ISM Brewing Grand Opening Photos
These photos were taken Thursday, January 11, at ISM Brewing Company in Long Beach, where Long Beach’s newest brewpub celebrated their grand opening. The very well attended event featured their ribbon cutting, food and drink specials, live music provided by Laura Wiley and lots of delicious ISM brews.
Like a typical ribbon cutting, ISM Brewing was welcomed by representatives of the state, county, City of Long Beach, the Chamber of Commerce and various neighborhood business groups, all of whom seemed to be quite excited to have ISM Brewing move into the neighborhood. Continue reading
The Craft Beer Guy Recap of 2023
Well, it is December 27 which means I am running out of time, and this recap of 2023 is not going to write itself. I frequently go into this task with the attitude of “what did I do this year”?, and while that remains true today, I cannot help but look back at this year and think of all the things I did not do this year. I think the combination of old age and a definite change in the craft beer world are both contributing equally. I guess we will see what 2024 brings us; in the meantime, here is my recap of 2023, beginning with the last hours of 2022.
Farewell to King Harbor Brewing
December 2022
King Harbor Brewing Company closed all three of their locations at the end of 2022, but they definitely signed off with a bang. Project Barley took over the waterfront location, a sandwich shop took over the Riviera Village location, and TrustedGut Brewing took over the brewery on 182nd Street. Continue reading
King Harbor Brewing Reunion at TrustedGut Brewing
These photos were taken Friday evening, December 22, at TrustedGut Brewing in Redondo Beach, where they held a combination reunion of King Harbor Brewing regulars and Ugly Sweater/Christmas party.
So, I guess it was sometime around Thanksgiving that I was at TrustedGut Brewing when my friends Juan and Claudia came in. As is my habit, I introduced them to Chris Garrett, the CEO and founder of TrustedGut. I am not really sure how the conversation turned to Christmas, but before I knew it, there was a party being planned and Claudia and I were tasked with creating a guest list with a maximum of 45 people in attendance (fire department capacity), which meant there was no way I could promote it on this site or via social media. What I discovered was just how many people leave town for Christmas; luckily, a few people come into town for Christmas too, thanks Chad. Continue reading
Cellador Ales Celebrates 7 Years
These photos were taken Saturday afternoon, December 16 at Cellador Ales, a blendery in Torrance, where they celebrated seven years of blending sour ales. The event featured $5.00 pours, new beer releases, snacks and cake.
To say that Cellador Ales has had a tough row to hoe is definitely an understatement. Yeah, everyone has had a tough three years due to the global pandemic, but Cellador has had to tackle a couple extra hurdles.
Last June, Kevin and Sara Osborne announced that their brewery/blendery and taproom in North Hills would close at the end of 2022. According to Kevin’s announcement, it was a combination of Covid related “financial issues, lease issues, personal life changes, and more.” Continue reading
ISM Brewing Soft Open Begins
These photos were taken Wednesday, November 29 at ISM Brewing, the newest brewpub in Long Beach, day two of the ISM Brewing Soft Open.
First things first, ISM Brewing is pronounced iz-uhm, not eye-ess-em, and the letters are actually the initials of the owner/brewer, Ian S. McCall.
Secondly, ISM Brewing has taken over the former location of Beachwood Brewing’s brewpub on 3rd Street, which is where Ian cut his teeth in the craft beer world. Continue reading
Craft Beer Tour 2023 Photos
These photos were taken between October 25th and 31st in Folsom, California and the Portland area of Oregon, where I went to celebrate Halloween with some friends and I managed to fit in an abbreviated version of my annual Craft Beer Tour.
The journey started when my friend Matt from Oregon City invited me to his annual Halloween party, after I accepted the invitation I was asked to drive with Matt up to Oregon. Admittedly I kind of figured that we might be able to stop at a brewery or two on the way up, and we tried, but you know how life can be. Continue reading
3rd Annual Halloween Hootenanny Photos
These photos were taken Saturday afternoon at the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, where Obscura LB held their 3rd Annual Halloween Hootenanny craft beer festival. Obscura LB is an event production company created by LB Craft Beer and Festival Obscura. The event is a fundraiser, with a portion of the proceeds going to support the Museum of Latin American Art. The event featured numerous food trucks, vendors in their macabre marketplace, live music, DJs, and a magic show to go along with the 30+ breweries/wineries pouring delicious local craft beer, kombucha, and wine.
Besides the food, music, and libations, there were a few hundred attendees, many of whom dressed up in costume to get into the Halloween mood; as you can tell by the photos, many really went all-out with their costumes. Continue reading
Dust Bowl Brewing Introduces Porch Punch Imperial Fruit IPA
Turlock, California – Dust Bowl Brewing Co. introduces Porch Punch, an Imperial Fruit IPA that comes in at a bold 10.4% ABV and 35 IBUs. The latest addition to the company’s year-round portfolio is available in 16oz cans and draft, with plans underway for a 19.2oz addition to the Porch Punch lineup.
“We pride ourselves on our ability to brew huge IPAs that are drinkable as well as flavorful fruit beers,” shares Don Oliver, Brewmaster. “We combined these two beer types to target a style that has exploded in popularity, the Imperial Fruit IPA.”
Craft beer fans can find Porch Punch at their favorite Dust Bowl chain retailer, independent or on-premise retailer. Porch Punch rolled out in 16oz cans, but will soon be available in a 19.2oz option targeted to convenience stores. Continue reading
Bernie Wire Visits the South Bay
These photos were taken Friday afternoon at The Slice and Pint (in El Segundo), El Segundo Brewing Company, and Naja’s Place in Redondo Beach as I joined, the loved by all, Bernie Wire in his return tour of a few of his favorite haunts. For those not in the know, Bernie was a photographer of craft beer events, and breweries, a couple years before I started doing it on purpose. Bernie was always a fan favorite (he’s a lot nicer than me), but he moved to Minnesota a few years ago, so if you are new to the LA craft beer scene you may not know him, otherwise, I am sure you will recognize him in the photos if you don’t know him personally.
Several of his friends and fans started the afternoon at The Slice and Pint where we enjoyed fresh beer as well as multiple items from the Slice and Pint menu; including, salad, chicken wings, meatballs, pizza and more. The Slice and Pint will satisfy most of your culinary desires if you are in the neighborhood. Continue reading
Naja’s Place 13th Annual IPA Festival Photos
These photos were taken Wednesday afternoon at Naja’s Place in Redondo Beach, where they held day one of Naja’s 13th annual IPA Festival. The seven day long event, as the name suggests, showcases IPAs from all over California, with a couple taps pouring IPAs from such faraway lands as Oregon.
Three of the seven days are themed, with Wednesday being “Locals Only”, Thursday being “Collaboration Day” and Saturday being “Pizza Port Brewing Invades Day.” Continue reading
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