Downey, California may not be the first place that comes to mind for craft beer enthusiasts, but this Los Angeles County city is quietly developing a vibrant local beer scene. From cozy taprooms to full-scale breweries, Downey offers a growing selection of craft beer options for locals and visitors alike.
The city boasts several notable craft beer destinations, including Brewjeria Company, La Jara Brewing Company, and The Bike Brewery. These establishments showcase a range of styles, from classic IPAs to experimental small-batch brews. Beer lovers can explore unique flavors and support local businesses while enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of Downey’s burgeoning beer community.
For those looking to expand their craft beer horizons, Downey’s proximity to other brewing hotspots in the greater Los Angeles area provides even more options. Nearby cities like Whittier and Long Beach offer additional breweries and taprooms, making Downey an ideal starting point for a craft beer adventure in Southern California.
History of Craft Beer in Downey
Downey’s craft beer scene has evolved from humble beginnings to a thriving local industry. The city’s brewing culture reflects broader trends in American craft beer while maintaining a distinctive local flavor.
Early Beginnings
Craft beer in Downey traces its roots to the early 2000s. Homebrewers and beer enthusiasts laid the groundwork, experimenting with recipes and sharing their creations at local events. The city’s first craft beer bar opened in 2008, introducing residents to a wider range of beer styles beyond mainstream options.
Local liquor stores like Downey Liquor began stocking craft beers, catering to growing demand. This period saw the emergence of beer tastings and small-scale brewing workshops, fostering a community of craft beer aficionados.
Recent Growth
The past decade has witnessed significant expansion in Downey’s craft beer landscape. Established in 2015, Downey Brewing Company became the city’s first commercial craft brewery. Their innovative offerings, including a white stout and blood orange IPA, quickly gained popularity.
New venues like Trading Post and The Junction Bar – Billiards have expanded the city’s craft beer selection. These establishments host regular tasting events and feature rotating taps of local and regional brews.
Downey’s craft beer scene now boasts a diverse range of styles, from traditional ales to experimental brews. The industry’s growth has sparked interest in beer tourism, attracting visitors from neighboring cities and contributing to local economic development.
Downey Brewing Company Overview
Downey Brewing Company stands as a cornerstone of the local craft beer scene. This establishment has made significant contributions to Downey’s beer culture through its unique brews and community engagement.
Founding Story
Downey Brewing Company opened its doors in 2008, becoming the original brewhouse in Downey. The founders aimed to create a space where beer enthusiasts could gather and enjoy quality craft brews. Their vision quickly took root, transforming the brewery into a local hotspot.
The company’s growth mirrored the rising popularity of craft beer in the area. As demand increased, Downey Brewing Company expanded its offerings and refined its brewing techniques. This evolution helped cement its position as a leader in the local craft beer community.
Signature Brews
Downey Brewing Company’s beer selection showcases its commitment to innovation and quality. The brewery offers 46 beers on tap, catering to a wide range of palates.
Some standout brews include:
- Yang White Stout: An innovative take on traditional stouts
- Legacy Blood Orange IPA: A refreshing, citrus-infused India Pale Ale
- Apple Pie Apple Cider: A sweet, dessert-inspired cider
These unique creations highlight the brewery’s skill in crafting distinctive flavor profiles. The company continually experiments with new recipes, keeping its menu fresh and exciting for regular patrons.
Community Impact
Downey Brewing Company has become more than just a place to drink beer. It serves as a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. The brewery hosts various events, including UFC Pay Per View showings and other sports broadcasts, fostering a sense of community among patrons.
The establishment’s success has contributed to the growth of Downey’s craft beer scene. It has inspired other local businesses and helped put Downey on the map for beer enthusiasts. The brewery’s commitment to quality and innovation continues to draw visitors from surrounding areas, boosting the local economy.
Guide to Local Craft Beer Selection
Downey’s craft beer scene offers a diverse array of styles and flavors to suit any palate. Local breweries and bars showcase both classic favorites and innovative creations, with options changing throughout the year to reflect seasonal tastes.
Popular Styles
India Pale Ales (IPAs) reign supreme in Downey’s craft beer landscape. Local breweries like Brewjeria Company and La Jara Brewing Company produce hop-forward ales that showcase citrus and pine notes. Stouts are also in high demand, with variations ranging from dry Irish-style to rich imperial versions.
One standout is the Yang White Stout, a unique twist on traditional dark beers. This pale-colored brew surprises drinkers with roasty coffee and chocolate flavors typically associated with darker ales.
Wheat beers and lagers provide lighter options for those seeking crisp, refreshing flavors. Many local establishments offer flights, allowing patrons to sample multiple styles in one sitting.
Seasonal Offerings
Downey’s craft breweries embrace the changing seasons with limited-time releases. Summer brings refreshing fruit-infused ales and session IPAs perfect for warm weather. Crisp Oktoberfest lagers appear in early fall, followed by pumpkin ales and harvest-inspired brews.
Winter sees the arrival of rich, warming styles like barrel-aged stouts and spiced winter ales. Spring heralds the return of lighter fare, with maibocks and saisons making their annual appearance.
Local bars like The Junction Bar – Billiards and Uncle Henry’s Deli rotate their tap lists regularly to feature these seasonal specialties. Beer enthusiasts can stay informed about new releases through brewery social media accounts and local beer-focused events.
The Craft Beer Community in Downey
Downey’s craft beer community is vibrant and growing. Beer enthusiasts in the area have many opportunities to connect, learn, and enjoy unique brews together.
Events and Tastings
LKSD Kitchen hosts regular beer tasting events showcasing local and regional craft beers. These gatherings attract both newcomers and experienced beer aficionados.
Brewjeria Company organizes seasonal beer festivals, drawing crowds from Downey and surrounding cities. These events often feature live music and food pairings.
Uncle Henry’s Deli holds monthly “Meet the Brewer” nights. Attendees can talk directly with brewers about their craft and sample limited-edition beers.
The Junction Bar – Billiards offers weekly beer flights, allowing patrons to compare different styles from various local breweries.
Local Beer Clubs
The Downey Brew Crew meets monthly at rotating locations to share and discuss craft beers. Members often bring rare or homebrewed beers to sample.
Bottle Cap & Spirits hosts a Beer of the Month Club. Participants receive curated selections of craft beers along with tasting notes.
An online community, Downey Hops, connects local beer enthusiasts through social media. They organize impromptu tastings and share beer reviews.
Brewery Tours
Angry Horse Brewing offers guided tours of their facility every Saturday. Visitors learn about the brewing process and sample beers straight from the source.
Downey Brewing Company provides private group tours by appointment. These tours often conclude with a tasting session in their taproom.
Beer Thug Brewing runs “Brewer for a Day” experiences. Participants get hands-on involvement in the brewing process, from grain selection to bottling.
Several local tour companies organize craft brewery crawls. These tours typically visit 3-4 Downey breweries in one day, with transportation included.
Supporting Local Craft Breweries
Choosing local craft breweries offers unique flavors and supports community economic growth. These establishments create jobs and often source ingredients from nearby producers, fostering a vibrant local ecosystem.
Why Choose Local
Local craft breweries offer a diverse range of unique, artisanal beers that reflect regional tastes and ingredients. Many feature seasonal and limited-edition brews, showcasing the creativity of local brewmasters.
These breweries often provide a more personal experience, with opportunities to meet the brewers and learn about the brewing process. Tasting rooms and taphouses create social gathering spaces that strengthen community bonds.
Local beers tend to be fresher, as they don’t travel long distances before reaching consumers. This results in better flavor profiles and a more enjoyable drinking experience.
Impact on Local Economy
Supporting local craft breweries has a significant positive effect on the local economy. These businesses create jobs across various sectors, including brewing, serving, distribution, and marketing.
Many craft breweries source ingredients from local farmers and suppliers, further stimulating regional economic activity. This practice helps maintain agricultural diversity and supports other local businesses.
Craft breweries often attract tourists, boosting revenue for surrounding businesses like restaurants and hotels. They can also contribute to neighborhood revitalization by occupying previously vacant spaces.
According to the Brewers Association, small and independent craft breweries contributed $97 billion to the U.S. economy, highlighting their substantial economic impact.
