Burbank, CA Local Craft Beer Guide
Your Ultimate Tour of Artisanal Brews
Burbank, California is swiftly establishing itself as a hub for craft beer aficionados. Located in the zip code 91505 and beyond, the city's vibrant beer scene is a testament to its growing reputation as a destination for high-quality, artisanal brews. With an array of craft breweries and brewpubs, each offering a unique twist on traditional and innovative beers, Burbank is an ideal locale for both connoisseurs and casual drinkers seeking to explore a diverse selection of local flavors.
The burgeoning craft beer movement in Burbank captures the spirit of creativity and community that defines the industry. The city's breweries are often staffed with knowledgeable individuals who are passionate about their craft, welcoming visitors with a blend of warm hospitality and in-depth expertise. These establishments are not merely places to enjoy a pint but also serve as social gathering spots where locals and travelers can mingle, enjoy food pairings, and attend special events.
Within the locality, beer enthusiasts can embark on a flavorful journey, sampling everything from hoppy IPAs to robust stouts, among other specialty brews crafted with skill and precision. The craft beer guide to Burbank is a celebration of the region's dedication to quality and taste, inviting visitors to delve into an ever-evolving beer landscape that promises new discoveries with each visit.
History of Craft Beer in Burbank
Burbank's engagement with craft beer mirrors the broader growth seen throughout California. It began in a state widely recognized as the cradle of the American craft brewing movement. This city has embraced a culture of brewing that's both an ode to tradition and a nod to innovation.
In recent years, Burbank has welcomed a wave of new breweries, each contributing to the rich tapestry of local beer culture. Establishments like Lincoln Beer Company have carved out a niche, becoming staples in not just Burbank, but in the greater Los Angeles beer scene. They exemplify how local breweries can impact neighboring communities, as seen through their presence in venues like the Federal Bar in North Hollywood and other notable spots in the area.
Breweries in Burbank:
Lincoln Beer Company
Burbank Commons (proposed project)
Whilst there's excitement towards the future with projects like the Burbank Commons — which promises to be a haven for beer enthusiasts with its proposal for outdoor dining and event spaces — Burbank's current landscape is already dotted with popular hangouts and tasting rooms. These venues celebrate the craft beer movement, offering a diverse array of brews that cater to an ever-growing audience of aficionados.
The local industry's expansion is supported by apps like OpenTap, which aim to bridge the gap between breweries and beer lovers by fostering community ties and boosting visibility for small businesses.
As Burbank's craft beer scene continues to expand, it brings together both connoisseurs and the casually curious, all drawn to the quality and creativity inherent in craft brewing. This growth reflects a wider national trend but remains distinctly flavored by Burbank's unique culture.
The Craft Beer Making Process
Craft beers are a product of dedication and expertise in brewing. They reflect the passion of their creators for a quality, authentic beverage. The process begins with careful product development, where brewers select the ideal grains, most commonly barley, and move through a precise and traditional brewing methodology.
Selection and Mashing of Grains
Brewers begin with selecting the right grains, mashing them to extract fermentable sugars. This step sets the foundation for the beer's flavor profile and alcohol content.
Malts and Mashing: Brewers heat and steep the grains in water to activate enzymes that convert starches into fermentable sugars.
Hopping
Hops are added to the mixture for bitterness, to balance the sweetness of the malt, and to contribute aroma and flavor.
Bittering: Hops added during the boiling stage for bitterness.
Aroma: Hops added later for a more aromatic profile.
Fermentation
Yeast is introduced to the sugary wort to start fermentation, leading to alcohol and carbon dioxide. The choice of yeast is crucial as it not only affects the beer's alcohol level but also its taste and aroma.
Yeast's Role: The yeast ferments the sugars, creating alcohol and imparting distinct flavors.
Maturation
After fermentation, the beer is conditioned and matured to enhance its flavors and reach the desired level of carbonation.
The meticulous attention to detail in each step affirms the brewer's passion for producing an authentic craft beer that resonates with quality and character.
Top Craft Breweries in Burbank
Burbank's craft beer scene boasts a selection of breweries that are as diverse in their offerings as they are rich in community and atmosphere. This vibrant local scene provides an array of options for beer enthusiasts looking to explore unique and locally crafted beers.
Lincoln Beer Company
Lincoln Beer Company thrives on creativity, serving up an eclectic mix of beers that range from traditional to experimental. This brewery has made a name for itself with its dedication to quality and the warm, inviting atmosphere it offers to locals and visitors alike.
Brews Brothers Brewpub
At Brews Brothers Brewpub, visitors can expect to find a welcoming community hub with a robust selection of house-made beers. Their commitment to fostering a convivial environment is matched by their passion for crafting distinctive brews that cater to a variety of palates.
Eagle Rock Brewery
Eagle Rock Brewery stands as one of the pioneers in the Los Angeles craft beer movement. Known for its innovative beers and a dedication to the craft, this family-owned brewery is a staple in the regional beer community, celebrated for both its quality and originality.
Verdugo West Brewing Co.
Verdugo West Brewing Co. is recognized for producing award-winning beers that push the boundaries of style and flavor. This brewery takes pride in its craftsmanship, offering a selection that impresses both the casual drinker and the discerning connoisseur.
Tasting and Tours
Burbank, California offers a variety of tasting rooms and brewery tours for craft beer enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the beer-making process and savor a range of samples, often guided by knowledgeable staff who provide a rich background on the flavors and techniques used.
Sample the Selection
Brews Brothers Brewpub: It is known for an ever-changing selection of craft beers. Guests can enjoy diverse profiles and find their favorite brews on the menu.
Lincoln Beer Company: A tasting room with an inviting atmosphere, perfect for spending time with friends.
Speakeasy Style
Trustworthy Brewing: Boasts a menu that takes inspiration from speakeasy traditions, combining timeless tastes with modern brewing craft.
Tour the Breweries For those interested in the full brewing experience, brewery tours are a staple:
Burbank Craft Beer Destinations: Prospectively will offer outdoor dining and event space along with brewery tours.
Tommy John’s Wine and Brew Tours: Offers curated tours of local breweries, providing a comprehensive look at the process behind the pour.
San Jose Brew Bike: A unique way to combine friends, tours, and beers, as you pedal together from brewery to brewery.
These locations and offerings, amongst others, place Burbank on the map as a destination worth visiting for those who appreciate the craft of beer. Whether in the company of friends or flying solo, Burbank’s beer tasting and tours present an array of options for all palates.
Types of Craft Beers and Styles
Craft beer aficionados in Burbank have a plethora of options that range from the hop-heavy IPAs to the robust notes of stouts. Each beer style offers a unique profile that caters to varied palates.
Ales are a common craft beer style, with their hallmark being the use of top-fermenting yeast at warmer temperatures. Under this category, India Pale Ales (IPAs) stand out with their strong hop bitterness and aromatic flavors ranging from citrus to pine.
Lagers, fermented at cooler temperatures, offer a crisp and refreshing taste. They tend to be lighter in both color and flavor compared to ales, making them a popular choice for those seeking a smooth, clean finish.
Stouts traditionally denote a dark beer style. Their rich, full body coupled with flavors of chocolate and coffee appeals to drinkers looking for a hearty beer experience.
Wheat beers, known for their hazy appearance and hints of spice and fruit, provide a refreshing alternative. They usually have a lighter, more approachable flavor profile with a soft, citrus edge.
Craft breweries also explore unique and delicious combinations, often infusing local ingredients and experimenting with aging processes to create one-of-a-kind craft beer experiences.
Beer Style Characteristics Common Flavors
IPA High hop bitterness, aromatic Citrus, Pine, Floral
Ciders Fermented from apples, lighter and fruity Apple, Pear, Berry
Ales Top-fermented, varied from pale to dark Fruity, Malty, Bitter
Lagers Bottom-fermented, crisp and clean Biscuit, Toast, Floral
Stout Dark, toasty, with a rich mouthfeel Chocolate, Coffee, Caramel
Wheat Cloudy appearance, spicy and fruity undertones Banana, Clove, Orange
In Burbank, enthusiasts are sure to find a beer style that satisfies their tastes, whether they lean towards the traditional or the avant-garde in their craft beer choices.
Curation of Beer Menus
In Burbank, the local craft beer scene flourishes with establishments priding themselves on carefully curated beer menus. These menus often feature a diverse selection of local brews, ensuring patrons can always find something to suit their tastes.
The heart of a brewpub's appeal lies in its draft offerings, which are typically rotated regularly to showcase seasonal varieties and special releases. Brews Brothers Brewpub stands out with its commitment to providing an inviting atmosphere, where customers can relish in a dynamic range of craft beers. Their menu is testament to their dedication to quality and variety, enhancing customers' dining experiences with pairings of terrific food and beverages.
Meanwhile, The Landing epitomizes the ethos of craft beverage curation. Here, patrons discover 16 draft options, alongside a selection of bottled and canned products. This venue emphasizes the inclusion of local beer, ciders, and even low intervention wines and high-quality sake, paired with gourmet snacks for a comprehensive tasting experience.
For those seeking guidance, beer-focused articles are available, offering insights into the latest trends and brewers' stories. They act as informative companions to the menu, helping customers to make informed choices.
Below is a sampling of Burbank's go-to places noted for their curated beer selections:
Venue Notable Features
Brews Brothers Brewpub Extensive craft beer menu, excellent food pairings
The Landing Curated selection of local beer and gourmet goods
Trustworthy Brewing Distinctive house-brewed beers
Lincoln Beer Company Variety of unique, in-house brews
These establishments ensure that every beer enthusiast finds something rewarding, making Burbank a commendable destination for craft beer connoisseurs.
Events and Community Engagement
The craft beer scene in Burbank is vibrant and community-focused, with a range of events that celebrate local breweries and the camaraderie they foster. These gatherings are typified by a friendly atmosphere and often feature live music performances, enhancing the experience of craft beer enthusiasts.
Annual Festivals: Burbank hosts beer festivals, such as the First Annual Brews Brothers Anniversary Beer Festival, which brings together a wide selection of breweries offering over 60 different beers. These events are complemented by live entertainment, such as performances by the Guitar Ninjas, making them a staple in the community's social calendar.
Community Involvement: Local breweries often facilitate community engagement through various events. Outdoor patios provide a relaxed environment for socializing, and some establishments offer game rooms, promoting a community-centric and family-friendly vibe.
Weekly Happenings: Many breweries curate weekly events like beer release parties or game nights, which might fall on a Sunday or other weekdays, ensuring a continuous celebration of craft beer.
Music and Beer: Establishments frequently pair their brews with local music acts, a testament to the symbiotic relationship between the craft beer community and local artists.
These events and spaces, reinforcing the social fabric of the city, highlight why Burbank is not just a spot for drinking quality craft beers but a place where beer serves as a medium for greater community engagement and enjoyment.
Retail and Take-Home Options
Burbank's craft beer scene boasts a variety of options where enthusiasts can purchase beer for at-home enjoyment. The Landing offers an eclectic range of local beers, ciders, low-intervention wines, and high-quality sake, both on draft and in packaged products suitable for take-home use. Customers can also indulge in gourmet snacks, enhancing the at-home tasting experience.
Booze & Brews Liquor caters to those in search of diverse bottled and canned craft beer selections. This retailer is known for its array of choices that span from local Burbank brews to other prominent craft beer names. Shoppers can explore new flavors and styles, ensuring there's something for every palate.
At Brewyard Beer Company, beer lovers can bring home the unique flavors of this local establishment. The company reflects Burbank's innovative spirit in its brewing techniques and the variety of beers available for take-home purchases. Visitors can also interact with the knowledgeable staff to learn more about their offerings.
Table: Local Burbank Craft Beer Take-Home Retailers
Company Location Offerings
The Landing Near the heart of Burbank Drafts, Bottles/Cans, Snacks
Booze & Brews Liquor Accessible within Burbank Bottled/Canned Craft Beer
Brewyard Beer Company Located conveniently in Burbank Brewyard's Craft Selection
Craft beer aficionados can visit these retailers to purchase and enjoy Burbank’s finest beers in the comfort of their own homes. Each location contributes its own distinctive touch to the city's vibrant beer culture, ensuring a memorable and personal experience.
The Role of Technology and Marketing
In the competitive landscape of Burbank’s craft beer scene, technology plays a vital role in a brewery's visibility and marketing efforts. Breweries leverage digital platforms to create a compelling online presence, engaging with their audience through social media and digital advertising.
Marketing strategies are data-driven, with consumer trends and behavior analytics informing targeted campaigns. Utilizing tools like search engine optimization (SEO), breweries increase their discoverability to those searching for craft beer experiences in Burbank. Email marketing campaigns and user-friendly websites streamline the communication between breweries and their customers.
Social media, particularly Instagram, has become indispensable for craft breweries. It provides a visual medium to showcase their brand essence, new releases, and events. As Burbank awaits projects like the Burbank Commons, which plans to include a standalone brewery and event space, social media buzz aids in pre-promotion and interest generation.
Technology also underpins operations. From inventory management systems to customer relationship management (CRM) software, breweries in Burbank integrate technology to improve efficiency and personalize interactions. This ensures that they meet the expectations of a technologically adept consumer base that values a mix of innovation with their craft beer experience.
By adopting these technological advancements, craft breweries in Burbank effectively navigate the market, sustain consumer interest, and remain competitive. The utilization of digital strategy has become synonymous with success in the modern craft beer industry.
Craft Beer and Health
Craft beer, when consumed in moderation, may have several potential health benefits. It is important to note, however, that excessive consumption can lead to negative health impacts.
Nutrition: Craft beers often contain a range of nutrients:
Vitamins: B-group vitamins, especially B6, can be found in beer, which may support heart health.
Minerals: It includes silicon, which may contribute to bone health, and potassium that supports muscle function.
Moderation is Key:
The recommendation is typically up to one drink per day for women and up to two for men.
Moderation helps avoid negative effects such as impaired judgment, weight gain, or chronic diseases.
Social and Mental Wellbeing:
Social engagement while enjoying craft beer can support mental health.
The experience of tasting and learning about different styles can provide a sense of enjoyment and satisfaction.
Weight Consideration:
Craft beers can be calorie-dense. A standard 12-ounce serving has approximately 150-200 calories.
Lighter options or limiting intake can help maintain a balanced diet.
Heart Health:
Studies suggest moderate beer consumption might be associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
This is due to the presence of alcohol and certain antioxidants in beer.
In conclusion, while craft beer can be part of a balanced lifestyle, it should always be enjoyed in moderation to maximize any potential health benefits and minimize risks.
Industry Trends and Future
The craft beer landscape in Burbank, California, mirrors the dynamic and evolving industry on a global scale. Brewers in Burbank reflect an innovative spirit as they continue to experiment with unique flavors, styles, and brewing techniques. The demand for variety has fostered a community of breweries that prioritize experimentation, evident in the increasing popularity of small batch and seasonal releases.
Trends within the Burbank craft beer scene indicate a shift toward more experiential offerings. Consumers seek not only taste but also an immersive experience, enjoying their beverages in taprooms that often double as social hubs. This aligns with an industry-wide evolution towards developing a mobility quotient, where taprooms and events enhance the mobility of the craft beer culture, making it more accessible to the public.
The future of Burbank's craft beer scene remains bright as local brewers continue to innovate. They push the envelope by integrating leading international brand influences with regional tastes, resulting in distinctive brews that appeal to both local customers and beer enthusiasts from around the world.
Innovation and Evolution:
Small Batch Releases: Limited-edition brews encourage repeat visits.
Seasonal Offerings: Aligning brews with seasons or local events.
Experience-Driven: Emphasis on taproom ambiance and community engagement.
The industry is set to thrive with an unwavering commitment to quality and a keen understanding of consumers' evolving preferences. Burbank brewers are poised to continue shaping the future of craft beer on both a local and international stage.
Local and International Collaborations and Partnerships
The craft beer scene in Burbank is vibrant, with local breweries often engaging in collaborations and partnerships that enhance the community's beer offerings. These collaborations are pivotal for boundary-pushing creations and offering diverse experiences to patrons.
Burbank breweries are known for partnering with local businesses and food venues to provide a symbiotic environment where beer aficionados can enjoy a brew alongside curated menus. For instance, Lincoln Beer Company's partnerships extend to venues such as the Federal bar in North Hollywood and Barrel and Ashes in Studio City, offering a wider exposure to their unique craft beers.
International partnerships, while less common, are crucial for Burbank's breweries to tap into the global craft beer narrative. These partnerships might focus on knowledge exchange, ingredient sourcing, and special edition brews that reflect international flavors or brewing techniques.
Highlighting Records: Burbank's beer producers also actively participate in regional events, like those organized by the Bay Area Brewers Guild. These events serve as catalysts for future collaborations and are often where ideas for new partnerships are conceived.
News Updates: Announcements of upcoming collaborations are eagerly anticipated in the local craft beer community and are often covered by regional media, connecting brewers with a broader audience.
Partnership Type Examples
Local Businesses Federal bar, Barrel and Ashes, Salazar
Food Venues Grand Central Market: Horse Thief, Belcampo
Community Events Bay Area Brewers Guild collaborations
Media Coverage Articles highlighting new and upcoming brewery collaborations
In summary, Burbank's craft beer scene is strengthened by a network of collaborations and partnerships, both within its locale and extending internationally, enriching the city's cultural and economic fabric.
Craft Beer and Education
In Burbank, California, the craft beer scene offers not only a variety of flavorful brews but also educational opportunities for enthusiasts and novices alike. As the community around craft beer grows, so does interest in understanding beer making processes, flavor profiles, and the industry itself.
Local breweries often cater to the educational aspect by hosting events and offering tours where individuals can learn about brewing techniques and the subtleties of different beer styles. These experiences allow attendees to ask brewers direct questions and gain a deeper appreciation for the craft.
For those who prefer self-guided learning, the internet is a wealth of information, with numerous beer articles and online communities available. Websites dedicated to beer education provide articles covering everything from the basics of beer to the intricacies of fermentation. They encourage readers to expand their beer knowledge and share their experiences. Here are some points of focus for self-learners:
Understanding the brewing process
Exploring various beer styles
Pairing food and beer
Homebrewing tips and tricks
Enthusiasts who want a more structured education can seek out local beer tasting classes or workshops. These sessions typically cover:
Beer history
Tasting techniques
Recognizing flavor notes
Through these various platforms, Burbank's residents and visitors have the opportunity to become more knowledgeable about craft beer, which in turn enriches their tasting experiences and fosters a more informed and connected beer community.
