Craft beer in San Diego
The west coast ipa capital of america
San Diego earned its 'craft beer capital' reputation in the 2000s when Stone Brewing (in nearby Escondido), Ballast Point, AleSmith, Modern Times, and Pizza Port created the most concentrated cluster of hop-forward breweries in the country. The modern Double IPA — Stone Ruination, AleSmith Speedway, Pizza Port's hop bombs — was largely invented here. The local water profile and regional pride in bitterness shaped the whole West Coast IPA movement.
Breweries Tracked
2
Specialty
West Coast IPAs and DIPAs
Hub Neighborhood
Miramar / North Park / Mira Mesa
How San Diego shaped American craft beer
Stone Brewing's Escondido facility helped establish the 'fuck it, we'll dry-hop more' ethos. AleSmith's Speedway Stout proved San Diego could brew imperial stouts as confidently as IPAs. Modern Times brought a modern, design-forward aesthetic to craft beer in 2013. Pizza Port's home-brewing roots seeded an entire generation of San Diego brewers including Stone's co-founder Greg Koch.
Where to visit in San Diego
Tasting Room HighlightsAleSmith Brewing's massive tasting room in Miramar, Modern Times Lomaland in Point Loma, Stone World Bistro in Escondido, Pizza Port locations across North County.
Common date code formats from San Diego breweries
MMDDYY
1 brewery
MM/DD/YY
1 brewery