California Beer Trail: Discovering The Best Beer Experiences In Town

California is a state full of unique activities – from San Francisco to Los Angeles to San Diego, you’re never going to run out of things to do. One of the most exciting things to do in California is to discover different beer experiences. With its diverse range of breweries and passionate brewers, the state has become a mecca for craft beer lovers.

One of the reasons California’s beer brewing scene is so exciting is the emphasis on experimentation and innovation. Brewers in the state are constantly pushing the boundaries of what beer can be, creating flavors and styles that are truly one-of-a-kind. So raise your glass, and cheers to a great adventure along California’s Beer Trail!

Let’s look at some of the best beer experiences in the Golden State.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company in Chico holds a special place in the heart of California’s craft beer scene. Since its founding in 1980, Sierra Nevada has been a trailblazer, igniting the craft beer boom in California and beyond.

The brewery has won numerous awards over the decades at competitions like the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup.  As of 2015, Sierra Nevada is the 3rd largest craft brewery in the U.S.

Must-order: Their flagship Pale Ale is renowned for its bold flavors and crisp finish. It showcases the distinctive characteristics of cascade hops, setting a standard for American pale ales. They’re also well-known for Torpedo IPA, Hazy Little Thing IPA, and seasonal beers like Celebration Ale.

Russian River Brewing Co.

Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa stands as one of the crown jewels of Northern California’s brewing landscape. The brewery participates in events like Beerfest – The Good One festival. As such,  Russian River consistently earns its reputation as one of the top breweries in the region.

The original brewpub is located in downtown Santa Rosa, and they opened a much larger production brewery and brewpub in Windsor, CA to expand capacity.

Must-order: Russian River Brewing Co. is known for pioneering strong, hoppy beers like Pliny the Elder double IPA and Pliny the Younger triple IPA. Both have won numerous awards. You may also want to try their barrel-aged sour beers like Supplication, Consecration and Temptation.

Fieldwork Brewing Company

Fieldwork Brewing Company has swiftly risen through the ranks to become one of California’s premier breweries.  The brewery currently has locations in Sacramento and the Bay Area.

Renowned for their creativity and attention to detail, Fieldwork consistently produces exceptional brews that push the boundaries of flavor and style. Their commitment to quality has earned them recognition as one of the top breweries in the state.

Must-order: Fieldwork has brewed over 500 different beers since opening in 2015, and you can find unique beers across many styles, especially IPAs, sours, and stouts. Popular beers include the Pulp IPA series, King Citra Double IPA, Saint Thomas IPA, and various fruited sour ales.

Oggi’s

Oggi’s is a pizzeria and brewery with 16 locations across Southern California, many of which brew their beer on-site. Their brewpub locations include Carmel Mountain Ranch, Del Mar, Encinitas, Garden Grove, San Clemente, and more.

Oggi’s offers a winning combination for fans of craft beer and pizza. They pair their diverse selection of quality house-brewed beers with pub fare, all in a fun and welcoming environment.

Must-order: Core beers include California Gold Ale, Duck Dive Hefeweizen, Torrey Pines IPA, and Black Magic Stout. They also feature rotating seasonal and specialty beers like the POG Project Blonde Ale with passion fruit.

Library Alehouse

Library Alehouse in Santa Monica holds a special place in the history of LA’s craft beer scene. As one of the first craft beer bars in the city, Library Alehouse has been serving up unique beers from California and beyond for decades. Their menu features delicious food pairings, making it a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts.

It’s located on Main Street in Santa Monica, close to the beach. The bar is recommended by local and national publications and hosts occasional events like tap takeovers and beer-pairing dinners.

Must-order: If you find yourself at Library Alehouse, you can try one of their highly-rated beers on tap, like Pliny the Elder (Russian River) and Mayberry IPA (El Segundo). They also offer various selections from Modern Times, Beachwood, and more.

Monkish Brewing Co.

Monkish Brewing Company in Torrance has carved out a niche with its distinctive lineup of beers. They have captured the hearts of beer aficionados with their innovative approach to brewing.

What began as a small operation brewing Belgian-style beers has evolved into a powerhouse known for its hazy IPAs and mixed fermentation saisons. Ranked as a top brewery, Monkish continues to delight palates with its ever-evolving selection of unique and flavorful brews.

Must-order: A must-try at Monkish is Feminist, a Belgian tripel with hibiscus. You may also want to try Hazy IPAs like Really Real, Foggier Window, and Moonk.

Summary

The California beer trail is an exciting experience amidst the state’s coasts and mountains. If you want a different way to experience California’s diverse culture, then you should definitely explore its breweries! It’s a refreshing journey through the state’s flavorful craft beers.

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About The Author:  Bash Sarmiento, a writer and educator based in Manila, specializes in crafting concise pieces across the realms of education, lifestyle, and health. His works reflect his academic background and wealth of experience in teaching, textbook evaluation, business management, and travel.