The past 12 months represent one of the most dynamically news-packed years for the San Diego County brewing industry that I’ve seen in my 18 years of covering this beat. There were highs and lows, twists and turns, openings and closings, and so much more. Through it all, San Diego Beer News’ readers were incredibly engaged. As is our tradition, we are closing out the year by counting down the 25 news stories that resonated most with all of you (minus stories about beer-competition results and popular features such as our beer-centric travel pieces, Portrait of a Brewer and Praising the Bar).
20. Bock nearing completion in South Park
Wednesday, September 25
After a 2020 fire decimated storied craft-beer bar Hamilton’s Tavern, the owner of San Diego’s venerable family of Bottlecraft bottle shops acquired the space and announced he would be building a kitchen-equipped pub serving classic European imports along popular local beers. That was in 2021. Three years later, he provided a comprehensive update, renderings and anticipated timeframe for the opening of the highly anticipated South Park venue.
19. Belching Beaver alums launch Hop Habit Brewery
Wednesday, October 16
After earning scads of beer-competition awards as a key member of Oceanside-based Belching Beaver Brewery’s production team, Thomas Peters conspired with three of his longtime co-workers to launch their own beer brand using space and equipment at their employers’ original Vista location. Dubbed Hop Habit Brewery, beers from its largely hoppy portfolio began hitting North County retail accounts in the fall.
18. Athletic Brewing acquires Ballast Point HQ
Friday, June 14
Roughly two weeks after Ballast Point Brewing announced it would be scaling back its operations and moving out of its large production facility in the heart of Miramar, bi-coastal non-alcoholic beer company Athletic Brewing officially let the public in on one of the worst-kept secrets in local craft circles, announcing they would be taking over the brewery while allowing Ballast Point to continue operating its on-site bar and restaurant.
17. Ataraxia Aleworks owners accepting offers
Tuesday, September 3
Four years ago, a former Ballast Point brewer and his business partner took over the small Kearny Mesa brewing facility previously operated by Circle 9 Brewing, where they founded their passion project, Ataraxia Aleworks. While the duo said they got into the industry in time to make their dream of owning a brewery a reality, they say they were too late to make a viable living of it, inspiring their decision to put the business up for sale.
16. WestBrew closing venues, focusing on distribution
Tuesday, July 2
The 2020 debut of WestBrew’s Vista brewery and tasting room was soon followed up by the opening of a satellite bar and eatery in Del Mar, and later by a taproom in San Diego’s East Village. With operating costs surging, WestBrew’s married owners announced the impending closures of the Del Mar spot and winddown of its downtown sister space as the company pivoted to a distribution-focused business model.
Click here to see which of this year’s news stories ranked 21-25