Corona, California boasts a thriving craft beer scene that delights locals and visitors alike. This vibrant city in Riverside County offers a diverse array of breweries and taprooms, each with its own unique flavors and atmosphere. From established favorites like Skyland Ale Works to newer entrants like Stone Church Brewing, Corona’s craft beer landscape provides something for every palate.
Beer enthusiasts can explore a range of styles, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and refreshing lagers. Many local breweries showcase their creativity through seasonal offerings and experimental brews, keeping the beer selection fresh and exciting. Some venues also pair their craft beers with delicious food options, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
The craft beer community in Corona continues to grow, with new breweries and taprooms opening to meet increasing demand. This guide aims to highlight the best spots for craft beer lovers to discover in Corona, showcasing the city’s commitment to quality brews and fostering a sense of local pride in its burgeoning beer culture.
History of Craft Beer in Corona
Corona’s craft beer scene emerged as part of the broader craft brewing movement in Southern California. The city’s first microbrewery opened in the early 2000s, marking the beginning of Corona’s local beer culture.
As part of the Inland Empire, Corona benefited from the region’s growing interest in artisanal beverages. Local brewers drew inspiration from established craft beer hubs in nearby San Diego and Los Angeles.
The 2010s saw rapid growth in Corona’s craft beer industry. Several new breweries and taprooms opened their doors, offering residents and visitors a diverse range of locally-made beers.
Skyland Ale Works and Stone Church Brewing were among the early pioneers in Corona’s craft beer landscape. These establishments helped establish the city’s reputation for quality brews.
Corona’s craft breweries have embraced innovation, experimenting with unique flavors and brewing techniques. Many have gained recognition at regional and national beer competitions.
The city’s craft beer scene has fostered a sense of community. Local breweries often collaborate on special releases and participate in beer festivals, showcasing Corona’s brewing talent.
Today, Corona boasts a thriving craft beer culture with multiple breweries and taprooms. These establishments continue to contribute to the city’s economic growth and social fabric.
Top Brewpubs in Corona
Corona boasts several outstanding brewpubs offering unique craft beer experiences. These establishments combine quality brews with delicious food and welcoming atmospheres.
Dos Lagos Area Highlights
Skyland Ale Works stands out in the Dos Lagos area. This brewpub features an impressive selection of house-made beers, ranging from crisp lagers to bold IPAs. Their spacious taproom provides a relaxed setting for beer enthusiasts.
Storytellers Brewery and Meet House offers a unique concept. They pair their craft beers with storytelling events, creating an engaging atmosphere. Their rotating tap list ensures there’s always something new to try.
Stone Church Brewing brings a touch of history to the local beer scene. Located in a renovated church building, this brewpub serves up traditional and experimental brews. Their outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying a pint on sunny days.
El Cerrito Favorites
GreyWolf Brewing Company in El Cerrito is known for its innovative beer recipes. They offer a diverse range of styles, from fruit-infused ales to robust stouts. The brewpub’s industrial-chic interior creates a modern, inviting ambiance.
Route 30 Brewing Company focuses on small-batch brews with unique flavor profiles. Their taproom features a laid-back vibe and often hosts food trucks, allowing patrons to pair their beers with different cuisines.
El Cerrito Liquor, while not a brewpub, is worth mentioning for its extensive craft beer selection. This bottle shop carries local Corona brews as well as hard-to-find regional and national craft beers.
Craft Beer Festivals and Events
Corona, California hosts several exciting craft beer festivals and events throughout the year. Beer enthusiasts can look forward to sampling a wide variety of brews from local and regional craft breweries.
One notable event is the Amber Waves of Grain Craft Beer Festival held at The Shops at Dos Lagos. This festival supports American veterans and features a craft beer garden with 40 microbreweries.
The OC Brew Ha Ha Craft Beer Festival attracts beer aficionados from Corona and surrounding areas. Attendees can taste an extensive selection of craft beers while enjoying live music and entertainment.
Corona’s craft beer scene also includes smaller events like tap takeovers and brewery tours. These provide opportunities for beer enthusiasts to meet brewers and learn about the brewing process.
Many festivals incorporate food pairings, allowing attendees to explore complementary flavors with their craft beer selections. Some events feature local food trucks or restaurants to enhance the tasting experience.
Beer festivals in Corona often coincide with seasonal celebrations, creating a festive atmosphere for attendees. Winter and summer-themed events are particularly popular among craft beer fans.
For those interested in expanding their beer knowledge, some festivals offer educational components such as brewing workshops or guided tastings led by industry experts.
Guide to Corona’s Bars and Pubs
Corona, California offers a vibrant scene for beer enthusiasts and nightlife lovers. The city boasts several establishments catering to various tastes and preferences.
The Brass Tap stands out as a popular craft beer bar in Corona. With over 150 craft beers from around the world, it provides a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere for patrons.
Skyland Ale Works is another notable venue for craft beer aficionados. This local brewery offers a range of unique brews and a welcoming environment for visitors.
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar combines quality food with an extensive beer selection. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking a casual dining experience alongside their favorite brews.
For a more intimate setting, The Office Bar provides a cozy space for unwinding after work. Its laid-back ambiance appeals to locals looking for a familiar hangout.
Carbon Nation Brewing represents Corona’s growing craft beer scene. This brewery showcases innovative flavors and styles, attracting beer lovers from across the region.
Route 30 Brewing Company rounds out the list of must-visit spots. Known for its rotating tap list and community-focused events, it’s become a staple in Corona’s craft beer community.
These establishments form the core of Corona’s bar and pub scene, offering diverse options for both residents and visitors seeking quality craft beers and lively atmospheres.
Local Brewing Techniques
Corona’s craft breweries employ a mix of innovative and traditional methods to create unique, flavorful beers. These techniques showcase the skill and creativity of local brewers while honoring time-tested brewing traditions.
Innovation in Brewing
Corona’s brewers embrace cutting-edge techniques to push the boundaries of craft beer. Many use experimental hop varieties and unique flavor infusions to create distinctive brews. Some breweries utilize advanced temperature control systems for precise fermentation. Others experiment with barrel aging, using wine or spirits barrels to impart complex flavors.
Dry-hopping is a popular technique, adding hops after fermentation for enhanced aroma. Several breweries incorporate local ingredients like citrus fruits or honey to create beers with a true Corona flavor profile. Advanced filtration methods allow for the production of crystal-clear IPAs and lagers.
Traditional Methods
While embracing innovation, Corona’s breweries also respect time-honored brewing traditions. Many use classic mash and boil processes, carefully controlling temperatures to extract optimal flavors from malts. Open fermentation is still practiced by some, allowing wild yeasts to contribute unique characteristics.
Bottle conditioning remains popular for certain styles, creating natural carbonation and complex flavors. Some brewers focus on traditional German and Belgian brewing methods, producing authentic lagers, hefeweizens, and abbey-style ales. Hand-crafted small batches ensure quality control and allow for experimentation with classic recipes.
Cask conditioning is used for select ales, providing a smooth, naturally carbonated product. These traditional techniques demonstrate Corona brewers’ commitment to preserving brewing heritage while crafting great beer.
Visiting Brewery Arcades
Corona’s craft beer scene offers more than just great brews. Some local breweries have embraced the arcade trend, combining cold beers with classic games.
These brewery arcades provide a unique entertainment experience for beer enthusiasts and gamers alike. Visitors can enjoy a pint while trying their hand at pinball, air hockey, or vintage video games.
Many of these establishments are family-friendly, allowing parents to relax with a craft beer while kids play nearby. It’s a win-win for families looking for a fun outing.
One popular spot is Karl’s Brewpub and Arcade. This venue features a rotating selection of house-brewed beers alongside a well-maintained collection of arcade cabinets.
Visitors should note that game availability may vary between locations. It’s best to check with individual breweries about their arcade offerings before planning a trip.
These brewery arcades often host special events, combining beer tastings with game tournaments. These gatherings are excellent opportunities to meet fellow craft beer and gaming enthusiasts.
Remember to drink responsibly, especially when operating arcade machines. Most breweries have non-alcoholic options available for designated drivers and those abstaining from alcohol.
Spotlight on Beer Aficionados
Beer aficionados in Corona, CA are passionate about their craft brews. These enthusiasts appreciate the nuances of different beer styles and flavors.
Local beer lovers often gather at taprooms and breweries to sample new releases and discuss their favorites. They value the creativity and innovation of Corona’s brewers.
Many aficionados participate in beer tasting events and brewery tours. These experiences allow them to expand their knowledge and refine their palates.
Some dedicated beer enthusiasts even try their hand at homebrewing. This hobby lets them experiment with ingredients and brewing techniques.
Corona’s beer culture is shaped by these knowledgeable consumers. Their feedback and support help drive the local craft beer scene forward.
Beer aficionados in the area often seek out limited edition and seasonal brews. They enjoy tracking down rare bottles and attending special release events.
Social media and beer rating apps are popular tools among Corona’s beer community. Enthusiasts use these platforms to share recommendations and connect with fellow craft beer fans.
The city’s beer aficionados take pride in supporting local breweries. They actively promote Corona’s craft beer scene to visitors and newcomers.
Beyond Corona: Exploring Nearby Beer Communities
Southern California offers a wealth of craft beer experiences beyond Corona’s borders. Beer enthusiasts can discover unique brews and vibrant beer cultures in neighboring cities and regions.
Temecula’s Craft Scene
Temecula, known for its wineries, also boasts a growing craft beer scene. Refuge Brewery crafts Belgian-inspired ales, while Aftershock Brewing Co. offers a diverse range of styles. Beer lovers can enjoy tasting flights at Wiens Brewing Company, featuring their popular ‘Descend’ Black IPA.
Garage Brewing Co. combines craft beer with wood-fired pizza in a lively atmosphere. For a scenic beer experience, Ironfire Brewing Company provides outdoor seating with views of the Temecula Valley.
San Diego Breweries
San Diego stands as a craft beer mecca with over 150 breweries. Stone Brewing, one of the largest craft breweries in the U.S., offers tours and a picturesque beer garden. Ballast Point Brewing Company, famous for its Sculpin IPA, operates multiple locations throughout the city.
Modern Times Beer impresses with its eclectic taprooms and innovative brews. AleSmith Brewing Company, known for its Speedway Stout, provides a spacious tasting room and brewery tours.
Beer enthusiasts can explore the 30+ breweries in the “Hops Highway” along the 78 corridor.
Los Angeles Beer Tours
LA’s craft beer scene continues to expand, offering exciting options for beer tours. LA Beer Hop conducts guided tours to multiple breweries, providing insights into the brewing process and local beer culture.
Angel City Brewery in the Arts District hosts events and food trucks in its expansive space. Highland Park Brewery offers a cozy taproom experience with rotating small-batch beers.
For a unique experience, Mumford Brewing combines beer tasting with art installations. The Torrance area features a cluster of breweries, including Smog City Brewing and Monkish Brewing Co., known for their hazy IPAs.
