Did you know San Diego is home to some of the most award-winning small breweries in the nation? Local brewers took home more honors than microbrew capital Portland in the last World Beer Cup awards.
Perhaps you’re thinking: I’m not a beer drinker. Well, neither was I, until a trip last fall to Leuven, Belgium — the land of Stella Artois — where I experienced the varied tastes and textures in different styles of beers from floral white ales to chocolaty stouts to sweet-tart cherry lambic beers. I came home with a whole new appreciation of beer, and thought that during National Beer Month it makes sense to celebrate some of San Diego’s delicious local brews and all the places to experience them.
Nothing says summer to me like citrusy fragrant Hefeweizens — check out the Mission Hefeweizen at the hip, urban spot Neighborhood in the East Village. Or visit recently opened Blind Lady Ale House in Normal Heights, which offers a dizzying selection of brews, including their own Automatic No. 1, a mild beer made in the Hefeweizen style. Like sour stuff? Then get over to the Linkery in North Park to try the summery Sour Wench Blackberry Ale by Ballast Point Brewing Co. AleSmith Brewing Company’s offerings are popular pours at Toronado in North Park. And of course Stone Brewing in Escondido is the place to find big, bold, bitter beers with clever names, such as their Arrogant Bastard Ale.
When the temperature hovers near 90, there’s no reason not to open a local cold one. MARIA C. HUNT
