Top 5 Breweries to Visit in San Diego
by PCSgrades Staff - July 7th, 2022
Military families in California are lucky to have over 1,500 options for sampling beer at permitted breweries! And in San Diego, there are a plethora of opportunities to drink amazing beer. In some cases, you can also support veteran-owned breweries.
Here are our top 5 breweries to visit in San Diego:
1. Protector Brewery
Like most great inventions, Protector was born out of necessity. It was founded by Navy SEAL Cory Haggerty, fellow “frogman” Ryan Sangster, and two longtime friends. According to their website, one night during Haggerty’s third deployment to Iraq, he “just wanted a cold craft beer.” With no beer available, he decided to make it. He crafted up his first batch and from there, a new passion was born. He fell in love with the artistry that goes into brewing and took every opportunity to perfect the process as he finished his time in the teams.
After many years, and boundless support and assurance from his wife and co-founder to go organic, the wheels were set into motion. What makes Protector different? They only use pure, natural, USDA certified organic elements in every batch, which are fully vegan friendly. All of the brewing chemicals they use are EPA certified, with only a positive or neutral impact on the ecosystem. Plus, they only use packaging that is 100% recyclable. Basically you can feel good about drinking.
Must-try brew:
Organic Citra Juicy Double IPA: Juicy with an amazing Citra and Mosaic hoppy flavor and aroma. Clean bitterness and a nice, crisp finish.
2. Chula Vista Brewery
With two locations, this Black, veteran-owned brewery is a gem. Founded by active duty Navy sailor Timothy Parker and his wife Dali, Chula Vista Brewery pays homage to their two children. According to their website, their vision is that one can enjoy a quality drink in the local neighborhood partnering with local businesses to enhance the surrounding business area. Customer satisfaction and relaxation for the clients are key. Exceptional service is a standard they uphold.
Must-try brew:
War Planes Hazy IPA: With an awesome label and super hoppy, this is a great beer all year long.
3. Ballast Point
Ballast Point is a San Diego staple. With their signature sculpins, there is something on the menu for everyone. According to their website, what started in 1996 as a small group of homebrewers who simply wanted to make great beer evolved into the team of adventurers known today as Ballast Point. This pioneering brewery was born 25 years ago within the hallowed, hopped walls of San Diego’s Home Brew Mart. The art of the craft swims in the DNA of Ballast Point and informs both what’s inside and on the can. From bringing a hoppy twist to a porter or adding four types of malt to its amber ale, to creating the breakthrough gold-medal winning Sculpin IPA, Ballast Point is known for adding its touch and asking if there’s a better way.
Must-try brew:
Grapefruit sculpin. Bright and crisp, there’s just nothing better.
4. Mission Brewery
With a steeped tradition, Mission brewery has a stunning location and great beer. Originally established in 1913, Mission, like most breweries of the time, went out of business during the first year of Prohibition. According to their website, in 2007, Dan Selis--an avid homebrewer--re-established the brand and eventually relocated the manufacturing and the tasting room to Downtown San Diego in the Historic Wonder Bread Building in the East Village.
In arguably the most beautiful brewery space of epic proportions, Mission now boasts a 2,500 sq. ft. tasting room in over 25,000 square feet of total space. Original brick and bow trusses give rise to a space that is unlike many others found here in San Diego.
With over 50 national and international awards under its belt, Mission is considered one of the top craft breweries in San Diego County.
Must-try brew:
Fruity Booty Fruited Hazy. This hazy IPA with Brazilian guava and passion fruit puree is quite simply delicious.
5. Belching Beaver
The goal of Belching Beaver is to make great beer and have a “dam good time.” According to their website, the award-winning craft beer company is focused on two things: First, have a brand that offers quality craft beer, while also being whimsical and fun to inspire good times. Each Belching Beaver beer release carries its own individual style and personality. Second, make beer for everyone and all palates. From easy-drinking Blondes, Triple IPAs, Milk Stouts, Imperial Stouts as well as sours and barrel-aged beers, Belching Beaver Brewery has it! What could possibly go wrong? With multiple locations, frequent food trucks, and an awesome tasting room, Belching Beaver is family and pet friendly.
Must-try brew:
Peanut butter milk stout. Don’t let the dark color fool you, this beer is delightfully easy to drink with cascading aromas of roasted peanuts, dark chocolate and coffee. This beer has won multiple awards for a reason!
Whether you have recently moved to San Diego, or you are just passing through, we hope you make the most of your time in Southern California and sample the beers from some of these fine breweries!
