Discover Torrance: My Spring Break Staycation

These photos were taken April 1st and 2nd during my Spring Break staycation, when I stayed at the Bluestem Hotel and paid visits to the Madrona Marsh, Monkish Brewing, Smog City Brewing, Hermosa Brewing, Red Car Brewery, The Brews Hall, HopSaint Brewing, Absolution Brewing, Scholb Premium Ales, and Project Barley Square. This article is sponsored by Discover Torrance.

Numerous friends have asked, “You are retired, isn’t every day a staycation for you?” Well, maybe kinda, but sometimes one can be unhoused without being homeless. Sometimes, things can be too toxic to stay home; like if your home is being fumigated. While I have lived here longer than many of my readers have been alive, the reality is that when friends come into town I don’t help much when it comes to answering questions about what is the best deal as far as the 20+ hotels available in the City of Torrance. I decided I would reach out to the Discover Torrance Visitors Bureau to find out where the best deals were. That is when Debbie Hays, the Sales/Community Representative for Discover Torrance, stepped in and introduced me to the Bluestem Hotel. Continue reading

HopSaint at the Ditch: From the Beginning

These photos were taken in the Beermuda Triangle area of Torrance, on almost a weekly basis, beginning in June 2023 and continuing until February 13, 2025, of the newest soon to be open taproom in Torrance; HopSaint at the Ditch.

Nestled along the shores of the scenic Torrance River on Del Amo Brewlevard, HopSaint’s newest taproom is almost ready to begin welcoming their fans to HopSaint at the Ditch; and when I say “almost ready” I mean probably within the next few weeks. Continue reading

Brouwerij West: The Final Pour

The first two photos were taken March 4, 2015, with the balance being taken Sunday afternoon at the Final Pour for Brouwerij West, in San Pedro, as Sunday was the last day they will be open. This is a loss not only to the South Bay’s craft beer scene, but to San Pedro in general. Judging by the turnout Sunday and people I spoke to, Brouwerij West will be sorely missed.

But one must remember that before the San Pedro location, there was Brouwerij West, so I would not be too surprised if their brews are showing up on the shelves of your favorite bottle shop at some point in the future. Continue reading

The Craft Beer Guy Recap of 2024

ISM Brewing Grand Opening

As 2024 draws to a close (it’s New Years Eve) it is time for me to write my recap of the craft beer scene, at least from my perspective. As I get older, and my grandchildren do the same, I missed several events due to health issues or the grandkids performing in a play or something. But enough of that, what did I see and do this past year?

January

Yeah, 2024 brought us our first local South Bay brewery closure, this time being Strand Brewing Company. This news was part of a broader reflection on the changes in the craft beer industry as discussed in the 2023 recap. The year would see more closures before it ended. Continue reading

Dust Bowl Brewing Introduces Dust Bowl IPA

Dust Bowl IPA

Dust Bowl Brewing Introduces Dust Bowl IPA

Turlock, CA, – Dust Bowl Brewing Co., a leading Regional Northern California craft brewer, proudly announces the addition of Dust Bowl IPA to its year-round portfolio. A classic West Coast-style IPA, this new release brings a balanced yet flavorful experience showcasing the brewery’s dedication to well-crafted beers. Dust Bowl IPA debuts with a 6.1% ABV and 49 IBU, presenting a refined bitterness and a fresh hop aroma brewed to please both IPA enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Dust Bowl IPA features a carefully selected blend of hops, including Mosaic, Nelson Sauvin, Simcoe, and Strata, which deliver bright citrus, passion fruit, and berry notes. The result is a smooth bitterness complemented by a vibrant, hop-forward aroma that gives this IPA its signature freshness. The beer pours a golden hue, embodying the essence of a true West Coast IPA with its inviting appearance and distinctive character. Continue reading

A Day with Three Weavers, Tortugo Brewing and Cellador Ales

These photos were taken Saturday afternoon and evening, when my friend Joe, aka Dastardly Brews, and I ventured out to Inglewood to attend Three Weavers Brewing 10th anniversary celebration. Before the day ended we had worked our way over to Tortugo Brewing for their annual Mahalo Days Luau celebration and ended up at Cellador Ales in Torrance, where they were celebrating their 8th anniversary. Continue reading

Dust Bowl Brewing Unveils ‘Tomorrow’s Clear’ Packaging Refresh

Tomorrow's Clear Tropical IPA

Tomorrow’s Clear Tropical IPA from Dust Bowl Brewing

Turlock, CA – Dust Bowl Brewing Co. is excited to announce a packaging refresh for one of its most sought-after beers, Tomorrow’s Clear Tropical IPA. This vibrant update highlights the Tropical IPA style at the heart of the beer, bringing a fresh look to a fan favorite.

The new design features a brighter orange colorway paired with familiar graphics that embody the beer’s bold, tropical character. The enhanced packaging is designed to stand out on shelves, drawing attention to Tomorrow’s Clear in the competitive Tropical IPA category. Continue reading

Craft Beer Tour 2024: I Return to Yakima

These photos were taken Tuesday, October 29 at Bale Breaker Brewing and The Outskirts Brewing Company in Yakima, Washington. While I may suggest that I hit the Pacific Northwest at this time of year for all the fresh hopped brews available, ever since 2018 the real reason is that I want to visit Bale Breaker Brewing.

Bale Breaker Brewing is one of my two “destination breweries” which is a brewery that if I am within 200 miles of it, come hell or high water (or pissed off girlfriend), I am going to do my best to get there. For those wondering, the first brewery that made the cut as a destination brewery for me was 3 Floyds Brewing in Munster, Indiana. Continue reading

Craft Beer Tour 2024: Oregon City and Portland

These photos were taken Friday, October 25 at Oregon City Brewing Company and Arch Bridge Taphouse in Oregon City; and Sunday, October 27 at Belmont Station and Great Notion Brewing Company in Portland.

So yeah, Thursday morning I left Novato for the 10 hour drive to Oregon City. Would flying be easier, perhaps even cheaper? Perhaps, but you cannot bring as much beer on a flight as I was planning on bringing back home. Continue reading

Craft Beer Tour 2024: Novato and Corte Madera

These photos were taken Wednesday, October 23 at Moylan’s Brewing Company in Novato, and Saturday, November 2 at Fieldwork Brewing Company in Corte Madera; which were the first and last locations I visited on my Craft Beer Tour 2024.

So yeah, it is that time of year again; that time being fresh hop season, which is my favorite time to visit the Pacific Northwest. While I was definitely out seeking fresh hop beers, I was spending more time hunting down fresh Citra hops for the simple reason that I have become dependent on the Citra hop more than you can imagine. Those that know know; I am still deciding how much of that story I want to reveal, but we shall see how it goes. Continue reading

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