Beers produced by Hopnonymous Brewing have been available at numerous bars and restaurants throughout San Diego County for months, but it’s likely most who have sampled them are unaware of those liquids’ Kearny Mesa origin. That is because Hopnonymous’ goal is to produce private-label ales and lagers without taking credit. Still, owner Rémy Zurita wants beer fans to be able to taste the fruits of head brewer Hunter Mannix’s labor. So, this Friday at noon, he’ll pull back the veil of anonymity to give visitors a full-scale taste at Hopnonymous’ tasting room.
“We are really excited about the opening of our first tasting room,” says Zurita, whose background is in hospitality, something that has proven helpful in working with client venues. “Kearny Mesa and the Convoy District are really great communities; very alive, inventive and full of foodies.”
Hopnonymous’ opening-day festivities will include live music by Andy Mauser at 4 p.m. and food from private-label account Belgian Beer and Waffle. The latter will soon collaborate with Hopnonymous on a pastry stout in which its waffles will be added to the mash. Other collaborations are planned and have already taken place. One that had great significance was with SouthNorte Brewing head brewer Ryan Brooks, who Mannix worked with at Coronado Brewing. Mannix says he was considering leaving the beer industry until Brooks’ adventurousness showed him just how fun brewing could be. The West Coast IPA the duo produced together was the very first brew to take place at Hopnonymous.
Mannix is hard at work producing more beers to fill Hopnonymous’ bevy of taps. Come opening day, the company will have an octet of house beers available. That will include an American blonde ale called Beach Bomb, Mexican lager, Fruit Cup fruited wheat ale, a pair of kettle sours (one with apricots and peaches, the other with passion fruit, pink guava and tangerines), and a trio of IPAs (West Coast, Northeast, double).
Hopnonymous Brewing is located at 7705 Convoy Court in Kearny Mesa, the former home of Council Brewing, which closed earlier this year. Hours of operation will be noon to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.