February saw some major wins for avid LA beer drinkers. Not only were we treated to the annual release of Russian River’s exclusive Pliny the Younger, but Michigan’s Bell’s Brewery's long anticipated expansion to the West Coast launched with a series of events across the Southland.
While newcomers and new releases are always welcome, the rapidly evolving beer landscape of Southern California is heading in some new and exciting directions. Here are 5 beer happenings that are pushing things forward in 2015.
1. Beachwood Blendery opening. Beachwood Blendery is aiming high in their sour beer aspirations. Owner Gabe Gordon will produce Belgian-style sours and other varieties in a 100 year-old temperature-controlled building next to their Long Beach location. The tasting room is still a few months away from opening, but sour experimentation is already underway.
2. The emergence of the German beer hall. Red Lion, Wirsthaus and Wurstküche have all been dependable choices for enjoying a variety of German beers in settings that evoke the communal halls and gardens of Oktoberfest. The Deutschland momentum continues with the openings of Ludwig Beer Garden & Restaurant (later this year) and Der Wolfskopf (now open). Replacing the Johnny Rockets (upgrade, much?) at The Farmers Market at the Grove, Ludwig will serve traditional German fare and looks to be an oasis from nearby shopping madness. Ryan Sweeney (Surly Goat, Blind Donkey, etc.) brings his signature, a long list of reputable craft beers, to Der Wolfskopf in Old Town Pasadena, complete with an underground speakeasy.
3. Three Weavers Brewing Company in Inglewood. Just a couple blocks from Randy’s Donuts is Three Weavers Brewing Company. It's an ideal stop for a pre- or post-flight beer, founder Lynne Weaver and brewmaster Alexandra Nowell aim to be more than that. Proudly calling Inglewood home, they have already become a fixture within the community by providing gallery space for local artists and donating proceeds one Friday every month to local nonprofits.
4. Anaheim calling. Never to be overlooked is the well established Orange County beer scene, and specifically, the amusement park of craft beer taking root in Anaheim. Both Golden Road Brewing of Los Angeles and The Bruery of Placentia have announced plans to open second locations within a stone’s throw of Honda Center and Angels Stadium, joining the existing Noble Ale Works to make Anaheim a destination for great beer.