It's hard to believe West Coaster has been covering San Diego beer for 10 years now. Within that time, I’ve watched the rise of Instagram with great curiosity and how it interacts with the culture of … [Read more...] about Craft Q&A: Brian Bates
Craft Q&A
Craft Q and A: Travis Smith
Brewmaster, LazyG Brewhouse
It’s not unusual for an established San Diego brewer to leave to pursue career opportunities outside America’s Finest City. But when the founder and brewmaster of a popular, award-winning brewery … [Read more...] about Craft Q and A: Travis Smith
Craft Q&A: Liz Chism
Founder, Chism Solutions
For many, the owners of Council Brewing felt like family. So, it’s not surprising that the interest’s patrons remain interested in their lives beyond the life of their passion project. A year removed … [Read more...] about Craft Q&A: Liz Chism
Craft Q&A: Joe Carmichael
Co-founder, Local Roots Kombucha
In December, Carlsbad-based Local Roots Kombucha made headlines by acquiring Latitude 33 Brewing’s Vista brewing facility. This move instantly upped Local Roots’ annual production capacity from 1,000 … [Read more...] about Craft Q&A: Joe Carmichael
Craft Q&A: Derek Gallanosa
Head Brewer, Moksa Brewing
In less than a decade, Derek Gallanosa went from behind-the-scenes industry insider and nth-level beer enthusiast to one of the most popular figures in San Diego’s craft scene. After years working for … [Read more...] about Craft Q&A: Derek Gallanosa
Craft Q&A: Kris Anacleto
President, San Diego Brewers Guild / Manager, Booze Brothers Brewing
Although it’s an industry group run by volunteers from within the local brewing industry, the San Diego Brewers Guild enjoys admirable visibility among beer fans due to its high level of engagement … [Read more...] about Craft Q&A: Kris Anacleto
Craft Q&A: James Murray
CEO, Coronado Brewing Company
Coronado Brewing Company (CBC) has been openly adaptive for many years. Even so, fall was a great time of flux for the 23-year-old brewing interest. Founders Ron and Rick Chapman transitioned to the … [Read more...] about Craft Q&A: James Murray
Craft Q&A: Sam Zien
“The Cooking Guy” to install beer and bottle shop in upcoming Graze eatery
Earlier this month, Grain and Grit Collective (GGC) announced that it will team with locally-based culinary celebrity Sam “The Cooking Guy” Zien to install a bar and eatery in the Little Italy Food … [Read more...] about Craft Q&A: Sam Zien
Craft Q&A: Thomas Peters
Head Brewer, Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern & Grill
Last week, we talked robust porters with longtime San Diego brewer Marty Mendiola, who has medaled six times for his porters at the Great American Beer Festival. This week, we’re spotlighting a local … [Read more...] about Craft Q&A: Thomas Peters
Q&A: Marty Mendiola
Co-founder, Brewmaster & COO, Second Chance Beer Co.
It was around the turn of the century when Marty Mendiola brewed his first porter. As he recalls, it was “quite bad.” But he stuck with it and, through ten years of trial-and-error at Rock Bottom … [Read more...] about Q&A: Marty Mendiola