The San Diego area thread

[arren]

[edit]: Looks like you have to be logged in to FB to see it?
(Link to media)

Looks like they may have set it to private.

 

[jwacky]

Looks like Council is closing down as well, according to their facebook post.

Bummer. Their Santee spot seemed like a mistake, there was rarely anyone there whenever I went. Granted I tend to not be at breweries at what I assume are their peak times (Fri/Sat evening/night) but still. Was still happy to have it nearby though.

Wonder who's next...

 

[rcubed1]

Bummer. Their Santee spot seemed like a mistake, there was rarely anyone there whenever I went. Granted I tend to not be at breweries at what I assume are their peak times (Fri/Sat evening/night) but still. Was still happy to have it nearby though.

Wonder who's next...

They needed to do something to increase their scale and I thought that was a wise move to get a turn key brewery. But I think it was too little too late to turn them around. Council and Toolbox both had 3 barrel systems and that has not seemed to work out in the long term. I'd suspect other such breweries would be vulnerable at this point since they just don't have the scale needed.

 

[chemman141]

150+ breweries and increased comp from distribution. Since leaving SD my interest in craft beer has tanked, home Brewing and cocktails increased. Even in the Homebrew side though people are brewing less due to craft selection, but we don't have near the quality of breweries that y'all do.

I know I am brewing a lot less (see no brews this year) due to craft selection.

 

[Sebowski1]

Well this sucks: https://westcoastersd.com/2018/12/04/benchmark-brewing-seeks-buyer/

Looks like Council is closing down as well, according to their facebook post.

2 of my favorite breweries. Proof that the quality of beer doesn't actually matter. It's hype or bust.

 

[mjlevy231]

2 of my favorite breweries. Proof that the quality of beer doesn't actually matter. It's hype or bust.

Of course quality matters. There are just a lot of higher quality options not only in terms of local breweries but also on the shelves. I think that product differentiation matters much more now. That's how Council found their initial "big" success with their fruited kettle sours and why Eppig's lagers makes them one of my favorite breweries to frequent. But to your point, hype and branding are still king.

 

[chemman141]

Of course quality matters. There are just a lot of higher quality options not only in terms of local breweries but also on the shelves. I think that product differentiation matters much more now. That's how Council found their initial "big" success with their fruited kettle sours and why Eppig's lagers makes them one of my favorite breweries to frequent. But to your point, hype and branding are still king.

Also knowing how to run a business is very important as well. A lot of breweries make great beer but are terrible at the business aspect.

 

[Phischy1]

It's sad for both companies. I'd expect to hear more small outfits closing. Anyone that laughed that the sellouts wouldn't have an impact....it's beginning.

If someone is going by benchmark, I'd love to get a Beer Flavored Beer hat. They've got enough on their minds to have to deal with shipping a single item.

I'll send a label + PayPal.

 

[Beer_Poser]

I am still hoping that they put some online. I don't want to stand in the rain in December out at Alpine (...again).

And........rain is in the forecast, hopefully it changes by then.

 

[rcubed1]

And........rain is in the forecast, hopefully it changes by then.

It's how you know there is an Alpine bottle release.

 

[rcubed1]

Pizza Port/Booze Brothers Kolsch collab is great. Not exactly what we want in this weather but it's nice to see a San Diego twist on that style available.

 

[Tyrsis]

It's how you know there is an Alpine bottle release.

I recall waiting in a rainy day line at Alpine one year. It was 48-ish degrees?
Would do again for Great 10/10

 

[sdreaper]

I recall waiting in a rainy day line at Alpine one year. It was 48-ish degrees?
Would do again for Great 10/10

Go with some friends so they can hold your spot, take burrito orders, and hit up that mexican place a few blocks away for breakfast burritos. Good times.

 

[Phischy1]

San Diegans is when it "rains"

 

[arren]

Go with some friends so they can hold your spot, take burrito orders, and hit up that mexican place a few blocks away for breakfast burritos. Good times.

But don't forget to throw your trash in an actual trash can, and not all along the benches next to the bookstore and salon like a ******* neckbeard.

 

[kmcnair]

If you want to see what Strata hops are all about, stop by NPBC and try "This Is Strata!". 8.7% Unfiltered West Coast DIPA. 5.5lbs/bbl with 100% Strata. Pineapple, Mandarin Orange, and Dank AF Nugs. Probably my new favorite hop.

 

[Tyrsis]

Dank AF Nugs

who are you

 

[kmcnair]

who are you

Just drink it. It's DANK AF.

 

[cquiroga]

If you want to see what Strata hops are all about, stop by NPBC and try "This Is Strata!". 8.7% Unfiltered West Coast DIPA. 5.5lbs/bbl with 100% Strata. Pineapple, Mandarin Orange, and Dank AF Nugs. Probably my new favorite hop.

Whoa. Plz clarify. NEW FAVORITE?? Really? Is that a typo? Maybe "favorite new"?? Is this really better than the Citras and Mosaics and Simcoes and Nelsons of the world?

Haven't tried Strata, but I'm very much looking forward to it. Just trying to temper my expectations a bit here.

 

[Lupulin the 3rd]

Whoa. Plz clarify. NEW FAVORITE?? Really? Is that a typo? Maybe "favorite new"?? Is this really better than the Citras and Mosaics and Simcoes and Nelsons of the world?

Haven't tried Strata, but I'm very much looking forward to it. Just trying to temper my expectations a bit here.

It's probably the most unique new hop I've tasted. Alvarado St released an all strata pale ale that was all kinds of good. It had a strange pungency that (don't laugh) was kind of like body odor but in a pleasant way if that makes any sense. haha As it warmed, it revealed really prominent guava and papaya notes for me. I'm excited to see what other brewers do with it.

 

[rcubed1]

Just bought some Zappa hops. Can't wait to brew a beer with a hop named after Frank.

 

[Sebowski1]

Just bought some Zappa hops. Can't wait to brew a beer with a hop named after Frank Dweezil.

 

[hi im richie]

Just bought some Zappa hops. Can't wait to brew a beer with a hop named after Frank Dweezil Moon Unit.

 

[rcubed1]

#TeamFrank

For the kids, #TeamDweezil

 

[smithj21541]

A few pages back someone said the local Brut ipa's were meh. Drinking a Stone enjoy by Brut and can confirm...

 

[arren]

A few pages back someone said the local Brut ipa's were meh. Drinking a Stone enjoy by Brut and can confirm...

I think that's less about being a Brut and more to do with being brewed by Stone

 

[quirk6]

I think that's less about being a Brut and more to do with being brewed by Stone

Brut-al

 

[sdreaper]

I couldn't get onboard with the brut ipas I had. It was all that up front flavor then obviously going really dry really fast due to the yeast. Just not my jam. I think Alvarado St. (Champagne Hopi) was the only one I could actually finish a pint of.

 

[souredstouts]

#TeamBIGFrank

 

[souredstouts]

I have yet to even try a brut IPA as there have been so many mehhh reviews and wanting my alcohol intake to be consumed by other styles. If anyone can recommend one what should I drink?