Best 21 Breweries in California: Top Picks for Craft Beer Lovers
California is home to some of the best breweries in the world. With a thriving craft beer scene, there is no shortage of options for beer lovers to choose from. From San Diego to Petaluma, there are breweries in every corner of the state, each with its unique style and flavor.
Craft beer has exploded in popularity over the past decade, and California has been at the forefront of this movement. With over 1,000 breweries in the state, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to visit. Whether you prefer IPAs, stouts, or sours, there is a brewery in California that will satisfy your taste buds. Many of these breweries offer tours and tastings, giving visitors a chance to learn about the brewing process and sample some of the best beer in the world.
The Craft Beer Culture in California
California has long been known for its vibrant craft beer culture. The state is home to over 1,000 craft breweries, making it one of the largest beer markets in the United States. With such a wide selection of craft beers available, California has become a haven for beer lovers.
The craft beer culture in California is deeply rooted in the state’s history. The first craft brewery in the state, Anchor Brewing Company, was founded in San Francisco in 1896. Since then, the craft beer industry has exploded in California, with new breweries opening up every year.
Craft beer has become a major player in the beer market in California, accounting for a significant portion of the state’s beer sales. Many breweries in the state have gained national recognition, with some even becoming household names. Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, for example, has been in operation for over 40 years and is one of the largest craft breweries in the country.
California’s craft beer culture is also known for its innovation. Many breweries in the state are constantly experimenting with new flavors and brewing techniques, resulting in a wide variety of unique and delicious beers. The state is particularly known for its West Coast-style IPAs, which are characterized by their hoppy bitterness and citrusy flavors.
Overall, the craft beer culture in California is thriving, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. With so many great breweries and craft beers to choose from, there’s something for everyone in the Golden State.
Top Breweries in California
California is home to some of the best breweries in the world. From small craft breweries to large-scale operations, there is something for every beer lover in California. Here are some of the top breweries in California that are worth checking out:
Lagunitas Brewing Company
Lagunitas Brewing Company is a popular brewery in Petaluma, California. Known for its hoppy IPAs and unique brews, Lagunitas is a must-visit for any beer lover. Lagunitas has grown into a national brand, but they still maintain their independent spirit and commitment to quality.
Website: http://www.lagunitas.com/
Address: 1280 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954, United States
Stone Brewing
Stone Brewing is a well-known brewery based in San Diego, California. They are known for their hoppy IPAs and bold flavors. Stone Brewing has won numerous awards for its beers and is a favorite among beer enthusiasts.
Website: https://www.stonebrewing.com/
Address: 1999 Citracado Parkway Escondido, CA 92029
Monkish Brewing Co
Monkish Brewing Co is a small craft brewery located in Torrance, California. They specialize in Belgian-style beers and have gained a loyal following for their unique and flavorful brews.
Website: http://www.monkishbrewing.com/
Address: 20311 S Western Ave, Torrance, CA 90501, USA
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co is one of the oldest and most respected breweries in the United States. Located in Chico, California, Sierra Nevada is known for their hoppy IPAs and their commitment to sustainability.
Website: https://sierranevada.com/
Address: 1075 E 20th St, Chico, CA 95928, USA
The Bruery
The Bruery is a boutique brewery located in Orange County, California. They specialize in barrel-aged and experimental beers and have gained a reputation for their unique and complex flavors.
Website: http://www.thebruery.com/
Address: 717 Dunn Way, Placentia, CA 92870, USA
Sante Adairius Rustic Ales
Sante Adairius Rustic Ales is a small craft brewery located in Capitola, California. They are known for their farmhouse-style ales and their commitment to using local ingredients.
Website: http://www.rusticales.com/
Address: 103 Kennedy Dr, Capitola, CA 95010, United States
Russian River Brewing Co
Russian River Brewing Co is a popular brewery located in Santa Rosa, California. They are known for their sour beers and their commitment to quality and innovation.
Website: http://russianriverbrewing.com/
Address: 725 4th St, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States
Knee Deep Brewing Co
Knee Deep Brewing Co is a popular brewery located in Auburn, California. They are known for their hoppy IPAs and their commitment to using only the freshest ingredients.
Website: http://kneedeepbrewing.com/
Address: 13395 New Airport Rd H, Auburn, CA 95602, USA
Firestone Walker Brewing Co
Firestone Walker Brewing Co is a well-respected brewery located in Paso Robles, California. They are known for their barrel-aged beers and their commitment to quality and consistency.
Website: http://www.firestonebeer.com/
Address: 1400 Ramada Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446, United States
Bottle Logic Brewing
Bottle Logic Brewing is a small craft brewery located in Anaheim, California. They specialize in experimental and barrel-aged beers and have gained a reputation for their unique and complex flavors.
Website: http://bottlelogic.com/
Address: 1072 N Armando St, Anaheim, CA 92806, USA
Barrelhouse Brewing Co
Barrelhouse Brewing Co is a popular brewery located in Paso Robles, California. They are known for their hoppy IPAs and their commitment to sustainability.
Website: https://barrelhousebrewing.com/
Address: 3055 Limestone Way, Paso Robles, CA 93446, United States
Modern Times Beer
Modern Times Beer is a popular brewery located in San Diego, California. They are known for their unique and flavorful brews and their commitment to using only the freshest ingredients.
Website: http://www.moderntimesbeer.com/
Address: 3725 Greenwood St, San Diego, CA 92110, United States
Alibi Ale Works
Alibi Ale Works is a small craft brewery located in Truckee, California. They are known for their creative and flavorful brews and their commitment to using local ingredients.
Website: https://alibialeworks.com/truckee-public-house/
Address: 10069 Bridge St, Truckee, CA 96161, USA
Anchor Brewery
Anchor Brewery is a historic brewery located in San Francisco, California. They are known for their classic beers and their commitment to quality and tradition.
Website: http://www.anchorbrewing.com/
Address: 1705 Mariposa St, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA
Alesmith
Alesmith is a popular brewery located in San Diego, California. They are known for their bold and flavorful brews and their commitment to quality and innovation.
Website: http://www.alesmith.com/
Address: 9990 AleSmith Ct, San Diego, CA 92126, USA
North Coast Brewing
North Coast Brewing is a popular brewery located in Fort Bragg, California. They are known for their bold and flavorful brews and their commitment to sustainability.
Website: https://northcoastbrewing.com/the-pub/
Address: 444 N Main St, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA
Burning Barrel Brewing
Burning Barrel Brewing is a small craft brewery located in Rancho Cordova, California. They are known for their unique and flavorful brews and their commitment to using local ingredients.
Website: http://burningbarrel.square.site/
Address: 11210 Sun Center Dr B, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670, USA
South Lake Brewing Company
South Lake Brewing Company is a popular brewery located in South Lake Tahoe, California. They are known for their hoppy IPAs and their commitment to quality and innovation.
Website: http://southlakebeer.com/
Address: 1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA
Moksa Brewing Co
Moksa Brewing Co is a small craft brewery located in Rocklin, California. They are known for their creative and flavorful brews and their commitment to using only the freshest ingredients.
Website: http://www.moksabrewing.com/
Address: 5860 Pacific St, Rocklin, CA 95677, USA
Three Weavers Brewing Company
Three Weavers Brewing Company is a popular brewery located in Inglewood, California. They are known for their unique and flavorful brews and their commitment to sustainability.
Website: https://www.threeweavers.la/
Address: 1031 W Manchester Blvd A-B, Inglewood, CA 90301, USA
Kern River Brewing Company
Kern River Brewing Company is a popular brewery located in Kernville, California. They are known for their hoppy IPAs and their commitment to quality and innovation.
Website: http://kernriverbrewing.com/
Address: 13415 Sierra Way, Kernville, CA 93238, USA
The Beer Experience
California is home to some of the best breweries in the world, offering a unique beer experience to visitors and locals alike. With over 1,000 breweries across the state, there is always something new to discover.
Brewery tours are a great way to learn about the brewing process and the history of the brewery. Many breweries offer guided tours that take visitors through the brewing process, from the milling of the grain to the bottling of the beer. Visitors can also learn about the different types of beer and how they are brewed.
Live music is a popular feature at many breweries, providing visitors with a fun and lively atmosphere. Many breweries host concerts and events throughout the year, featuring local and national musicians. Visitors can enjoy a cold beer while listening to live music and socializing with other beer enthusiasts.
For those who want to bring their furry friends along, many breweries are pet-friendly. Visitors can enjoy a cold beer with their furry companions by their side.
Craft Beer Styles
Craft beer styles are diverse and unique, catering to different tastes and preferences. California is renowned for its exceptional craft beer scene, with various breweries producing a wide range of beer styles. Here are some of the most popular craft beer styles in California:
West Coast IPA
West Coast IPA is a hoppy beer style that originated in California. It is characterized by its intense bitterness, high alcohol content, and citrusy, piney, and resinous flavors. This beer style is brewed with a high amount of hops, which gives it a distinct aroma and flavor. Some of the best West Coast IPA breweries in California include Lagunitas Brewing Company, Stone Brewing, and Russian River Brewing Company.
Sour Beer
Sour beer is a beer style that has a tart taste and aroma. It is brewed with wild yeast and bacteria, which give it a distinct sour flavor. This beer style is gaining popularity in California, with various breweries producing different types of sour beer. Some of the best sour beer breweries in California include The Rare Barrel, Almanac Beer Co., and Sante Adairius Rustic Ales.
Hoppy Beers
Hoppy beers are beer styles that are brewed with a high amount of hops. They are characterized by their bitter taste, floral aroma, and citrusy, piney, and resinous flavors. Hoppy beers are popular in California, with various breweries producing different types of hoppy beers. Some of the best hoppy beer breweries in California include Knee Deep Brewing Company, Beachwood BBQ & Brewing, and Noble Ale Works.
West Coast-style IPA
West Coast-style IPA is a beer style that originated in California. It is a variation of the traditional IPA, characterized by its intense bitterness, high alcohol content, and citrusy, piney, and resinous flavors. West Coast-style IPA is brewed with a high amount of hops, which gives it a distinct aroma and flavor. Some of the best West Coast-style IPA breweries in California include Stone Brewing, Russian River Brewing Company, and Firestone Walker Brewing Company.
The Craft Beer Market
Craft beer has become a popular choice among beer drinkers in recent years, with the demand for unique and flavorful beers on the rise. In 2020, craft beer accounted for nearly a quarter of the U.S. retail beer market, according to data from the Brewers Association.
California is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with over 570 breweries in the state, more than any other state in the country. Microbreweries and independent breweries make up a significant portion of the craft beer market in California, offering a wide variety of beers to suit every palate.
The Brewers Association defines a microbrewery as a brewery that produces fewer than 15,000 barrels of beer per year, with 75% or more of the beer sold off-site. An independent brewery is defined as a brewery that is less than 25% owned or controlled by a non-craft brewer.
Craft breweries in California range from small, family-owned operations to larger, well-established breweries with national distribution. Some of the most highly-rated breweries in California include Three Weavers Brewing Company, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., and Lagunitas Brewing Company, according to Stacker.
Overall, the craft beer market in California continues to grow and evolve, with new breweries popping up every year. Whether you’re a beer aficionado or just looking to try something new, there’s no shortage of options to choose from in the Golden State.