Los Angeles has become a thriving hub for craft beer enthusiasts, with a diverse and ever-expanding scene that caters to every palate. From small-batch breweries to expansive taprooms, the city offers a wealth of options for those seeking unique and flavorful brews. Los Angeles boasts dozens of award-winning brewers across different neighborhoods, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the local craft beer landscape.
The city’s craft beer offerings reflect the vibrant cultural diversity of Los Angeles itself. Brewers draw inspiration from local ingredients and communities, infusing their creations with distinctly Californian flavors. Visitors and residents alike can explore a wide range of styles, from hop-forward IPAs bursting with tropical aromas to crisp lagers perfect for sunny afternoons.
Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just beginning to explore the world of craft brews, Los Angeles has something to offer. The city’s breweries and taprooms provide inviting spaces to gather with friends, sample innovative beers, and immerse yourself in the local craft beer culture.
History of Los Angeles Craft Beer
Los Angeles has a rich brewing heritage dating back to the 19th century. Two regional brands, Los Angeles Brewing and Maier Brewing, survived Prohibition and continued operating for decades.
The 1970s saw major changes in the beer landscape. National giants like Anheuser-Busch and Miller dominated the market, leading to the closure of Pabst’s Los Angeles operations in 1979.
This marked the end of an era for large-scale brewing in the city. However, it also set the stage for the craft beer revolution that would follow.
The craft beer scene in Los Angeles was slow to develop compared to other West Coast cities. For many years, only a handful of brewhouses operated in L.A. County.
But the 21st century brought significant growth to the local craft beer industry. Brewers began embracing Los Angeles’ unique culture and history in their creations.
By the mid-2010s, the craft brewing culture had firmly taken hold. The number of craft breweries and brewpubs in the Los Angeles area expanded rapidly, reaching over 30 establishments.
This growth continues today, with new breweries opening regularly. They span from the Antelope Valley to the South Bay, offering diverse styles and flavors to beer enthusiasts.
Los Angeles Craft Beer Scene Overview
Los Angeles boasts a thriving craft beer scene that has grown significantly in recent years. The city now supports dozens of award-winning brewers across various neighborhoods and setups.
Craft beer enthusiasts can find a diverse range of options throughout Southern California. From beach town brewpubs to urban taprooms, the region offers something for every palate.
Many local breweries draw inspiration from L.A.’s vibrant culture and communities. They often infuse the city’s creative spirit into unique flavor profiles and brewing techniques.
The Los Angeles craft beer landscape features both established names and up-and-coming producers. Some standout breweries include Golden Road, one of the largest craft operations in the area with multiple locations.
Beer lovers can explore the scene through various events and venues. L.A. Beer Week, held annually in September, showcases local brews and fosters community among craft beer enthusiasts.
Dedicated craft beer bars and gastropubs also play a crucial role in the Los Angeles beer ecosystem. These establishments often feature rotating taps and curated bottle lists, highlighting both local and out-of-state craft offerings.
As the craft beer movement continues to evolve, Los Angeles remains at the forefront of innovation and quality in the industry.
Anatomy of LA’s Craft Breweries
Los Angeles boasts a diverse and thriving craft beer scene with unique breweries spread across the city and surrounding areas. From iconic establishments in the heart of LA to hidden gems in the Inland Empire, each region contributes its own flavor to the local beer landscape.
Iconic Breweries in the Heart of LA
Highland Park Brewery stands out as a cornerstone of LA’s craft beer scene. Located in Chinatown, it offers a range of innovative brews that showcase local ingredients. Angel City Brewery in the Arts District occupies a historic building and produces popular styles like their IPA and Pilsner. Golden Road Brewing, founded in 2011, has grown into one of LA’s largest craft breweries with a spacious pub in Atwater Village. These breweries have helped shape the city’s beer culture and continue to attract both locals and tourists.
South Bay’s Pioneering Brew Masters
The South Bay area has been instrumental in LA’s craft beer revolution. Smog City Brewing in Torrance is known for its experimental beers and barrel-aged offerings. Monkish Brewing Co., also in Torrance, specializes in Belgian-style ales and hazy IPAs that draw crowds from across the region. Strand Brewing Co. in Torrance rounds out the South Bay trifecta with its approachable lineup of ales and lagers. These breweries have put the South Bay on the map as a craft beer destination.
Downtown Arts District Brewing Hubs
The Arts District has become a hotspot for craft beer enthusiasts. Arts District Brewing Co. combines a brewery with a spacious bar and game room, offering a unique social experience. Boomtown Brewery occupies a 1920s warehouse and produces a wide range of styles from IPAs to Belgian ales. Mumford Brewing, a family-owned operation, focuses on hop-forward beers and creative small-batch brews. These establishments contribute to the neighborhood’s vibrant atmosphere and draw beer lovers from all over LA.
Inland Empire’s Hidden Gems
Venturing east, the Inland Empire harbors some noteworthy breweries. Claremont Craft Ales in Claremont offers a rotating selection of beers in a cozy taproom. Last Name Brewing in Upland (formerly Dale Bros Brewery) produces award-winning lagers and ales. La Verne Brewing Co. in La Verne crafts a variety of styles in their castle-like building, emphasizing community engagement. These breweries provide a more laid-back alternative to the bustling LA beer scene while maintaining high-quality standards.
San Gabriel Valley’s Craft Beer Innovators
The San Gabriel Valley has emerged as a craft beer hub in its own right. Homage Brewing in Pomona focuses on mixed fermentation and oak-aged beers, pushing the boundaries of traditional styles. Progress Brewing in South El Monte offers a diverse lineup ranging from light lagers to robust stouts. Mt. Lowe Brewing Co. in Arcadia pays homage to local history with its beers and taproom decor. These breweries showcase the innovative spirit of San Gabriel Valley’s craft beer scene, attracting beer enthusiasts from across LA County.
Exploring Local Taprooms and Brewpubs
Los Angeles offers a vibrant craft beer scene with diverse taprooms and brewpubs. These establishments showcase local brews and provide unique experiences for beer enthusiasts.
The Culture of Taprooms in LA
Taprooms in Los Angeles have become community hubs for craft beer lovers. Many feature rotating taps with experimental and seasonal brews. Visitors can sample flights to explore different styles.
Some popular taprooms include First Draft Taproom & Kitchen and Southland Beer. These venues often host events like trivia nights and live music. Outdoor seating areas are common, taking advantage of LA’s pleasant weather.
Tap lists frequently change, encouraging repeat visits. Many taprooms offer growler fills for take-home enjoyment. Staff members are typically knowledgeable and eager to discuss beer styles and flavors with patrons.
Brewpubs: Combining Food and Craft Beer
Brewpubs in LA pair house-made beers with quality food menus. These establishments brew on-site and serve fresh beer alongside carefully curated dishes.
Firestone Walker’s The Propagator in Venice is a notable brewpub. It offers a full restaurant menu and brews exclusive small-batch beers. Many brewpubs focus on pairing their beers with specific menu items.
Some brewpubs specialize in certain cuisines or beer styles. For example, a brewpub might focus on IPAs and burgers, while another emphasizes Belgian-style beers and farm-to-table fare.
Brewpubs often feature open layouts where diners can view brewing equipment. This adds to the immersive experience of enjoying fresh, local beer with a meal.
Discover Little Tokyo’s Beer Scene
Little Tokyo in downtown LA has a growing craft beer presence. The neighborhood blends traditional Japanese culture with modern brewing trends.
Several bars in the area offer extensive craft beer selections. These include both local Los Angeles brews and imported Japanese craft beers. Some establishments focus on pairing craft beer with Japanese cuisine.
Taprooms in Little Tokyo often feature sleek, minimalist designs inspired by Japanese aesthetics. Many host sake and beer tasting events, allowing patrons to compare different brewing traditions.
The area’s compact layout makes it ideal for beer-focused walking tours. Visitors can easily explore multiple venues in a single outing, sampling a variety of craft beers and Japanese-inspired brews.
The Beers of Los Angeles: Styles and Specialties
Los Angeles breweries offer a diverse range of beer styles, from hop-forward IPAs to crisp lagers and innovative experimental brews. The city’s craft beer scene showcases both traditional and cutting-edge approaches to brewing.
Signature IPAs of LA
Los Angeles breweries excel in crafting unique IPAs. Golden Road Brewing, the city’s largest craft brewery, produces popular hop-forward ales that capture LA’s vibrant spirit. Their Wolf Pup Session IPA delivers big hop flavor in a lower-alcohol package.
Many LA breweries focus on West Coast-style IPAs, known for their intense bitterness and citrusy hop aromas. Hazy, New England-style IPAs have also gained popularity, offering a juicier, less bitter alternative.
Local ingredients often feature in LA’s IPAs. Some breweries incorporate California-grown citrus fruits or locally sourced herbs to create distinctly regional flavor profiles.
Lagers and Pilsners: LA’s Lighter Side
Despite the IPA craze, Los Angeles brewers also craft excellent lagers and pilsners. These lighter styles are well-suited to the city’s warm climate and laid-back lifestyle.
MacLeod Ale Brewing Co. specializes in British-style cask ales, offering a unique experience in the LA beer scene. Their traditional brewing methods produce subtle, balanced lagers that appeal to both craft enthusiasts and casual drinkers.
Several LA breweries have embraced Mexican-style lagers, creating crisp, refreshing beers perfect for beach days or backyard barbecues. These brews often feature subtle corn sweetness and a clean finish.
Experimental and Barrel-Aged Brews
Los Angeles brewers push boundaries with experimental and barrel-aged beers. Solarc Brewing, for example, focuses on creating innovative flavor combinations and unique brewing techniques.
Barrel-aging has become increasingly popular among LA craft brewers. This process involves aging beer in wooden barrels, often previously used for spirits or wine. The result is complex flavors with notes of oak, vanilla, or whiskey.
Some LA breweries experiment with wild fermentation, using local yeasts to create sour or funky beers. Others incorporate unconventional ingredients like coffee, chocolate, or tropical fruits to craft truly distinctive brews.
Notable Los Angeles Breweries
Los Angeles boasts a vibrant craft beer scene with several standout breweries. These establishments have made significant contributions to the local beer culture, each offering unique flavors and experiences.
Angel City Brewery and Its Impact
Angel City Brewery has been a cornerstone of the Los Angeles craft beer scene since 1997. Located in the Arts District, it operates from a spacious warehouse that serves as both a production facility and taproom.
The brewery’s long-standing presence has helped shape the city’s beer landscape. Angel City’s diverse range of ales attracts both locals and tourists, making it a popular destination.
Their commitment to community involvement and artistic collaborations has further cemented their place in LA’s cultural fabric. The brewery often hosts events, art shows, and food truck gatherings, creating a vibrant social hub.
The Rise of Mumford Brewing
Mumford Brewing has quickly become a favorite among craft beer enthusiasts in Los Angeles. Founded in 2015, this family-owned brewery has gained recognition for its innovative and high-quality brews.
Located in the Arts District, Mumford specializes in Northeast-style IPAs, fruited sours, and experimental beers. Their taproom offers a rotating selection of fresh, small-batch beers.
The brewery’s success can be attributed to its focus on quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations. Mumford’s commitment to pushing boundaries in brewing has earned them a loyal following.
Three Weavers Brewing Co’s Contribution
Three Weavers Brewing Company has made significant strides in the Los Angeles craft beer community since its founding in 2013. Based in Inglewood, this women-owned brewery has gained national recognition for its exceptional beers.
Their core lineup includes popular styles like IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Three Weavers is known for consistently producing high-quality, well-balanced beers.
The brewery’s dedication to community engagement and sustainability has set them apart. They frequently collaborate with other local businesses and participate in charitable initiatives.
Highland Park Brewery’s Craft Excellence
Highland Park Brewery has established itself as a leader in craft beer innovation since opening in 2014. With locations in Chinatown and Highland Park, they’ve become a staple of the Northeast Los Angeles beer scene.
Known for their experimental approach, Highland Park excels in producing unique sours, IPAs, and barrel-aged beers. Their creative use of local ingredients sets them apart from other breweries.
The brewery’s commitment to quality and creativity has earned them numerous awards and a dedicated fan base. Their taprooms offer a comfortable space for beer enthusiasts to explore new flavors.
El Segundo Brewing Co’s West Coast Flavors
El Segundo Brewing Co, founded in 2011, has become synonymous with classic West Coast-style IPAs. Located near Los Angeles International Airport, this brewery has gained a reputation for hop-forward beers.
Their lineup features a range of IPAs, showcasing different hop varieties and brewing techniques. El Segundo also produces quality lagers and experimental styles to complement their IPA offerings.
The brewery’s consistent quality and focus on freshness have made them a favorite among hop lovers. Their taproom, known as The Slice & Pint, offers pizzas to pair with their beers, creating a complete dining experience.
Craft Beer Tours and Experiences
Los Angeles boasts a vibrant craft beer scene, with numerous tours and experiences for enthusiasts to explore. LA Beer Hop offers popular brewery tours, taking guests to three local breweries on their 15-passenger bus.
SoCal Brew Bus provides similar experiences, focusing on the diverse craft beer offerings across the city. These tours often include transportation, tastings, and sometimes brewery tours when available.
For those interested in specific areas, South Bay Brewery Tours highlights the burgeoning craft beer scene in the southern part of Los Angeles County. This region has seen significant growth in craft breweries over recent years.
Many tours emphasize the opportunity to taste fresh beer directly from the source. Visitors can sample a wide range of styles, from traditional ales to innovative experimental brews.
Some popular stops on these tours include:
- Arts District Brewing Company
- Golden Road Brewing
- Frogtown Brewery
- Monkish Brewing
These experiences not only offer tastings but also provide insights into the brewing process and the local craft beer culture. Knowledgeable guides often share information about beer styles, ingredients, and brewing techniques.
For those preferring a self-guided experience, Los Angeles features numerous craft beer bars showcasing local and regional brews. These establishments often rotate their tap lists, ensuring a constantly changing selection of craft beers to explore.
Sustainable Practices in LA’s Beer Industry
Los Angeles craft breweries are embracing sustainability in innovative ways. Water conservation is a top priority in Southern California’s arid climate. Many breweries have implemented water recycling systems and efficient cleaning processes.
Energy efficiency is another focus. Several LA breweries have installed solar panels to power their operations. Others use energy-efficient brewing equipment and lighting to reduce their carbon footprint.
Waste reduction efforts are widespread in the local craft beer scene. Breweries donate spent grain to local farms for animal feed or compost. Some have even found creative uses for byproducts, like turning leftover yeast into dog treats.
Packaging choices reflect sustainability concerns. Many LA breweries opt for recyclable aluminum cans over glass bottles. Some use biodegradable six-pack rings or minimal packaging to reduce waste.
Local sourcing is gaining traction. Craft breweries in Southern California often partner with nearby farms for ingredients. This reduces transportation emissions and supports the local economy.
Some LA breweries have taken sustainability a step further by pursuing green certifications. These recognize their commitment to environmentally friendly practices across all aspects of production.
As the craft beer industry in Los Angeles continues to grow, sustainable practices are becoming increasingly important. Breweries recognize that environmental responsibility is not just good for the planet, but also appeals to eco-conscious consumers.
Community and Events
Los Angeles boasts a vibrant craft beer community that brings enthusiasts together through various events and gatherings. Beer festivals occur regularly throughout the year, showcasing local breweries and their latest creations.
Many breweries host special release parties, allowing fans to be the first to taste new brews. These events often feature live music, food trucks, and opportunities to meet the brewers.
Tap takeovers at local bars give beer lovers a chance to sample a wide range of offerings from specific breweries. These events frequently include limited edition or experimental beers not available elsewhere.
Several breweries organize beer education classes, teaching attendees about brewing processes, beer styles, and food pairings. These sessions cater to both novices and experienced craft beer enthusiasts.
Beer-themed running clubs have gained popularity, combining exercise with craft beer appreciation. Participants typically run a set course before enjoying beers together at a local brewery or taproom.
Charity events centered around craft beer are common in Los Angeles, with proceeds benefiting local causes. These gatherings foster a sense of community while supporting important initiatives.
The Los Angeles craft beer scene also embraces collaboration, with breweries often partnering to create unique, limited-edition beers. These collaborations strengthen ties within the brewing community and offer exciting new flavors for consumers.
