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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.
Brief historical overview of late 19th-early 20th Century San Diego breweries. Presentation developed for the SD Fair Beer Experience presentation sessions. Unable to use in presentation due as the screen was outside and the sun too bright to view.
Brief account of the establishment of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control in response to the repeal of the Volstead Act and Wright Act.
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…
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…
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.…
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…