San Bernardino, California boasts a thriving craft beer scene that attracts beer enthusiasts from far and wide. The city and surrounding county are home to numerous top-rated breweries offering unique and flavorful brews. From Ritual Brewing to Escape Craft Brewery, San Bernardino’s local beer makers have earned recognition for their exceptional quality and creativity.
Visitors and residents alike can explore a diverse range of taprooms and beer bars throughout the area. These establishments showcase not only local creations but also craft beers from across California and beyond. The Cutting Board Restaurant & Bar and South Side Saloon are just a few popular spots for sampling an array of craft beers.
San Bernardino’s craft beer community extends beyond the city limits into neighboring towns like Redlands and Rancho Cucamonga. This regional approach provides beer lovers with even more options to discover new flavors and support local businesses. Whether seeking a laid-back brewery experience or a lively beer bar atmosphere, San Bernardino County offers something for every craft beer aficionado.
Exploring San Bernardino’s Craft Beer Scene
San Bernardino’s craft beer scene has evolved significantly in recent years. The city now boasts a variety of local breweries and taprooms offering unique, flavorful brews to beer enthusiasts.
History of Brewing in San Bernardino
Brewing in San Bernardino dates back to the early 20th century. Small-scale breweries operated in the area, producing traditional lagers and ales for local consumption.
During Prohibition, many breweries closed their doors. After its repeal, a few larger regional breweries dominated the local market.
The 1990s saw a resurgence of interest in craft brewing. Homebrewers and beer enthusiasts began experimenting with new flavors and styles, laying the groundwork for today’s thriving craft beer culture.
The Rise of Craft Beer Culture
San Bernardino’s craft beer scene exploded in the 2010s. Several microbreweries opened their doors, offering innovative and locally-inspired beers.
Ritual Brewing and Escape Craft Brewery emerged as popular destinations for beer lovers. These establishments focus on creating unique flavor profiles and experimental brews.
Local bars and restaurants also embraced the craft beer movement. The Cutting Board Restaurant & Bar and South Side Saloon now feature extensive craft beer selections.
Annual beer festivals and tasting events have become popular, showcasing San Bernardino’s diverse brewing talent. These gatherings help foster a sense of community among local beer enthusiasts.
Top Breweries in San Bernardino
San Bernardino boasts a thriving craft beer scene with several standout breweries. These establishments offer unique flavors, inviting atmospheres, and quality brews that have earned them loyal followings.
Ritual Brewing Co Overview
Ritual Brewing Co has established itself as a cornerstone of the San Bernardino craft beer community. Located in Redlands, this brewery is known for its wide range of beer styles and consistent quality. Ritual’s taproom provides a welcoming space for beer enthusiasts to sample their creations.
The brewery’s core lineup includes popular options like the Extra Red Ale and Hop-O-Matic IPA. Seasonal and limited releases keep the menu fresh and exciting for regular visitors. Ritual also hosts events and collaborates with local businesses, strengthening its ties to the community.
Hangar 24 Craft Brewery Profile
Hangar 24 Craft Brewing, founded in 2008, has grown from a small operation to a regional powerhouse. Their flagship location in Redlands offers a spacious taproom and outdoor seating area. The brewery is open daily, welcoming visitors from 11 AM to 10 PM most days, with extended hours on weekends.
Hangar 24’s beer lineup features year-round favorites like Orange Wheat and Betty IPA. They’re also known for their Barrel Roll series, which showcases barrel-aged and specialty brews. The brewery’s commitment to using local ingredients is evident in many of their creations.
Escape Craft Brewery Highlights
Escape Craft Brewery has two locations in the San Bernardino area: their original spot in Redlands and a newer “Downtown Oasis” location. Both venues offer unique experiences for craft beer lovers. The brewery’s name reflects their philosophy of providing an escape from the ordinary through innovative brews.
Escape’s beer menu rotates frequently, ensuring there’s always something new to try. They’re known for experimental flavors and styles, appealing to adventurous palates. The brewery also emphasizes community engagement, hosting regular events and supporting local causes.
Diverse Beer Styles of San Bernardino
San Bernardino’s craft beer scene offers a wide array of flavors and styles to suit every palate. From hoppy IPAs to tart sours and refreshing wheat beers, local breweries showcase their creativity and brewing expertise.
IPAs: San Bernardino’s Signature
India Pale Ales reign supreme in San Bernardino’s craft beer landscape. Local breweries excel in crafting bold, hop-forward IPAs that showcase a range of flavors and aromas.
Citrusy and tropical notes dominate many of the area’s popular IPAs. Pine and resin undertones add depth to these brews. Some local favorites feature a balanced malt backbone to complement the hop intensity.
Double and Triple IPAs push the boundaries of flavor and alcohol content. These high-octane versions amplify the hop character and often incorporate experimental hop varieties.
Savoring Sour Cells’ Unique Creations
Sour Cellars leads the charge in San Bernardino’s sour beer revolution. Their barrel-aged wild ales showcase complex flavors and aromas developed through extended fermentation processes.
Fruit-forward sours incorporate local produce, adding layers of flavor to the tart base. Cherry, raspberry, and peach variants are particularly popular among beer enthusiasts.
Sour Cellars’ mixed-fermentation beers blend traditional brewing techniques with modern innovation. These creations often feature funky, barnyard-like notes alongside bright acidity.
Local Love for Pilsners and Wheat Beers
San Bernardino’s brewers demonstrate their versatility with crisp pilsners and refreshing wheat beers. These styles offer a lighter alternative to the region’s hop-heavy offerings.
Pilsners showcase clean, crisp flavors with subtle hop bitterness. Local brewers often put their spin on this classic style with unique hop combinations or brewing techniques.
Orange wheat beers pay homage to the area’s citrus heritage. These refreshing brews feature a soft wheat base complemented by zesty orange flavors and aromas.
Hefeweizens and witbiers round out the wheat beer selection, offering traditional banana and clove notes or spicy coriander undertones, respectively.
Craft Beer Experiences
San Bernardino’s craft beer scene offers diverse experiences for beer enthusiasts. Visitors can explore local breweries, participate in guided tours, and attend exciting beer festivals.
Brewery Tours and Tasting Rooms
Several breweries in San Bernardino County welcome visitors for tours and tastings. Ritual Brewing provides an in-depth look at their brewing process, followed by samples of their latest creations. Escape Craft Brewery offers guided tours on weekends, allowing guests to see their equipment up close.
Hangar 24 Craft Brewing features a spacious tasting room where patrons can try flights of their signature beers. The Lakefront Taproom Bar and Kitchen combines craft beer with stunning views of the lake.
For a more intimate experience, Lake Arrowhead Brewing hosts small group tours by appointment. These tours often include exclusive tastings of limited-edition brews.
Craft Beer Festivals and Events
San Bernardino hosts several craft beer festivals throughout the year. The Inland Empire Brewers Guild organizes an annual event showcasing local breweries and their best offerings. This festival typically features live music, food pairings, and meet-the-brewer sessions.
Route 30 Brewing Company holds seasonal beer release parties, drawing crowds eager to taste their newest creations. These events often include food trucks and live entertainment.
The Redlands Beer Run combines fitness with craft beer appreciation, allowing participants to sample local brews at designated stops along the course. This unique event attracts both beer enthusiasts and runners alike.
Many local breweries also host weekly trivia nights or live music events, providing regular opportunities for craft beer lovers to gather and enjoy their favorite brews.
Supporting Local: Small Breweries and Taprooms
San Bernardino’s craft beer scene thrives on its small, independent breweries and taprooms. These local establishments offer unique flavors and experiences while contributing to the community’s economic vitality.
Hamilton Family Brewery Spot
Hamilton Family Brewery stands out as a beloved local craft beer destination. This family-owned operation prides itself on creating high-quality, small-batch brews with a personal touch.
Their taproom provides a welcoming atmosphere for beer enthusiasts to sample their latest creations. Visitors can expect a rotating selection of innovative ales and lagers, each crafted with locally sourced ingredients when possible.
The brewery often collaborates with nearby businesses, hosting food trucks and live music events. This commitment to community engagement has helped Hamilton Family Brewery become a cornerstone of San Bernardino’s craft beer culture.
3 Iron Brewing Co and Their Unique Approach
3 Iron Brewing Co has carved out a niche in San Bernardino’s competitive craft beer market. Their innovative approach to brewing sets them apart from larger commercial operations.
The brewery specializes in experimental flavors and styles, pushing the boundaries of traditional beer-making. Beer lovers can find everything from bold IPAs to smooth stouts, often infused with unexpected ingredients.
3 Iron’s taproom serves as a hub for beer education, offering tasting flights and brewing workshops. This focus on customer experience and knowledge-sharing has helped build a loyal following among local craft beer enthusiasts.
Rescue Brewing and Community Contribution
Rescue Brewing has made a name for itself not only through its exceptional beers but also through its dedication to community service. The brewery regularly partners with local charities and organizations to give back to San Bernardino.
Their taproom hosts fundraising events and donates a portion of proceeds to various causes. This commitment to social responsibility has endeared Rescue Brewing to socially conscious consumers.
The brewery’s selection includes a range of styles to suit diverse palates. From crisp lagers to complex barrel-aged offerings, Rescue Brewing demonstrates its versatility in craft beer production while maintaining a strong local focus.
Beyond the Brews: Food Pairings and Dining
San Bernardino’s craft beer scene offers more than just great brews. Many local breweries have embraced culinary excellence, creating unique food pairings and dining experiences that complement their craft beers.
Gastronomy in San Bernardino’s Brewpubs
Several brewpubs in San Bernardino County have elevated their food offerings to match the quality of their craft beers. Ritual Brewing, for example, serves a menu that goes beyond typical pub fare. Their kitchen crafts dishes designed to enhance the flavors of their beers.
Escape Craft Brewery’s Downtown Oasis location offers a full dining experience. The menu features locally-sourced ingredients and innovative recipes that pair perfectly with their diverse beer selection.
Hangar 24 Craft Brewing combines aviation themes with culinary creativity. Their food menu includes items that complement their popular Orange Wheat ale and other signature brews.
Local Delights and Craft Beer Pairings
San Bernardino’s breweries often collaborate with local food producers to create unique pairings. The region’s diverse culinary landscape provides ample opportunities for exciting beer and food combinations.
Fruity IPAs from local breweries like 3 Iron Brewing Company pair well with spicy dishes, cutting through heat while complementing complex flavors. Sour beers produced by smaller craft breweries in the area make excellent companions to rich pasta dishes.
Wheat beers, a popular style in San Bernardino’s craft beer scene, match wonderfully with local cheeses. The light, refreshing profiles of these beers balance creamy textures and bold flavors.
Many breweries offer tasting flights paired with small bites, allowing visitors to explore a range of flavor combinations. This approach showcases the versatility of craft beer in enhancing various cuisines.
Craft Beer Retail and Distribution
San Bernardino offers diverse options for craft beer enthusiasts to purchase and enjoy local brews. The city’s retail landscape and distribution networks play crucial roles in connecting breweries with beer lovers.
Finding Local Craft Beer in Stores
Specialty beer shops in San Bernardino stock a wide selection of craft beers. House of Booze and Jug & Jigger Liquor are popular destinations for craft beer aficionados. These stores often feature local and regional brews alongside national craft brands.
Grocery stores like Gerrards Market also carry craft beer options. Some liquor stores, such as La Bodega Wines & Spirits, offer curated craft beer selections.
Beer enthusiasts can find limited-edition releases and seasonal offerings at these retail locations. Many stores organize tastings and events to introduce customers to new craft beers.
Craft Breweries’ Distribution Channels
Local breweries in San Bernardino use various distribution methods to reach consumers. Some breweries self-distribute, delivering directly to bars, restaurants, and retail stores in the area.
Larger craft breweries may partner with regional distributors to expand their reach. This allows their products to be available in a wider range of locations throughout San Bernardino and neighboring cities.
Taprooms and brewery-owned shops serve as direct sales channels. Ritual Brewing and Escape Craft Brewery operate taprooms where customers can purchase beer to enjoy on-site or take home.
Many San Bernardino breweries also offer online ordering and local delivery options, making it convenient for customers to access their favorite craft beers.
Craft Beer Community and Advocacy
San Bernardino’s craft beer scene thrives on community engagement and advocacy efforts. Local breweries and enthusiasts work together to promote the industry and educate consumers about craft beer.
Promoting Local Breweries
San Bernardino breweries collaborate on events and initiatives to raise awareness of local craft beer. They participate in beer festivals, showcasing their unique brews to a wider audience. Many taprooms host regular gatherings like trivia nights or live music to attract customers and build community.
Social media plays a key role in promotion. Breweries use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to share new releases and behind-the-scenes content. This digital presence helps them connect with craft beer fans and drive taproom visits.
Local beer clubs and groups organize brewery tours, fostering connections between brewers and consumers. These tours highlight the diversity of San Bernardino’s craft beer offerings and support small businesses.
Education and Craft Beer Appreciation
Breweries in San Bernardino offer tasting sessions and beer pairing events to educate consumers. These experiences help attendees develop their palates and appreciate the nuances of different beer styles.
Many taprooms display informational posters about brewing processes and ingredients. This visual education enhances customers’ understanding of craft beer production.
Some breweries partner with local culinary schools or community colleges to offer brewing classes. These courses cover topics like homebrewing basics and beer flavor profiles.
Beer festivals in San Bernardino often include educational components. Expert-led seminars and guided tastings provide opportunities for attendees to deepen their craft beer knowledge.
Environmental Sustainability in Brewing
San Bernardino’s craft beer scene is embracing eco-friendly practices and sustainable innovation. Local breweries are implementing measures to reduce their environmental impact while producing high-quality beverages.
Eco-Friendly Practices at Local Breweries
Many San Bernardino breweries prioritize water conservation, a crucial resource in beer production. They employ advanced filtration systems and water recycling techniques to minimize waste.
Energy efficiency is another focus area. Several breweries have installed solar panels to power their operations, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. LED lighting and energy-efficient brewing equipment further decrease electricity consumption.
Waste reduction initiatives are common. Breweries donate spent grain to local farms for animal feed or compost. Some have implemented closed-loop systems to reuse byproducts in the brewing process.
Sustainable Brewing Innovation
San Bernardino breweries are experimenting with sustainable ingredients. Some source locally grown hops and grains to reduce transportation emissions and support regional agriculture.
Packaging innovations include biodegradable six-pack rings and recyclable cans. A few breweries offer incentives for customers who bring reusable growlers, cutting down on single-use containers.
Carbon capture technology is being explored by forward-thinking breweries. This process captures CO2 produced during fermentation for reuse in carbonation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Collaborative efforts between breweries to share sustainable practices and resources are gaining traction, fostering a community-wide commitment to environmental stewardship in the craft beer industry.
