Less Talked About San Diego Co. Breweries

Benchmark, New English, Resident, North Park Beer Co., Monkey Paw/South Park (same brewer), Burning Beard, Amplified, and ChuckAlek (if you want traditional/old style beers).

 

I feel you are doing yourself a disservice if you haven't been to New English yet

 

Visiting SD, I've only checked out 2 from that list.

Went to Kilowatt Brewing about two months ago, about an hour before closing time. Most of the patrons were intoxicated, haha.
I liked the setup. They had a good amount of beers on tap, around 20 I think. I enjoyed especially their stouts and sours . I would certainly visit again.


We also went to Magnetic Brewing, on a whim . Mostly because on yelp it mentioned a great cider (my wife loves them) , and I like to support small businesses. It's a small place, that's for sure. I don't remember what two beers I got, but they were okay. But the cider, was super tasty. And as a recall it was super smooth considering the alcohol content. (I think it was 8% + ) Worthwhile alone just for the cider, if you like that style.

 

^^That is the first review of Magnetic since their opening where there has been something positive said.

 

highly highly recommend new english... one of the first breweries I've actually ever visited in SD. fell in love with zumbar and only recently have I started trying their killer IPA's

 

My first Bitter Brothers was a Family Tart with PinknGuava at Stone. I have to say it was really good. I'd like to make it out there and try their other offerings.

 

(Sigh...) I want to move to San Diego.

 

Helix was a surprise to me. Really enjoyed my visit there.

 

These are definitely worth a visit:

• Amplified
• Monkey Paw
• New English
• North Park BC
• Resident
• South Park

 

id like to know how magnetic is getting away with brewing both beers and ciders since that isnt legal

 

Buzzkill... But I don't think enough people go there, for good reason, that anyone cares

 

I always enjoy Iron Fist draft beers and when I'm in Vista. Worth a shot if you're near Belching Beaver.

 

No you don't.

 

Wow, every picture of beer on their homepage is in dirty glassware. What a joke.

http://www.oceansidebrewingco.com/

 

Not looking to hijack this thread, but I have a similar question, but more specific to Barrel programs.

What breweries would you recommend in the SD area, specifically for their barrel programs (specifically sour/wild ales, in addition to spirit barrel aging).

The ones I'm familiar with:

Green Flash / Cellar 3 (thought it was okay, not stellar)
Modern Times
Alesmith
Council

Any other "can't miss" recommendations?

 

And as an added bonus, the past few times I've visited they had multiple Ken Schmidt beers on tap...

 

Thanks!

All over LA and Toolbox already, but considered them more Vista/San Marcos area. I'll have to check the T&G location.