West Coaster San Diego Beer News
Serving the San Diego Craft Beer Community
A brewer transition, brewery staying put & tasting room ETA [UPDATED]
Some quick hits from the San Diego County brewing industry… Earlier this month, we published a roundup of five of the greatest comeback stories within the #SDBeer scene—operations that started off … [Read more...] about Beer Briefs: Groundswell, Poor House & Duck Foot
Rip Current’s latest foray into the upper-ABV strata is a successful one
From the Beer Writer: Due to their deviation from traditional brewing methodologies, extreme beers can be tricky from a brewer's perspective, and less-than-reliable from a consumer standpoint. Pushing … [Read more...] about Beer of the Week: Bourbon Barrel-Aged No Hope For Rescue
North County interest’s new quality head has Stone, Modern Times experience
Yesterday, West Coaster reported a parting of ways between Modern Times Beer and its director of brewery operations, Rick Blankemeier. Like many key Modern Times employees, the company plucked … [Read more...] about Belching Beaver Brewery hires local QC veteran
Family-run company returning to NorCal roots with latest tasting room
Though they’ve had great entrepreneurial success in San Diego, brothers Mike and Greg Hess harbor heartfelt affection for their hometown of Walnut Creek. The duo grew up there, and their parents still … [Read more...] about Mike Hess Brewing opening Walnut Creek venue
Ramona-based family-run brewing company shutting down by September
Back in May, husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Grant Fraley and Marta Jankowska announced they would be moving from San Diego to Denver to pursue career opportunities. With them moving halfway across the … [Read more...] about ChuckAlek Independent Brewers to close
Five breweries that turned things around after slow starts
I’ve been reviewing local breweries for more than a decade. Over that span, there have been many a glowing review, even more middle-of-the-road summations and, of course, some disappointments. It’s … [Read more...] about #SDBeer’s most impressive turnarounds
From the Beer Writer: Craft beer is woven into the fabric of San Diego. So, too, is the 65-year-old tradition that is Over the Line, which is why it's so good to see OMBAC, the organization that puts … [Read more...] about Beer of the Week: Over the Line Lager
From the Beer Writer: I'm not a fan of most tribute beers or beverages brewed for famous people. Generally, it's ego hunger or a thirst for a supplementary revenue stream that drives their creation … [Read more...] about Beer of the Week: Digital Bath
There's no cause for gloom this June, thanks to the plethora of beery events taking place throughout San Diego County. The anniversary festivals alone provide enough celebratory pizzazz to keep one … [Read more...] about Sampler Flight: June San Diego Beer Events
The hits come quickly in the San Diego beer scene, so here are some quick hits from this fast-moving industry… Rumors have been going around that the owners of Ramona-based ChuckAlek Independent … [Read more...] about Beer Briefs: ChuckAlek, White Fence Brewing, Benchmark Bay Park & JuneShine
