Pomona, CA Local Craft Beer Guide
Your Ultimate Brewery Map
Pomona, California, has established a strong identity within the craft beer community, reflecting the city's dedication to quality and innovation. As an emerging hub for beer enthusiasts, the local scene offers a tapestry of flavors created by passionate brewers. This Southern California city has a growing number of craft breweries, each with a unique story and a lineup of offerings that frequently change to provide the locals and visitors with a fresh experience.
The city's breweries take pride in their craft, supplying not just a beverage, but a social experience deeply rooted in Pomona's community spirit. Establishments like Old Stump Brewing Co. underscore this point with their family-friendly patios and live music events, seamlessly blending the love for craft beer with the desire for communal gathering spots. The variety and quality of craft beers in Pomona are evident in the palpable excitement shared by novices and connoisseurs alike, contributing to the city's growing reputation as a destination for those seeking the fullness of flavor and originality.
With an array of venues from taprooms to gastropubs, and the presence of special liquor stores with an extensive collection of craft beers, Pomona caters to the taste of every beer aficionado. Whether it's a crisp ale, a bold lager, or a seasonal brew, the craft beer scene in Pomona showcases a commitment to diversity and excellence. As the palates of consumers evolve, so too does the selection of craft beers, ensuring that the scene remains dynamic and exciting.
History of Craft Beer in Pomona
Pomona has a budding craft beer scene that intricately ties into the wider history of craft beer in California. Old Stump Brewing Co. is a notable player in Pomona's craft beer community. Established by Harald and Barbara Gallob in September 2015, it reflects the city's growing enthusiasm for craft beer. The Gallob family brought their vision to Pomona with a microbrewery on Metropolitan Place, showcasing a range of unique, locally brewed beverages.
Here's a glimpse into Pomona's craft beer environment:
Brewery Establishment Year Special Notes
Old Stump Brewing Co. 2015 A family-owned venture offering a rich selection of beers and live music events.
Pomona's craft beer history, while relatively recent, is part of a larger narrative. California is considered the birthplace of the American craft brewing movement, with a pivotal point in 1965 when Fritz Maytag invested in Anchor Brewing in San Francisco. This moment resonated throughout the state, influencing many others to venture into craft brewing.
In Pomona, the craft beer culture thrives on community engagement and a strong inclination to support local businesses. Pioneering establishments like Old Stump Brewing Co. serve as communal hubs where craft beer enthusiasts can enjoy a diverse assortment of beers while contributing to the region's economic and cultural vitality. The city's craft beer history, though brief, is marked by a commitment to quality and a celebration of local craftsmanship.
Guide to Pomona's Craft Breweries
Pomona, California, has emerged as a hotspot for craft beer enthusiasts, boasting a vibrant scene with distinct breweries that offer a wide variety of handcrafted beers. From classic styles to innovative brews, these establishments encapsulate the city's thriving beer culture.
Old Stump Brewing Co.
Location: Pomona, CA
Notable Beers: Blond Conniption, Blood Orange Seltzer, Honey Blonde
Awards: California Craft Beer Cup - Bronze (2021, 2023)
Hours: Mon-Thurs 3pm-10pm, Fri 3pm-11:30pm, Sat 12pm-11:30pm
Old Stump Brewing Co.™️ stands out for its dedication to quality and community. It provides visitors with a variety of beers on tap, including award-winning selections, and enhances the experience with live local bands on weekends. The brewery is a staple in Pomona’s craft beer community, welcoming patrons to taste and enjoy their carefully crafted pours.
P-Town's Craft Beer Landmarks
Old Stump Brewing Co. is a principal figure, but Pomona's craft beer landscape is diverse with other prominent breweries such as Homage Brewing, La Verne Brewing Company, and Neon Bear Brewery. Each brings a unique flair to the table, ensuring that locals and visitors alike have a selection that ranges from experimental brews to the cherished classics.
Homage Brewing: known for their unique blends and inviting taproom.
La Verne Brewing Company: offers a selection of traditional styles with a local twist.
Neon Bear Brewery: emerges as a newer addition with a fresh take on Californian brews.
Drawing beer aficionados from all corners, these landmarks collectively create a dynamic and accessible craft beer culture in Pomona, CA.
Popular Local Beers and Seasonal Specialties
In Pomona, the craft beer scene is vibrant, offering a plethora of year-round favorites and seasonal rotations that delight the palates of locals and visitors alike. The following subsections showcase top selections and their unique attributes.
The Famous Blonde Conniption
Old Stump Brewing Co. is known for its Blonde Conniption, a standout beer that has garnered recognition in beer competitions. It's a light and refreshing choice, characterized by its smoothness and balanced flavor profile. This beer has won awards from prestigious competitions such as US Open Beer Championship with a Bronze in 2023 and was a hit at the California State Fair.
Fat Mosey & Other Notable Brews
Fat Mosey, a distinctive beer by Neon Bear Brewery, is among the popular brews in Pomona. Neon Bear Brewery also offers a variety of core beers like the Electrico Mexican Lager and Bio-Digital Jazz Hazy IPA, plus a dynamic range of seasonal beers. They maintain a steadfast commitment to quality, creating beers that resonate well with the community and often lead to seasonal favorites that come back year after year.
Experiencing the Craft Beer Culture
Pomona, California's craft beer scene is a vibrant interplay of flavors and community ties. Visitors can explore an array of taproom tours, partake in community-centric beer events, and savor the inclusive atmosphere that welcomes both families and pets.
Taproom Tours
Old Stump Brewing Co.™️ is a key player in Pomona's craft beer community, offering a range of beers on tap. A visitor can tour the facility and gain insight into the brewing process from Monday to Thursday between 3pm and 10pm, Friday until 11:30pm, and starting from noon on weekends.
Community Events
Craft breweries often serve as gathering spaces for local events, combining the appeal of craft beer with a robust community atmosphere. Such events may include live music or food pairings, making the breweries a hub for social interactions in Pomona.
Kid-Friendly and Pet-Friendly Options
A welcoming aspect of Pomona's craft beer spots is their inclusivity. Establishments not only cater to beer aficionados but also consider the needs of families and pet owners, ensuring a comfortable space for all patrons.
Kid-Friendly: Open patios where children can be in a relaxed environment.
Pet-Friendly: Designated areas where furry friends are allowed to join their owners.
Pomona invites beer lovers to experience its local brews and warm, friendly culture firsthand, offering something for everyone in its diverse and vibrant craft beer community.
The Business of Beer in Pomona
Pomona, CA is quickly emerging as a hotspot for craft beer enthusiasts, with innovation and community engagement playing pivotal roles in the local industry's growth. Breweries and taprooms are central to this evolution, offering both a creative outlet for brewers and a gathering place for patrons.
Brewery Startups and Innovation
As the demand for craft beer continues to rise, Pomona has become a fertile ground for brewery startups keen on innovation. Old Stump Brewing Co.™ is a notable example, priding itself on a diverse beer selection and fostering a community through events and live music. These startups are not just brewing establishments; they are hubs for creativity, often experimenting with local ingredients and brewing techniques to offer unique flavors that stand out in a competitive market.
The Role of Taprooms in Business Success
Taprooms serve as the face of the brewery, where the business can showcase its array of beers directly to customers. They are instrumental in defining the success of breweries in Pomona. Establishments such as Homage Brewing illustrate the importance of taprooms, providing a space to enjoy new brews while also acting as a social hotbed for beer tasting and community events. Taprooms in Pomona amplify the business by promoting local craft beers, fostering customer loyalty, and enhancing the overall experience.
Where to Buy Craft Beer
In Pomona, CA, craft beer enthusiasts have a diverse selection of retail destinations offering a wide variety of local and specialty brews. These retailers pride themselves on their carefully curated selections and the ability to provide a range of options to both casual drinkers and seasoned beer connoisseurs.
Retailers Specializing in Craft Beer
Craft beer aficionados in Pomona can explore an assortment of stores known for their impressive selections and dedication to the craft beer community. A & J Liquor and La West Liquor are examples of such destinations; they boast a higher-end selection but maintain reasonable prices. Customers can expect to find a comprehensive array of craft beer offerings, ensuring they can purchase new local favorites alongside revered classics.
Di Carlo Liquor Store
Di Carlo Liquor is a standout retailer, singled out for its exceptional variety of craft beer products. This store is reputed for its wide selection that caters to both local tastes with Pomona's finest and sought-after labels from beyond the area. Prices at Di Carlo Liquor are known to be competitive, ensuring that customers receive value alongside quality with every purchase.
Service and Convenience
In Pomona, California, craft beer enthusiasts frequently praise the local scene not only for its variety but also for the accessibility and customer service provided by establishments. Notably, convenience stores in Pomona such as Di Carlo Liquor and Fat Boy Liquor & Market have made a positive impression. Customers commend these stores for their friendly cashiers and willingness to assist, emphasizing a customer-first attitude.
Organizational skills shine at these venues where beer selections are methodically arranged, making it easier for patrons to locate their preferred craft beers. The clear categorization and the tidy setup guide customers smoothly through their purchase journey.
Venue Service Highlights Organization Level
Di Carlo Liquor Friendly, helpful staff Highly organized
Homage Brewing Informative on craft beer selections Well-maintained layout
Fat Boy Liquor & Market Goes above and beyond for customers Intuitive arrangement
Overall, local liquor and craft beer stores in Pomona are celebrated for marrying convenience with exceptional customer service. They ensure that craft beer aficionados have an engaging and hassle-free experience while exploring their diverse, quality selections. Each store is noted for maintaining an ambiance that encourages both new and regular customers to develop a deeper appreciation for the local craft beer culture.
Brewing Techniques and Quality
In Pomona, CA, local breweries prioritize innovative techniques and high-quality standards in their craft beer production. Cleanliness is a cornerstone of brewing; meticulous sanitation ensures the integrity of the beer flavors and prevents contaminants.
The balance in craft beer is achieved through careful recipe formulation and process control. Brewers often experiment with a variety of hops, grains, and yeast strains to develop a well-rounded flavor profile. Craft Beer enthusiasts in Pomona appreciate this attention to balance, which is evident in the award-winning beers like the Honey Blonde, which earned a bronze medal in 2023.
Local breweries like Old Stump Brewing Co.™️ reflect a commitment to excellence in their operating procedures. Control panels are used for precise adjustments during brewing, ensuring consistent quality batch after batch.
Brewing Aspect Description Relevance to Quality
Sanitation Rigorous cleaning routines to prevent contamination. Essential for pure, untainted beer flavor.
Recipe Formulation Careful selection of ingredients and proportions. Key to creating balanced, innovative brews.
Process Control Monitoring and adjusting brewing conditions. Crucial for consistency and excellence.
Innovation is not left behind, with new beer styles and brewing methods continuously being tested. Craft breweries in Pomona are not just businesses; they are centers of creativity, pushing the boundaries of traditional beer-making while maintaining the highest quality standards.
Boosting Local Economy and Tourism
In Pomona, California, local craft breweries play a pivotal role in enhancing both the economy and the tourism sector. They are not just establishments producing unique beverages but also community hubs embodying local passions and contributing significantly to the region's vibrancy.
Economic Contribution:
Employment Opportunities: Craft breweries, such as Neon Bear Brewery, provide jobs from the position of head brewer to service staff, directly impacting local employment rates.
Revenue Generation: By attracting craft beer enthusiasts, these breweries boost sales and tax revenues for the city.
Tourist Attraction:
Craft breweries like Old Stump Brewing and Luchador Brewing Company forge a strong identity, inviting tourists who seek authentic experiences linked to the locality. These attractions can lead to a multiplier effect, as visitors also spend on hotels, dining, and other local services.
Community Engagement:
Events and Outlets: Breweries serve as social spaces that host events, thereby fostering a sense of community among residents.
Local Support: Many craft breweries source ingredients locally, fostering a supportive network with local farmers and suppliers.
Cultural Impact:
The individual character of each brewery, reflecting the passion and creativity of owners and brewers, adds to Pomona's cultural scene. This distinct local flavor not only draws in residents but also out-of-towners eager for a taste of Pomona's craft beer offerings.
Pomona's craft breweries illustrate how a blend of passion for brewing and savvy business acumen can lead to economic stimulus and cultural enrichment aligning with the broader goals of community development.
Craft Beer and Food Pairing
In Pomona, CA, pairing local craft beers with food is an art form, giving a platform to the unique profiles of the city's brews and dishes. It is a celebration of flavor, where crisp hops meet bold spices and aromatic malts complement rich sauces.
Pairing with Local Delicacies
In Pomona, the craft beer scene excels at complementing local delicacies. One finds that hoppy IPAs cut through the richness of street-style tacos, enhancing the taste of carne asada or carnitas. For vegetarian options, a light wheat beer pairs gracefully with avocado-heavy dishes, maintaining the freshness while adding a subtle citrus undertone.
Taco & IPA:
Beer: Pomona Queen IPA
Food: Carne Asada Tacos
Wheat Beer & Vegetarian Cuisine:
Beer: Citrus Grove Wheat
Food: Avocado & Sprout Sandwich
The Best Restaurant Selections
Restaurants in Pomona have curated beer lists that highlight the best local brews to pair with their menus. The Rookery Alehouse and Grill provides a robust selection with detailed pairing notes. Diners can expect an IPA to complement their spicy wings or a stout to savor with a chocolate dessert. Old Stump Brewing Co. offers a tasting room experience where customers can sample a flight and match it with small bites or shareable plates.
The Rookery Alehouse and Grill:
Pairing 1: IPA with Spicy Wings
Pairing 2: Stout with Chocolate Lava Cake
Old Stump Brewing Co.:
Pairing 1: Beer Flight with Artisan Cheese Board
Pairing 2: Blonde Ale with Soft Pretzels
Maintaining Sustainability in Brewing
Craft breweries in Pomona, CA, continue to embrace sustainable practices to reduce their environmental footprint. They recognize the importance of balancing eco-friendly methods with the art of brewing quality craft beer. Here are key sustainability strategies they employ:
Water Management: Breweries implement efficient water usage protocols, aiming to reduce waste. Water-saving equipment and reusing water for landscaping are common practices.
Energy Efficiency: Solar panels and energy-efficient brewing equipment help lower electricity demand. Breweries often opt for renewable energy sources to power their operations.
Sustainable Sourcing:
Local Ingredients: Sourcing hops, grains, and other brewing materials from local suppliers minimizes transportation emissions and supports the local economy.
Organic Options: Some brewers choose organic ingredients to avoid pesticides and foster healthier soil practices.
Waste Reduction
Breweries focus on minimizing waste by:
Recycling Spent Grain: Spent grains become cattle feed or compost, closing the loop in the production cycle.
Packaging: They favor recyclable or biodegradable packaging materials and encourage consumers to recycle.
Community Engagement
They often participate in community initiatives:
Education: Brewers educate the public on sustainability and its impact.
Collaboration: They work with local businesses and environmental organizations.
By incorporating these sustainable practices, craft breweries in Pomona stand as leaders in eco-friendly production, proving that quality beer and environmental responsibility can coexist.
Reviews and Recommendations
When traversing the craft beer scene in Pomona, CA, enthusiasts often look toward local reviews to guide their palates. Here's a curated selection based on community feedback and judges’ recommendations.
Old Stump Brewing Co.
Community Feedback: Often praised for its variety, it offers a broad selection of local beers on tap. Patrons appreciate the experience provided here.
La West Liquor
Community Insights: Noted for a premium selection, this staple is known for its higher-end price point, matched by a superior selection of craft beers.
The Rookery Alehouse and Grill
A popular spot among locals, providing a diverse menu alongside an impressive beer list.
Avery Brewing Pomona
Awards: With a high score of 96 from a blind taste test by BJCP judges, this establishment is commendable for its standout, quality beers.
Featured Beer: The California IPA is highlighted for its West Coast roots, liberally dry hopped with Mosaic and Strata contributing to its passion fruit and mango flavors.
Neon Bear Brewery
Patron's Choice: Their cream ale receives special mention, converting even those unfamiliar with the style into fans.
La Verne Brewing Company
Local Favorite: Known for great ambiance and an impressive variety of craft beer. The pineapple-infused blonde ale, B-Street, is a consistent hit with customers.
The craft beer landscape in Pomona is eclectic, and enthusiasts appreciate the offerings of both the breweries and taverns. Awards and reviews go hand-in-hand in guiding consumers to the finest ales, with the Avery Brewing Pomona standing out in blind taste tests. Patrons value the diversity of beer selections provided by establishments such as Old Stump and La West Liquor, each catering to different tastes within the community.
The Future of Craft Beer in Pomona
Pomona, California, has recently witnessed a blossoming of its craft beer scene, with Neon Bear Brewery marked as a significant addition. Neon Bear Brewery emerged as a partnership among community members, infusing local enthusiasm into the culture of craft beer.
Location: Formerly housing Sanctum Brewing, Neon Bear has revitalized the space at 560 E. Commercial Street Unit 21.
Ownership: The brewery is under the robust leadership of Ryan Walton, a name already known among local beer aficionados.
Signature: They offer a distinct array of beers, promising to cater to diverse palates.
The craft beer movement in Pomona, reinforced by the advent of Neon Bear, exhibits a promising trajectory. This trend aligns with the wider pattern of craft breweries cementing their presence in downtown areas, bringing new flavors and experiences to local communities.
Other establishments, like Homage Brewing, have been instrumental in brewing innovation within Pomona. These craft breweries are not just places to enjoy a unique pint but also serve as social hubs and active participants in local economic and cultural development.
In keeping up with recent news, the dialogue around Pomona's craft beer future is vibrant and optimistic. Craft breweries serve to enhance Pomona's local charm and contribute to a dynamic craft beer haven in the making. They are key players in the broader narrative of California's craft beer revolution.
