Two Coast Brewing: A Taste of Germany in Gardena

These photos were taken Wednesday afternoon, when I visited Gardena’s newest craft brewery, Two Coast Brewing Company. I have been cyber-stalking Two Coast since the end of 2016, so when I recently noticed a Facebook post that screamed out, “They must have a tasting room coming soon,” I reached out to them for the first time in more than six years to see if I could swing by. I met with co-founders Roger Kunsemueller and Jan Dreier to get a little history as well as a look into the future.

When I arrived, Jan was busy keeping a cleaning mess under control, while Roger was milling grain. I took advantage of the time to walk around and grab photos of their 15bbl brewhouse and 30bbl fermenters as well as what will soon become the South Bay’s newest craft beer tasting room. Oh yeah, I may have tried a few of their brews Continue reading

Cellador Ales Relocates to Torrance

These photos were taken Friday, February 3 at Cellador Ales new blendery location at Smog City Brewing’s Wood Cellar, where I met up with Cellador’s sales manager, Alex Ourieff, to discuss what is new with Cellador Ales since they closed their tasting room in North Hills at the end of last year.

Those of us into sour ales were saddened last June when Kevin and Sara Osborne announced that their brewery/blendery and taproom 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

Dust Bowl Brewing Introduces Liquid Confessional Double IPA

Turlock, California…Dust Bowl Brewing Co. has introduced Liquid Confessional Double IPA, the first release in this year’s Specialty portfolio. Sold in 16oz. / 4 packs and draft, Liquid Confessional offers a bold 9% ABV and 60 IBUs.

Liquid Confessional – now in cans too!

Known for his use of only the finest ingredients, Brewmaster Don Oliver had this to share, “We spent a lot of time exploring what New Zealand hops can offer and found some really good combinations with American hops that shine in Liquid Confessional.”

DIPA fans will be treated to a faceful of hops including Amarillo, Columbus, Nelson Sauvin and Nectaron. While the company says you don’t need to confess to this beer, the hops will be listening! Consumers can look for a metallic lavender can with the wings of a hop angel taking flight. Continue reading

Meltdown 2023 at El Segundo Brewing

These photos were taken Saturday evening at the El Segundo Brewing Company’s brewery and tasting room where they held their annual Meltdown can release, with the release of Power Plant Triple IPA, Nuclear Power Plant Quad IPA, and Radioactive Fallout (Hazy) IPA. Food was available from Lower Case Deli who had a popup set up.

When I left Burnin’ Daylight’s 4th Anniversary celebration, I headed home to drop off the beer I purchased, then I headed over to El Segundo Brewing to check out their Meltdown celebration, specifically Power Plant, and if I had the opportunity, Nuclear Power Plant. Continue reading

Burnin’ Daylight 4th Anniversary Photos

These photos were taken Saturday afternoon at Burnin’ Daylight Brewing Company in Lomita, where the brewpub celebrated their fourth anniversary. The free-to-attend event featured 15 of their beers on tap, including their Burn Four Anniversary IPA, kitchen specials and live music by Vibe Tribe.

I have to admit, as I was uploading these photos to my hard drive, I could not figure out how I had somehow missed attending their second and third anniversary, then I remembered; COVID. I am guessing lockdowns prevented the second anniversary, and I know someone incorrectly advised me that nothing was scheduled last year. No matter, I made it yesterday and was immediately reminded of how much fun Burnin’ Daylight events are. Continue reading

Dust Bowl Brewing Launches The Gold 1 Blonde Ale

Turlock, California – Dust Bowl Brewing Co. kicks off the new year with the release of The Gold 1 Blonde Ale in six pack / 12oz. cans. The packaged offering comes on the heels of the draft introduction in the fall of 2022.

The Gold 1 Blonde Ale

At 4.5% ABV, the year-round, core beer adds another easy-drinking option to Dust Bowl’s extensive portfolio. Brewmaster, Don Oliver, shares, “This is a crisp beer for everyday drinking. It’s very approachable and great for social settings. The Gold 1 provides a great option for those that seek a lighter style craft beer.”

The Blonde Ale recipe won a gold medal at last year’s California State Fair Commercial Craft Beer Competition, which helped set the stage for an extensive marketing campaign to roll out The Gold 1. Retailers will be supported with a range of merchandising items, including farming and outdoor lifestyle imagery, display materials, coasters, glassware and more. The packaging features a bold, simple approach to catch consumers’ attention. The beer name and colors embark on a California vibe in poppy gold and blue. Continue reading

Hermosa Brewing Torrance Now Open

These photos were taken on four separate visits to the new Hermosa Brewing Company location in Torrance, between July 30 and December 27, when I went to photo-document the build of their new production brewery and tasting room.

Hopefully you saw my post last week when I attended their soft open. At the time I said that the Torrance location should open within the next couple of weeks; well, the time has come. Continue reading

The End of an Era: King Harbor Brewing Closes

These photos were taken over the course of three days; Thursday evening at the King Harbor Brewery, Friday evening at the King Harbor Village Tap Room and the brewery, and Saturday afternoon and evening at the brewery, as all King Harbor Brewing Company locations closed effective Saturday, December 31.

4th of July 2013; I remember the day well. That morning, my girlfriend and I were doing our morning walk around The Galleria with the dogs when we were walking through the strip mall on 182nd Street and walked past a vacant spot that had a Notice of Intent to sell alcohol. Upon closer inspection I noticed that Coastline Brewing would be opening in that location; I was pretty stoked to hear that a brewery was opening within a 10 minute walk from my house. Two months later, to avoid a potential trademark dispute with a winery up north, Coastline Cellars, Coastline Brewing became King Harbor Brewing Company. Continue reading

Soft Open of Hermosa Brewing in Torrance Photos

These photos were taken Thursday evening at the soon to be open Hermosa Brewing Company in Torrance, where they held a friends and family soft open in preparation of their grand opening, which should happen within the next couple of weeks.

The event featured burgers from Proudly Serving, live music by Righteous and The Soul, and of course, plenty of Hermosa Brewing Company beer, with 11 taps available. Continue reading

The Craft Beer Guy Recap of 2022

Well, it is that time of year again, when I try to recollect everything that happened in the craft beer world this year that I participated in. This is typically the most difficult article of the year for me to write because I go into it thinking, “What the hell did I do this year anyway?”

I know I went on my annual craft beer tour, I know I was able to put on the 8th Annual South Bay Tap Takeover, and I know there was at least one brewery closure in the South Bay. I used to end these recaps by predicting what I expect to happen in the following year, but the last two years have been really tough to predict. Unfortunately, there is a lot slated for 2023 that is not exactly positive, but I don’t make the news, I only report it. So, let’s look back at 2022, because I am sure I must have done something more that what I have already mentioned. Continue reading

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