San Bernardino, CA Local Craft Beer Guide
Your Ultimate Directory
San Bernardino, California, emerges as a vibrant hub for craft beer enthusiasts with a growing assortment of local breweries. Each establishment brings its own unique flair to the brewing scene, reflecting the diverse community and innovative spirit of the Inland Empire. From family-owned operations to larger-scale ventures, these breweries offer a wide range of beer styles and atmospheres. Patrons can expect a welcoming environment where they can relish quality beers and often participate in local events and tastings.
The local craft beer guide to San Bernardino showcases a selection of breweries that have garnered attention for their exceptional beer and dedication to craft. Escape Craft Brewery, known for its inviting atmosphere and skilled brewing, stands out among them. Other notable mentions are Ritual Brewing and Hangar 24 Craft Brewing, both of which have made significant contributions to the region's craft beer reputation. These establishments not only serve as social gathering places but also reflect the area's commitment to quality and community engagement.
Brewery enthusiasts will find a plethora of options to explore, each offering a different experience, whether they seek a classic ale, a creative fusion of flavors, or a family-friendly environment. With the craft beer culture thriving, San Bernardino's breweries contribute richly to the tapestry of Southern California's beer scene. They have become destinations for both locals and travelers seeking to enjoy the fruits of brewing craftsmanship.
History of Craft Brewing in San Bernardino
San Bernardino County, a significant part of the American craft beer movement, has a history intertwined with the innovative spirit that defines American brewing. The inception of this journey into craft beer began with the pioneering efforts of two German entrepreneurs in the 1800s. They established San Bernardino's first brewery, which stood at the intersection of Third and what is now E Street.
In contrast to the macro-breweries that dominated the American beer landscape for much of the 20th century, the craft beer movement in San Bernardino reflects a return to artisanal, small-batch brewing traditions. These breweries often focus on quality, flavor, and traditional brewing methods, tailoring their products to local tastes and community enthusiasts.
The craft beer scene in San Bernardino County has witnessed substantial growth over recent years. They typify a resurgence in the community's desire for local, handcrafted goods. The establishments vary widely in size and style, from small taprooms servicing in-house patrons to larger operations that distribute regionally. Innovative brewmasters within San Bernardino County have pushed boundaries, typified by the creation of the Double India Pale Ale (DIPA), a beer style characterized by its potent hop flavors and higher alcohol content.
Notable Craft Breweries in San Bernardino
No Clue Craft Brewery
Hamilton Family Brewery
These breweries are not just places for beer production; they have become integral parts of their communities. They create spaces for socializing and often contribute to local economies and charities, underlining the role craft breweries play in fostering community ties.
Guide to San Bernardino's Breweries
San Bernardino, CA is home to a variety of breweries that cater to diverse palates, from classic IPAs to unique craft brews. This guide showcases some of the best breweries in the area.
Ritual Brewing Co.
Ritual Brewing Co. offers a spacious taproom atmosphere and a noteworthy selection of beers. Their Hop-O-Matic IPA is a local favorite, showcasing a blend of classic and adventurous flavors.
Hangar 24 Craft Brewing
Hangar 24 Craft Brewing is known for their innovative brewing techniques and dedication to quality. Aviation enthusiasts and craft beer lovers alike appreciate their Orange Wheat for a refreshingly citrus-infused experience.
Escape Craft Brewery
Nestled in the heart of San Bernardino, Escape Craft Brewery brings a cozy, welcoming vibe to the craft beer scene. They pride themselves on a rotating selection of creative brews that often become the talk of the town.
Hamilton Family Brewery
The family-run Hamilton Family Brewery features a range of beers from light ales to decadent stouts. Their commitment to community and home-grown recipes creates a personal touch to each visit.
Brewcaipa Brewing Co.
Brewcaipa Brewing Co. stands out for its small-town feel and high-quality beer selection. Visitors enjoy their laid-back taproom and the standout brews that ensure there's something for every taste.
3 Iron Brewing Co.
3 Iron Brewing Co. is notable for its dedication to the art of brewing. They consistently deliver a wide variety of styles, with each beer crafted to perfection, embodying the true spirit of craft brewing.
No Clue Craft Brewery
With a passion for innovation, No Clue Craft Brewery produces a mosaic of tastes for the discerning palate. Their imaginative approach to crafting beer makes each visit a new adventure.
Rök House Brewing Company
Rök House Brewing Company specializes in bold flavors and a Viking-themed ambience that transports patrons to another world. Their robust selection includes beers that are both hearty and refined.
Rescue Brewing
Rescue Brewing offers not only distinctive brews but also a chance to support local causes. Their community-driven approach adds a feel-good element to every sip of their meticulously crafted beers.
Downtown Oasis Thompson Brewing
Lastly, Downtown Oasis Thompson Brewing captures the essence of the local scene. Their inviting space, coupled with a commitment to excellence, makes them a vital part of San Bernardino's brewery landscape.
Craft Beer Varieties and Styles
San Bernardino's craft beer scene celebrates a rich tapestry of beer styles, each characterized by its unique flavor profile and brewing technique. From hop-forward IPAs to robust stouts, the variety ensures that there's something for every palate.
The Popularity of IPAs
IPAs, or India Pale Ales, stand out for their hop-driven bitterness and complex aromatic profiles. They are a staple in San Bernardino breweries, where their popularity is reflected in the multitude of variations available. Consumers enjoy a spectrum ranging from intensely bitter Double IPAs to the hazy and tropical notes of New England IPAs.
Exploring Lagers and Stouts
Lagers offer a crisp, clean taste due to the longer, cooler fermentation process. Their varieties span from light Pilsners to darker, malt-accentuated Dunkels. Stouts, on the other hand, are known for their rich, full-bodied texture and dark color. They often bring forward flavors of chocolate, coffee, and roasted malt, appealing to those seeking a hearty beer experience.
Unique Offerings: Sours and Belgians
Sours have gained traction for their sharp, tart flavors derived from unique fermentation processes, like those in sour cellars. These beers challenge taste buds with their intense and sometimes fruity complexity. Belgian beers are equally diverse, ranging from light and effervescent to dark and strong, all unified by their characteristic yeast-driven flavors and often elevated alcohol content.
Brewery Experiences
San Bernardino's craft beer scene offers a variety of experiences for enthusiasts, from tasting rooms with guided tours to lively brewpubs and serene beer gardens. Here, customers can enjoy a plethora of craft beer flavors in environments that cater to every preference.
Tasting Rooms and Tours
Most breweries in San Bernardino provide a tasting room where visitors can sample the latest brews. Ritual Brewing is known for offering a variety of tastings along with a glimpse of the brewing process through guided tours. The knowledgeable staff often leads these tours, providing insights into the craft of beer making. Customers have given positive reviews, highlighting the quality of beer and experience.
Ritual Brewing: Guided tours available; extensive tasting options.
Bars and Brewpubs with Live Music
A number of establishments combine craft beer with entertainment, featuring live music that enhances the beer-sipping experience. Escape Craft Brewery has been recognized for its lively atmosphere and quality selection of beers, making it a popular spot for visitors who are looking to enjoy both music and drinks.
Escape Craft Brewery: Known for great beer and fantastic atmosphere with regular live music events.
Dog-Friendly and Family-Friendly Breweries
Breweries in San Bernardino are not just for the beer connoisseur but are also designed to be welcoming for the entire family and pets. 3 Iron Brewing Company and Escape Craft Brewery are examples of dog-friendly breweries where the entire family can relax and enjoy a day out.
3 Iron Brewing Company: Welcomes pets and has a family-friendly environment.
Escape Craft Brewery: Provides a space where both dogs and families can be comfortable.
Breweries with Outdoor Seating and Beer Gardens
San Bernardino is home to breweries like Hangar 24 Craft Brewing which offer spacious outdoor seating and beautiful beer gardens. These venues are perfect for those who prefer to enjoy their craft beer under the open sky, providing ample seating in a picturesque setting.
Hangar 24 Craft Brewing: Features a large outdoor area with scenic views.
Each space is intentionally designed to create a unique experience for beer lovers, whether it's enjoying a personalized tour, chilling with live music, spending time with the family and furry friends, or relaxing in a tranquil outdoor setting.
Events and Community Connections
San Bernardino's craft beer enthusiasts revel in a robust calendar of events that reinforce the region's community bonds. These gatherings range from lively festivals celebrating local brews to esteemed competitions showcasing the area's brewing prowess.
Local Beer Fests and Competitions
San Bernardino plays host to a variety of beer festivals and competitions that have become a staple for the community's craft beer aficionados. Key events include the Inland Empire Beer Festival, which in 2020 innovated with a virtual format, allowing participants to enjoy an array of beers delivered to their homes. Beer lovers could savor 10 full-size beers from local and regional breweries while participating in the live broadcast.
The region's breweries have also excelled in competitions such as the Brewers Cup of California, where GreyWolf Brewing notably garnered four medals, underlining the area's quality and competitive spirit. These events not only serve as celebrations but also as platforms for local breweries to earn recognition and benchmark their brews against statewide standards.
Brewery Collaboration and Development
Collaboration is key to the development of San Bernardino's craft beer scene. The synergy among breweries fosters a creative environment that spurs continual growth and innovation. Collaborative efforts have been at the center of the region's expansion, with new breweries joining the dynamic landscape that stretches from Temecula to Apple Valley, and Pomona to Coachella.
The area's craft beer development is bolstered by community-minded initiatives, like those undertaken by the Bay Area Brewers Guild. They work towards fortifying the sense of community by coordinating with independent breweries. Such collaborations have a twofold benefit: they enrich the local beer offerings and strengthen the ties within the craft beer community, ensuring patrons and brewers alike are part of a mutually supportive network.
Craft Beer Education and Resources
San Bernardino County's craft beer scene offers a variety of resources for education on brewing processes and insights into the craft beer movement. These resources range from detailed discussions on ingredients and design to educational websites and newsletters.
Brewing Processes and Ingredients
Understanding the craft of brewing is fundamental to appreciating San Bernardino County's craft beer. Key ingredients like barley are vital for flavor and beer structure.
Barley: Provides the sugars necessary for fermentation.
Hops: Contribute to beer's bitterness and aroma.
Yeast: Responsible for fermentation, converting sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
Water: Comprises the majority of beer's content and influences its taste.
Local breweries may offer tours that include information on the equipment and design of the brewing process, showcasing the complexities and nuances involved.
Blogs, Newsletters, and Learning Opportunities
For those thirsty for knowledge beyond the brewing process, San Bernardino provides numerous avenues:
Blogs and Newsletters:
Craft Beer I.E. website gives insights into local brewery achievements and events, tracking the pulse of the Inland Empire's craft beer community.
SD Beer News and The Full Pint offer broader coverage with a Southern California focus.
Educational Websites:
CraftBeer.com: Provides a beer 101 course and other learning tools facilitated by the Brewers Association, aimed at enhancing both beginner and advanced understanding of craft beer.
Subscribing to local newsletters and attending events announced on these platforms can be a perfect way to stay informed about the burgeoning craft beer scene in San Bernardino.
Local Beer Distribution and Retail
San Bernardino, CA, hosts a vibrant craft beer scene where distribution channels and retail options offer easy access to an array of locally brewed selections. Enthusiasts can explore the flavors of the region through various establishments dedicated to serving and selling these artisanal creations.
Craft Beer Bars and Beer Stores
San Bernardino's craft beer aficionados frequent a number of establishments that specialize in providing a wide range of local brews. At Ritual Brewing and Escape Craft Brewery, individuals can taste the breweries' creations and purchase beer to take home. The Beer Room is praised for its eclectic beer selection, featuring local options for the discerning palate. Additionally, stores such as House of Booze provide a retail space for a variety of local craft beers, allowing customers to choose from an assortment of bottles and cans for home enjoyment.
Local Craft Beer Bars:
Ritual Brewing
Escape Craft Brewery
The Beer Room
Local Beer Stores:
House of Booze
Map and Guide to Local Distribution Points
For those seeking to explore San Bernardino's local beer offerings, a detailed map and guide can be indispensable tools. These resources allow consumers to locate craft beer bars, retail stores, and breweries with ease, ensuring they find their desired brews. Hangar 24 Distribution Center, for example, acts as a hub for both the brewery's products and other local beers, offering another layer of distribution to the area. Such guides and maps are regularly updated to reflect new distribution points and the latest offerings from the region's breweries.
Notable Distribution Points:
Hangar 24 Distribution Center
Resources:
Updated maps and guides
Brewery websites and local beer apps
By utilizing these resources, beer enthusiasts can create self-guided tours or efficiently organize their shopping experiences, making the most of what San Bernardino's craft beer community has to offer.
Supporting Local: Economic and Social Impact
The economic and social fabric of San Bernardino is enhanced by its local craft breweries. These establishments not only provide distinctive beers but also bring noteworthy contributions to the local economy and community development.
Craft Breweries' Role in the Community
Craft breweries in San Bernardino play a significant role in fostering community spirit and economic growth. Local craft beer establishments often become social hubs where residents can gather, forming an integral part of the city's social structure. These breweries often host community events, support local artists by displaying their work, and create a sense of shared local identity.
In terms of economic impact, craft breweries contribute substantially to San Bernardino's local economy. They create jobs not only within the breweries themselves but also in related sectors such as agriculture, for sourcing ingredients, and retail, through beer sales and distribution. This symbiosis supports the city’s economic ecosystem, generating a multiplier effect as dollars circulate within the community.
Moreover, when residents choose to spend their money at local breweries, they are directly supporting the economic health of their community. This local spending strengthens the city's economy in a tangible way, as demonstrated through tax revenue that benefits public services and infrastructure.
Local Impact Description
Job Creation Craft breweries provide a range of jobs, from brewing to service staff.
Community Events Breweries often hold events that encourage community gathering and interaction.
Support for Other Businesses Collaborations with local suppliers and businesses amplify their positive economic impact.
Tax Revenue Sales and business taxes contribute to local government funds.
The confidence that San Bernardino's economy and social landscape are being positively shaped by the growth and development of craft breweries is backed by figures indicating their contribution to the local and broader state economy. Craft breweries are an example of how targeted local development can yield wide-reaching benefits for the community.
Conclusion
San Bernardino County, nestled within the greater Inland Empire, has made impressive strides in the craft beer community. The landscape is dotted with an array of breweries that have quickly become local staples, seamlessly integrating into the fabric of Southern California's lifestyle.
Craft Beer Growth: The region boasts over 70 breweries, showcasing a robust variety of styles to cater to every palate.
Community Impact: These establishments have become more than just places to enjoy a pint; they serve as communal gathering spots where locals and visitors alike can appreciate the nuances of craft beer.
Local Economy: The proliferation of breweries has spurred economic growth, creating jobs and fostering a sense of pride within the community.
Brewery enthusiasts can expect a broad selection, from the charming Escape Craft Brewery in Redlands to innovative flavors found throughout the county. With an ongoing commitment to quality and a zest for experimentation, San Bernardino’s craft beer scene is a testament to the county's vibrant culture.
Each brewery offers a unique atmosphere, often complemented by food options and events that enrich the community experience. Such connectivity between breweries and residents nurtures a shared identity rooted in the appreciation of finely crafted beer.
Visitors to the Inland Empire seeking the essence of Californian craft beer will find San Bernardino County to be a compelling destination. Here, the dedication to craft and community comes to the fore, promising an authentic and memorable beer adventure.
