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). Let the countdown begin…
25. Booze Brothers carrying on in Fallbrook
Wednesday, July 3
After the closure of The Mill, a Fallbrook collective in which Vista-based Booze Brothers Brewing had operated a satellite taproom for three years, the fraternal owners of that beer biz announced plans to keep offering first-hand fermentables to citizens of that brewery-less community at a new location. Installed in the former home of Smokin Bird BBQ, the new site would go by the name Party Burgers by Booze Brothers Brewing.
24. The Roadies Brewing ready to rock
Tuesday, August 13
After assembling a team of veterans, including former Belching Beaver Brewery standout Peter Perrecone, a husband-and-wife entrepreneurial duo provided a first look of their entertainment-focused business, The Roadies Brewing, ahead of its summer debut. That sneak peek included a gander at the opening-day beer list and a rundown of the various music-themed easter eggs strewn throughout the tasting room.
23. Burgeon readies for The Grove’s arrival
Tuesday, January 16
Looking to extend their reach into the municipality where they first intended to site their business, the owners of Burgeon Beer Co. secured a unit at Vista’s new-construction Paseo Artist Village development east of the city’s downtown area. Ahead of its February debut, we shared renderings and a sneak-peek video of the venue, which features the most modern interpretation of the Carlsbad-based company’s nature-driven motif.
22. Green Cheek Beer Co. taking over Bagby Beer
Wednesday, January 10
Local craft fans’ gloom over 10-year-old Oceanside brewpub Bagby Beer Co. going out of business was quickly remedied by the news that popular Orange-based Green Cheek Beer Co. would not only be taking over the sprawling, two-story business, but also retaining its wedded founders, including Jeff Bagby (the most award-winning brewer in the country), to help them usher the beloved North County operation into its next exciting chapter.
21. Sun setting on San Marcos brewpub
Friday, November 8
After five years of providing perhaps the most family-friendly restaurants and event spaces in all of San Diego County, the owners of My Yard Live Beer Co. announced they would be closing their San Marcos brewpub. In addition to quality beer, the establishment left a legacy of giving back to the community, hosting numerous fundraisers and contributing revenue to multiple charities and non-profit organizations, most notably through its 4DUDESBREW series of beers.