Torrance, California has become a hidden gem for craft beer enthusiasts in recent years. This coastal city in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County boasts a thriving brewery scene with numerous taprooms and brewpubs. Torrance is home to over 10 craft breweries, offering a diverse range of beer styles from Belgian-inspired ales to hoppy West Coast IPAs.
The craft beer movement in Torrance began in 2000 with the opening of Red Car Brewery and Restaurant. Since then, the city has welcomed a wave of innovative breweries that have put Torrance on the map for beer lovers. Standout establishments include Monkish Brewing, known for its unique Belgian-style beers, and Smog City Brewing, which produces an eclectic lineup of experimental brews.
Visitors to Torrance can easily spend a day or weekend exploring the local beer scene. Many breweries are within walking distance of each other, making for convenient brewery hopping. With its relaxed atmosphere and high-quality brews, Torrance offers a refreshing alternative to the bustling Los Angeles beer landscape.
The Craft Beer Scene in Torrance, CA
Torrance has emerged as a vibrant hub for craft beer enthusiasts. The city boasts a diverse array of breweries and unique brews that have put it on the map for beer lovers.
The Rise of Torrance Breweries
Torrance’s craft beer scene has experienced significant growth in recent years. The city now hosts 10 breweries, each offering distinctive flavors and experiences. Smog City Brewing and Monkish Brewing have gained particular acclaim for their innovative approaches to beer-making.
Monkish Brewing, located at 20311 S Western Ave, has become known for its uniquely packaged beers with creative names like Alter Boy and Zombie-ish. Their experimental styles have attracted a dedicated following.
Red Car Brewery & Restaurant, inspired by the famous California Red Car line, adds a historical touch to the local brewing landscape. It combines craft beer with a full dining experience.
Diversity of Brews and Breweries
Torrance’s craft beer scene offers a wide range of styles and flavors to suit various preferences. HopSaint Brewing specializes in hoppy IPAs, while Absolution Brewing Company focuses on Belgian-inspired ales.
Buzzrock Brewing Co. and Scholb Premium Ales contribute to the diversity with their own unique takes on craft beer. The Brews Hall at Del Amo provides a food hall experience paired with locally crafted beers.
For those seeking a broader selection, establishments like Select Beer Store and Caps & Corks offer curated collections of craft beers from Torrance and beyond. These bottle shops allow beer enthusiasts to explore the full spectrum of local and regional brews.
Top Breweries in Torrance
Torrance boasts a thriving craft beer scene with numerous standout breweries. These establishments offer diverse beer styles, unique atmospheres, and innovative brewing techniques that have put the city on the map for beer enthusiasts.
Monkish Brewing Company
Monkish Brewing Company specializes in Belgian-style ales and hazy IPAs. Founded in 2012, it has gained a cult following for its creative and experimental brews. The taproom features a rotating selection of beers on draft, including limited releases and collaborations.
Monkish is known for its juicy, hop-forward New England-style IPAs and complex, yeast-driven Belgian ales. Their can releases often draw long lines of eager beer enthusiasts. The brewery’s minimalist aesthetic extends to its tasting room, creating a focused environment for enjoying their expertly crafted beers.
Smog City Brewing Co
Smog City Brewing Co offers a wide range of beer styles, from hop-forward IPAs to barrel-aged sours. Established in 2011, it has become a cornerstone of the Torrance beer community. The brewery’s taproom provides a welcoming space to sample their innovative creations.
Notable beers include:
- Little Bo Pils (Czech-style Pilsner)
- Coffee Porter (made with locally roasted coffee)
- Kumquat Saison (seasonal fruit beer)
Smog City is committed to sustainability, implementing water conservation practices and supporting local charities through their “Pints with a Purpose” program.
The Dudes’ Brewing Co
The Dudes’ Brewing Co focuses on approachable, California-inspired beers. Their flagship location in Torrance features a spacious taproom and outdoor patio. The brewery produces a range of year-round and seasonal offerings, catering to various taste preferences.
Popular beers include:
- CalifornIPA (West Coast IPA)
- Juicebox Series (fruited IPAs)
- Blood Orange Amber
The Dudes’ Brewing Co has expanded to multiple locations across Southern California, but their Torrance brewery remains the heart of their operations.
Absolution Brewing Company
Absolution Brewing Company combines traditional brewing methods with modern techniques. Their beers often feature unique ingredient combinations and barrel-aging processes. The taproom offers a rotating selection of draft beers and a relaxed atmosphere.
Signature beers include:
- Cardinal Sin Red Ale
- Fallen Angel Imperial Stout
- Wandering Monk Belgian-style Tripel
Absolution also produces a line of hard seltzers and non-alcoholic craft sodas, catering to a diverse range of customers.
Hopsaint Brewing Company
Hopsaint Brewing Company pairs craft beer with gourmet pub fare. Their brewery and restaurant offer a full dining experience alongside house-brewed beers. Hopsaint’s beers range from traditional styles to experimental brews.
Popular offerings include:
- Pure Intention Pale Ale
- Cacophony IPA
- The Noblest Rot Sour Ale
The brewery’s food menu features locally sourced ingredients and pairs well with their beer selection. Hopsaint’s spacious interior and outdoor patio provide ample seating for enjoying their brews and meals.
Yorkshire Square Brewery
Yorkshire Square Brewery specializes in traditional English-style cask ales. Their focus on this brewing method sets them apart in the Torrance beer scene. The taproom features hand-pumped cask ales served at cellar temperature.
Signature beers include:
- Early Doors Mild
- Tent Peg ESB
- Long Day’s Journey Into Pint (Porter)
Yorkshire Square’s commitment to authentic British pub culture extends to their food menu, which includes classic British fare like fish and chips and Scotch eggs.
Red Car Brewery and Restaurant
Red Car Brewery and Restaurant, named after the historic Pacific Electric Railway, combines craft beer with a full-service restaurant. Established in 2000, it’s one of Torrance’s oldest brewpubs. The brewery produces a range of classic and modern beer styles.
Popular beers include:
- South Bay IPA
- Electric Light Hefeweizen
- Big Red Ale
Red Car’s menu features pub favorites and wood-fired pizzas, making it a popular spot for both beer enthusiasts and diners.
Zymurgy Brew Works
Zymurgy Brew Works offers a unique “brew-on-premise” experience. Visitors can brew their own beer under the guidance of experienced brewers. The facility also produces its own line of craft beers available in the taproom.
Zymurgy’s house beers include:
- Torrance Blonde Ale
- Zymurgy IPA
- Robust Porter
The brewery’s educational approach makes it a popular destination for aspiring homebrewers and beer enthusiasts looking to learn more about the brewing process.
Buzzrock Brewing Co
Buzzrock Brewing Co focuses on creating balanced, drinkable beers. Their taproom offers a rotating selection of house-brewed beers and guest taps from other local breweries. Buzzrock’s brewing philosophy emphasizes quality ingredients and traditional techniques.
Notable beers include:
- Honeybee Blonde Ale
- Torrance Brown Ale
- West Coast IPA
The brewery’s laid-back atmosphere and community events make it a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.
Scholb Premium Ales
Scholb Premium Ales specializes in hop-forward beers and experimental brews. Their taproom features a constantly changing lineup of small-batch beers. Scholb’s focus on quality and innovation has earned them a dedicated following in the Torrance beer community.
Popular offerings include:
- Backyahd IPA
- Amped-Up Amber
- Goat Hill Stout
Scholb’s tasting room provides a intimate setting for sampling their latest creations. The brewery often collaborates with local businesses and artists, further connecting them to the Torrance community.
Signature Brews and Beers
Torrance’s craft beer scene boasts an array of distinctive brews that showcase local creativity and brewing expertise. From hop-forward IPAs to traditional cask ales and innovative styles, the city’s breweries offer a diverse selection for beer enthusiasts.
IPAs: A Local Favorite
India Pale Ales reign supreme in Torrance’s craft beer landscape. Local breweries excel in crafting hop-forward brews that captivate IPA lovers. Monkish Brewing Company stands out with its unique IPAs, often featuring experimental hop combinations and brewing techniques. Their canned offerings, with names like “Alter Boy” and “Zombie-ish,” have gained a strong following among beer aficionados.
Smog City Brewing also impresses with its IPA lineup. Their “Hoptonic” IPA balances piney and citrusy hop flavors, while “Little Bo Pils” offers a crisp, hoppy take on a pilsner. HopSaint Brewing Company produces “Pure Intention,” a West Coast-style IPA bursting with tropical fruit notes.
Discover Cask Ale in Torrance
Cask ale enthusiasts will find satisfying options in Torrance. Red Car Brewery & Restaurant, inspired by the historic California Red Car line, serves traditional cask-conditioned ales. Their “South Bay IPA” undergoes a secondary fermentation in the cask, resulting in a smooth, naturally carbonated brew with complex flavors.
Cosmic Brewery occasionally offers cask versions of their popular ales. Beer lovers can sample these unique, cellar-temperature brews that showcase subtle nuances often masked in force-carbonated versions. Cask nights at local taprooms provide opportunities to experience this traditional serving method.
Innovative Beer Styles
Torrance brewers push boundaries with inventive beer styles. Absolution Brewing Company crafts the “Cardinal Sin Red Ale,” a bold, malty brew with a hint of rye spiciness. Scholb Premium Ales experiments with fruit-infused beers, creating refreshing alternatives to traditional styles.
Burnin Daylight Brewing explores barrel-aging techniques, producing complex beers with layers of flavor. Their bourbon barrel-aged stouts offer rich notes of vanilla, oak, and whiskey. Project Barley Square focuses on small-batch releases, allowing for creative experimentation with ingredients and brewing processes.
These innovative brews showcase Torrance’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of craft beer, offering unique taste experiences for adventurous drinkers.
Pairing Food and Beer
Torrance’s craft beer scene offers delightful culinary experiences alongside its brews. Local brewpubs and breweries serve up tasty dishes perfectly matched with their beer selections.
Brewpub’s Culinary Delights
The Brews Hall at Del Amo stands out for its diverse food offerings. Their menu features classic burgers that pair well with hoppy IPAs. For a unique twist, try the Irish Totchos – a fusion of tater tots and nachos that complements malty amber ales.
Local Kitchen excels in beer and food pairings. Their chefs create dishes specifically designed to enhance the flavors of their craft beers. Popular options include beer-battered fish and chips served with crisp lagers.
HopSaint Brewing combines Southern-inspired cuisine with their house-brewed beers. Their smoked meats and barbecue dishes match perfectly with robust stouts and porters.
Iconic Eats at Local Breweries
Monkish Brewing, known for its innovative beers like Zombie-ish, offers a rotating selection of food trucks. These mobile eateries provide a variety of cuisines to complement Monkish’s unique brews.
Red Car Brewery & Restaurant serves up hearty pub fare. Their beer-infused dishes, such as ale-braised short ribs, pair excellently with their house brews.
Smog City Brewing partners with local food vendors to offer tasty bites in their taproom. Visitors can enjoy artisanal pizzas or gourmet tacos alongside Smog City’s award-winning beers.
Absolution Brewing Company hosts regular food pop-ups. These events showcase local chefs and their creations, providing perfect pairings for Absolution’s diverse beer lineup.
Brewery Tours and Events
Torrance offers exciting opportunities to explore its thriving craft beer scene through guided tours and special events. Beer enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the local brewing culture while sampling a variety of unique flavors.
Torrance Brewery Tours
Several companies provide brewery tours in Torrance, showcasing the city’s best craft beer destinations. LA Beer Hop offers public and private tours seven days a week, lasting 4-5 hours. These tours include visits to multiple breweries with beer flights at each stop.
SoCal Brew Bus runs tours that highlight Torrance’s top breweries. Their itineraries often feature popular spots like Smog City Brewing and Monkish Brewing. South Bay Brewery Tours also operates in the area, providing customized experiences for beer lovers.
Many tours include transportation, allowing participants to enjoy their tastings responsibly. Some operators offer behind-the-scenes looks at brewing processes and opportunities to meet local brewers.
Seasonal and Special Events
Torrance’s breweries host various events throughout the year, celebrating different beer styles and seasons. Smog City West, located in Torrance, often organizes tap takeovers and release parties for their latest brews.
The Brews Hall at Del Amo features special tasting events and food pairings. They combine craft beer with culinary experiences, attracting both beer and food enthusiasts.
During Oktoberfest, several Torrance breweries offer German-style beers and themed celebrations. Many local breweries also participate in LA Beer Week, hosting unique events and releasing limited-edition beers.
Some breweries organize educational events, such as brewing classes or beer and cheese pairing workshops. These events provide deeper insights into craft beer production and appreciation.
Community and Culture
Torrance’s craft beer scene fosters a strong sense of community and local culture. Breweries actively support charitable causes while providing social gathering spaces that bring people together over shared interests.
Breweries Supporting Local Causes
Many Torrance breweries partner with local environmental non-profits and community organizations. Smog City Brewing Co. hosts regular fundraisers, donating a portion of sales to groups like the Surfrider Foundation. Scholb Premium Ales organizes beach cleanups, encouraging patrons to volunteer.
Monkish Brewing Co. collaborates with local artists on limited edition can designs, with proceeds benefiting youth arts programs. These initiatives allow beer enthusiasts to give back while enjoying quality brews.
Torrance’s Social Brew Culture
Craft breweries serve as community hubs where friends and families gather. Tasting rooms like Strand Brewing Co. offer family-friendly environments with board games and outdoor seating. The Dudes’ Brewing Company hosts trivia nights and live music, creating a fun, social atmosphere.
Many breweries welcome dogs, making it easy for pet owners to socialize. Food trucks often park outside, turning brewery visits into casual dining experiences. This communal vibe extends to special events like Absolution Brewing’s annual Oktoberfest celebration, which brings neighbors together for traditional games and music.
Beyond Beer
Torrance’s craft beverage scene extends beyond its renowned breweries. The city offers a diverse range of locally-produced drinks to satisfy various tastes and preferences.
Local Wine and Spirits
Torrance boasts a growing wine culture. Several wine bars and shops offer curated selections of California wines, including local South Bay vintages. Standout establishments feature tasting flights and wine education events.
Some craft breweries have expanded into wine production, creating unique beer-wine hybrids. These innovative beverages blend the best of both worlds, appealing to beer and wine enthusiasts alike.
Local distilleries are also emerging in Torrance. Small-batch spirits, including gin, vodka, and whiskey, showcase the city’s commitment to artisanal craftsmanship. Distillery tours and tasting rooms provide opportunities to sample these locally-made spirits.
Non-Alcoholic Options
Torrance caters to non-drinkers with an array of craft sodas and mocktails. Several breweries offer house-made root beers, ginger ales, and other non-alcoholic beverages.
Specialty coffee roasters have gained popularity in Torrance. These cafes serve expertly crafted espresso drinks and pour-over coffees, often sourcing beans from sustainable farms.
Kombucha brewers have also found a home in the city. These fermented tea drinks provide a fizzy, probiotic-rich alternative to alcoholic beverages. Some taprooms now offer kombucha on draft alongside their beer selections.
Visiting Torrance Breweries
Torrance boasts a thriving craft beer scene with numerous breweries to explore. Visitors can easily plan a brewery tour using local guides and maps. Proper planning ensures an enjoyable and safe experience sampling the diverse offerings.
Maps and Guides to Torrance’s Brewery Circuit
Several resources help navigate Torrance’s brewery landscape. The city’s tourism website offers a downloadable brewery map highlighting key locations. Local beer blogs provide curated brewery tours with suggested routes. Some popular stops include Monkish Brewing Co., known for its Alter Boy beer, and Smog City Brewing.
Beer enthusiasts can find smartphone apps that offer real-time information on tap lists and special releases. These tools allow visitors to customize their brewery circuit based on personal preferences and current offerings.
Planning Your Visit
When planning a brewery tour in Torrance, consider transportation options. Rideshare services and designated drivers are recommended for safe travel between locations. Many breweries are within walking distance of each other, particularly in the western industrial area near Hawthorne.
Check brewery hours before visiting, as they may vary. Weekends tend to be busier, while weekdays offer a more relaxed atmosphere. Some breweries offer food options, while others allow outside food or host food trucks.
Bring valid ID, as age verification is required. Cash is useful, though most breweries accept credit cards. Consider bringing a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated between tastings.
Conclusion
Torrance has emerged as a craft beer destination in Southern California. The city boasts a diverse array of breweries, each offering unique flavors and experiences. From established pioneers to innovative newcomers, beer enthusiasts can find something to suit every palate.
Visitors can explore the rich brewing heritage at Red Car Brewery, one of the area’s first brewpubs. For those seeking cutting-edge creations, Monkish Brewing Co. delivers with its distinctive Belgian-inspired ales.
The welcoming atmosphere of Torrance’s taprooms invites locals and tourists alike to immerse themselves in the thriving beer culture. Many breweries offer tours, allowing guests to learn about the brewing process firsthand.
With its concentration of quality breweries, Torrance has solidified its place on the craft beer map. The city’s beer scene continues to evolve, promising exciting developments for beer lovers to discover on future visits.
