Timeline recounting San Diego brewery activity from 1868-present. History is broken into 'waves' of First wave 1868-1919, Second wave 1920-1953, Third wave 1980s-early 2020, Fourth wave 2020-present. Additional timeline of COVID-19 legislation and…
Not every San Diego craft brewery founded in the 20th century survived into the 21st. The stories of Baja (1991-1996), ChuckAlek (2012-2018), and Iron Fist (2010-2020) are partially preserved through their handles. Some breweries had few or no…
Tap handles are only one element of advertising a brewery’s identity and ethos. Bottle labels, merchandise for sale or giveaway, coasters, glassware and growlers, as well as the brewery’s architectural/interior design are all part of the identity.…
Identity is an important to inform and attract consumers. The founders of Stone Brewing (1996-brand continues following mid-2022 sale to Sapporo) considered various designs including versions of gargoyles. Early keg handles were etched beach rocks as…
Being in the San Diego region with beaches and ocean nearby, nautical or beach-themed motifs are popular. Examples are Ballast Point (1996, sold to Kings and Convicts Brewing but continues this brand line), Karl Strauss (1989-present), and Helm’s…
Brief historical overview of late 19th-early 20th Century San Diego breweries. Presentation developed for the SD Fair Beer Experience. Not used on site as the screen was outside and the sun too bright to project successfully.
This is a work in progress. Timeline of known San Diego distilleries and rectifiers. Note: personal home-use stills may be included, as regardless of volume, stills are required to be licensed by the California Alcohol Beverage Control Agency.
Homebrewer's log consisting of recipes and notes. First recipe used is from The Home Winemaking Shop. Digital copies in this collection made from paper and electronic versions.
Judging results from America's Finest City Homebrew Competition for homebrewed beers and ciders circa 1994. Initals "B.O.S." on first sheet denotes "Best of Show". Five entries each scored 2 or 3 times for a total of 12 score sheets.
Oral history recorded 2017-07-09 with Mary Anne Bixby and Rich Link at Burning Beard Brewery in El Cajon, CA. Lorton served as QUAFF President and newsletter editor and homebrews.