Belgian-style beers. The brewery has a cozy tasting room and offers a rotating selection of beers.North Park Beer Co.: North Park Beer Co. is a neighborhood brewery located in the heart of North Park. The brewery's tasting room is a popular spot for locals, offering a variety of beers on tap and a laid-back atmosphere.Border X Brewing: Border X Brewing is a Mexican-inspired brewery located in Barrio Logan. The brewery's tasting room features colorful murals and offers a unique selection of beers, including hibiscus wheat beer and horchata golden stout.The Art of Brewing: San Diego's Most Creative BreweriesSan Diego's craft beer scene is known for its creativity and innovation. Many breweries in the city are constantly experimenting with new flavors and styles, pushing the boundaries of what beer can be.Stone Brewing Company: In addition to its flagship beers, Stone Brewing Company is also known for its experimental and limited edition brews. The brewery's Stone Enjoy By IPA series is a fan favorite, featuring a different recipe with each release.Modern Times Beer: Modern Times is known for its unique and flavorful beers, often incorporating unusual ingredients like coffee, fruit, and spices. The brewery's Fruitlands series features beers made with various fruits, including apricots, passionfruit, and guava.Karl Strauss Brewing Company: Karl Strauss has been a staple of San Diego's craft beer scene since its founding in 1989. The brewery is known for its innovative approach to brewing, using locally sourced ingredients and experimenting with new techniques.A Guide to San Diego's Best IPA'sSan Diego is famous for its hop-forward beers, particularly its IPAs. With so many great options to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are some of the best IPAs in San Diego:Sculpin IPA - Ballast Point Brewing CompanySwami's IPA - Pizza Port Brewing CompanyWipeout IPA - Port Brewing CompanyGreen Flash West Coast IPA - Green Flash Brewing Co.Stone IPA - Stone Brewing CompanySustainable Brewing Practices in San DiegoMany breweries in San Diego are committed to sustainable brewing practices, using renewable energy and locally sourced ingredients to reduce their environmental impact. Here are some of the breweries in San Diego that are leading the way in sustainability:Modern Times Beer: Modern Times uses 100% renewable energy to power its brewery and tasting rooms. The brewery also sources many of its ingredients from local farms and suppliers.Stone Brewing Company: Stone has implemented several sustainability initiatives, including a water recycling program and an on-site farm that supplies ingredients for the brewery's restaurant.Karl Strauss Brewing Company: Karl Strauss has made sustainability a priority, using solar panels to power its brewery and implementing a waste diversion program to reduce landfill waste.Family-Friendly Breweries in San DiegoSan Diego's craft beer scene isn't just for adults. Many breweries in the city are family-friendly, offering a fun and casual atmosphere for visitors of all ages.Mike Hess Brewing: Mike Hess Brewing has three locations in San Diego, all of which are family-friendly. The brewery offers a variety of beers on tap, as well as games and activities for kids.Green Flash Brewing Co.: In addition to its great beer, Green Flash also has a large outdoor space that is perfect for families. The brewery offers lawn games and a food truck, as well as a selection of non-alcoholic beverages.Stone Brewing Company: Stone's flagship location in Escondido features a large outdoor garden that is perfect for families. The brewery also offers a kids menu at its restaurant.The Rise of Sour Beers in San DiegoWhile IPAs may be the most popular style of beer in San Diego, sour beers are quickly gaining popularity among craft beer enthusiasts. These tart and funky beers are made by introducing bacteria into the brewing process, resulting in a unique and complex flavor profile.Council Brewing Company: Council Brewing Company is known for its sour beers, particularly its award-winning Beatitude series. The brewery offers a wide selection of sour beers on tap, as well as other styles like IPAs and stouts.The Lost Abbey: The Lost Abbey has a dedicated barrel room where it ages its sour beers. The brewery's Red Poppy Ale is a fan favorite, featuring a tart and fruity flavor.Pure Project Brewing: Pure Project is a newer brewery in San Diego that specializes in sour beers. The brewery's tasting room in Miramar offers a rotating selection of sour beers, as well as other styles like IPAs and lagers.Exploring San Diego's Brewery Tours and EventsOne of the best ways to experience San Diego's craft beer scene is by taking a brewery tour or attending a beer festival. There are several companies in San Diego that offer guided tours of the city's top breweries, as well as beer-focused events throughout the year.Brewery Tours of San Diego: Brewery Tours of San Diego offers several different tour options, including a downtown tour, a beer and food pairing tour, and a north county tour.San Diego Brewers Guild: The San Diego Brewers Guild hosts several beer festivals throughout the year, including the San Diego Beer Week festival in November.West Coaster: West Coaster is a local beer magazine that hosts several events throughout the year, including the popular West Coaster Festival in February.In conclusion, San Diego's craft beer scene is one of the best in the world, offering a wide range of flavors, styles, and experiences for beer lovers to enjoy. Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or a casual drinker, there's something for everyone in San Diego's thriving craft beer community. So grab a pint and explore all that this amazing city has to offer!

San Diego's Best Breweries in 2016: A Review

The Pros and Cons of San Diego's Best Breweries

San Diego is known for its craft beer, with over 130 breweries currently operating in the region. But which ones are the best? In 2016, several publications released their rankings of the top breweries in San Diego based on factors such as beer quality, atmosphere, and overall experience. Here are some pros and cons of the top-ranked breweries:

Brewery 1: Stone Brewing Co.

Stone Brewing Co. was ranked as the best brewery in San Diego by several publications in 2016. Here are some pros and cons of this popular brewery:

  • Pros:
    • High-quality beer with a wide variety of styles and flavors
    • Large outdoor patio with beautiful views
    • Great food menu with many vegetarian and vegan options
  • Cons:
    • Can be crowded and noisy, especially on weekends
    • Somewhat expensive compared to other local breweries
    • Location can be difficult to access, especially for those without a car

Brewery 2: Modern Times Beer

Modern Times Beer was also highly ranked in 2016, with several publications praising its unique atmosphere and creative beer offerings. Here are some pros and cons of this brewery:

  • Pros:
    • Eclectic and colorful decor creates a fun, laid-back atmosphere
    • Interesting beer flavors and styles, including many experimental brews
    • Great coffee bar for those who don't drink beer
  • Cons:
    • Can be crowded and noisy, especially during peak hours
    • Food offerings are limited to snacks and small plates
    • Location can be difficult to find or access, especially for first-time visitors

Brewery 3: Ballast Point Brewing Company

Ballast Point Brewing Company is a well-known brewery with several locations throughout San Diego. Here are some pros and cons of this popular brewery:

  • Pros:
    • High-quality and consistent beer offerings
    • Spacious and comfortable tasting rooms with plenty of seating
    • Good food menu with many seafood options
  • Cons:
    • Can be crowded and busy, especially on weekends
    • Somewhat expensive compared to other local breweries
    • Atmosphere can be somewhat generic or corporate

Comparison Table: Stone Brewing Co., Modern Times Beer, and Ballast Point Brewing Company

Brewery Name Beer Selection Atmosphere Food Menu Price Range
Stone Brewing Co. Wide variety of styles and flavors Lively and crowded, with a large outdoor patio Great food menu with many vegetarian and vegan options $$
Modern Times Beer Interesting and experimental beer offerings Eccentric and colorful decor creates a fun, laid-back atmosphere Limited food offerings (mostly snacks and small plates) $$
Ballast Point Brewing Company High-quality and consistent beer offerings Spacious and comfortable tasting rooms with plenty of seating Good food menu with many seafood options $$

Overall, San Diego's craft beer scene is thriving, with many excellent breweries to choose from. Whether you prefer hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or something in between, you're sure to find a brewery that suits your tastes. Just be prepared for crowds, noise, and potentially high prices, depending on where you go.


The Best Breweries in San Diego for 2016

Thank you for taking the time to read our article about the best breweries in San Diego for 2016. We hope you found it informative and helpful in planning your next beer adventure. San Diego boasts over 150 breweries, making it one of the top beer destinations in the world. In this article, we have highlighted ten of the best breweries that stand out for their exceptional beer quality, innovative brewing techniques, and unique tasting rooms.

Our first brewery on the list is Ballast Point Brewing Company. This brewery has been a staple in the San Diego craft beer scene since 1996 and continues to impress with its award-winning beers. Their flagship beer, Sculpin IPA, is a local favorite and has won several awards at the Great American Beer Festival. Their tasting room in Little Italy offers a beautiful view of the harbor and a rotating selection of over 50 beers on tap.

Next up is Modern Times Beer. This brewery's motto is quality beer for people who care about things, and they certainly live up to it. Modern Times specializes in brewing unique, flavorful beers using organic ingredients. Their tasting room in North Park is a must-visit, featuring a 30-foot mural and an outdoor patio perfect for enjoying a pint on a sunny day.

If you're looking for a brewery with a sense of community, look no further than Societe Brewing Company. This brewery prides itself on being a place where locals come together to enjoy great beer and good company. Their tasting room in Kearny Mesa features a cozy atmosphere and a rotating selection of hoppy and malty beers that are sure to please any palate.

The Lost Abbey is another San Diego brewery that stands out for its exceptional beer quality. They specialize in brewing Belgian-style beers, which are known for their complex flavors and aromas. The Lost Abbey's tasting room in San Marcos offers a unique experience with its rustic decor and barrel-aged beers that are not available anywhere else.

Stone Brewing is a household name in the craft beer world, and for good reason. This brewery is known for its bold and hoppy beers, including their flagship beer, Stone IPA. Their tasting room in Escondido offers a beautiful outdoor garden and a rotating selection of 36 beers on tap, including their famous Arrogant Bastard Ale.

If you're looking for a brewery with a laid-back beach vibe, head over to Coronado Brewing Company. This brewery has been serving up award-winning beers since 1996 and has recently expanded to include a tasting room in Imperial Beach. Their beers are inspired by the ocean and feature unique flavors like their popular Orange Avenue Wit.

Green Flash Brewing Company is another San Diego brewery that has gained a national reputation for its outstanding beers. They specialize in brewing West Coast-style IPAs and offer a rotating selection of 30 beers on tap at their tasting room in Mira Mesa. The tasting room also features a food truck schedule and live music on weekends.

Another brewery that we highly recommend is Alesmith Brewing Company. This brewery has won numerous awards for its exceptional beers, including their popular Speedway Stout. Their tasting room in Miramar offers a cozy atmosphere and a rotating selection of 20 beers on tap, including several barrel-aged and limited edition beers.

Two other breweries that we cannot leave off our list are Karl Strauss Brewing Company and Pizza Port Brewing Company. Karl Strauss is one of the oldest breweries in San Diego and has been serving up quality beers since 1989. Their tasting rooms throughout San Diego offer a wide selection of beers and delicious pub food. Pizza Port is known for its award-winning pizzas and a wide selection of beers brewed on-site. Their tasting rooms in Ocean Beach and Carlsbad offer a fun and laid-back atmosphere.

In conclusion, San Diego is truly a beer lover's paradise, and these ten breweries are just the tip of the iceberg. We hope that you will take the time to visit these breweries and explore all that San Diego has to offer in the world of craft beer. Cheers!


People Also Ask About Best Breweries in San Diego 2016

What are the best breweries in San Diego?

San Diego is home to some of the best breweries in the world. Here are some of the top-rated breweries in the city:

  1. Stone Brewing
  2. Alesmith Brewing Company
  3. Ballast Point Brewing Company
  4. Modern Times Beer
  5. Pizza Port Brewing Company
  6. Green Flash Brewing Co.
  7. Societe Brewing Company
  8. Lost Abbey/Port Brewing Company
  9. Karl Strauss Brewing Company

Which San Diego brewery has the best IPA?

San Diego is well-known for its IPAs, and many of the breweries listed above have great options. However, some of the top-rated IPAs in the city can be found at:

  • Stone Brewing - Enjoy By IPA
  • Alesmith Brewing Company - IPA
  • Ballast Point Brewing Company - Sculpin IPA
  • Modern Times Beer - Orderville IPA
  • Pizza Port Brewing Company - Swami's IPA

What is the best San Diego brewery for food?

Many San Diego breweries offer delicious food options to accompany their beer. Some of the best breweries for food include:

  • Stone Brewing - World Bistro & Gardens
  • Ballast Point Brewing Company - Kitchen
  • Green Flash Brewing Co. - Green Flash Gastro
  • Societe Brewing Company - The Kitchen
  • Karl Strauss Brewing Company - Brewery Restaurants

What is the best San Diego brewery for families?

If you're looking for a family-friendly brewery experience, consider visiting:

  • Stone Brewing - Escondido and Liberty Station locations
  • Ballast Point Brewing Company - Miramar and Little Italy locations
  • Green Flash Brewing Co. - Mira Mesa location
  • Lost Abbey/Port Brewing Company - San Marcos location
  • Karl Strauss Brewing Company - All locations

In conclusion,

San Diego has a thriving craft beer scene, and there are many excellent breweries to choose from. Whether you're looking for great beer, delicious food, or a family-friendly atmosphere, you're sure to find a brewery that meets your needs.