Large-scale hospitality projects tend to be hammered into existence one of two ways—really fast thanks to large capital backing, business savvy and political sway, or slow as molasses due to grand and multi-faceted scale and ambition. Count Depot Springs Beer Company in the latter category. In the works for roughly two years, the combination restaurant, brewery, distillery and public-events-space project continues to creep toward completion after numerous major delays. But owner Aaron Dean says the business is on-pace to debut in La Mesa come December.
While navigating through the aforementioned delays, Dean and company redesigned several elements of the project, moving the brewery from the rear of the venue to the front, allowing for better visibility thanks mostly in part to a large logo-affixed grain-silo that will now be front-and-center. The area that was to house the brewery will now be a kid-zone called “Playcation” which will come in at more than 2,500 square feet. Completely media-free, it will be designed for kids ages three-to-twelve and offer multiple activities, including some involving multiple artistic mediums—glass, paint, ceramic, etc.
The following is a quartet of house-beers from head-brewer Stuart Long, complete with descriptions from Dean:
Nowhere Bound Brown Porter: This unique American-style porter combines traditional European malts with Yakima hops to offer a smooth, balanced expedition complete with chocolate and caramel notes.- High Ryder India Red IPA: Crimson in color and light-bodied, the tropical and grapefruit aromatics from Pacific Northwest hops drift over caramel and toffee malt flavors.
- Beta Seeker IPA: This Southern California version of a Pacific Northwest IPA is made with Citra and Chinook hops, and has a piney, resinous flavor accompanied by an underlying citrusy character. American and English malts balance out the hops and make for a drinkable IPA.
- Alpha Drifter Pale Ale: Balanced, smooth and exceptionally drinkable, this light copper brew has a lemon-melon flavor with hints of citrus and passion fruit.
As far as the menu goes, a draft bill-of-fare from executive chef Matt Richman (formerly of Pacific Beach’s Table 926) lists smoked chicken wings with a trio of sauces including gochujang barbecue; cheese, charcuterie and sausage platters; shrimp and grits, seafood paella, buttermilk fried chicken, tacos al pastor and lager-steamed black mussels. There is a clear focus on local ingredients and contemporary preparations. In addition to the restaurant, Depot Springs will have four bars and offer live entertainment throughout the day, ranging from an eclectic range of live-music to comedy and fashion exhibitions..