I\u2019ve been reviewing local breweries for more than a decade. Over that span, there have been many a glowing review, even more middle-of-the-road summations and, of course, some disappointments. It\u2019s unfortunate that the latter seem to attract the most attention and resonate the most with readers. I believe honesty is the bedrock of quality critiquing, but it\u2019s unfortunate that the impact of a negative review can have such a lasting effect, particularly when businesses that initially falter go to great lengths to improve their operations and graduate from subpar to superb. Today, I\u2019m pointing out five San Diego County breweries who garnered poor reviews from me in their early days but buckled down and turned things around. That takes a lot of hard work and that worthwhile effort should be celebrated.<\/p>\n
2kids Brewing<\/a>: <\/strong>I loved the owners of this business from the get-go. They march to their own beat and dare to explore beer styles other breweries ignore. In the beginning, their beers ranged in quality from good or OK to flabby and bland. Over time, co-owner and head brewer Sam Dufau<\/strong> has found her rhythm. 2kids\u2019 offerings remain culturally varied while sharing a common thread of quality, making this operation a top-tier tenant of the vibrant Miralani Makers District. 8680 Miralani Drive, Miramar<\/em><\/p>\n Dos Desperados Brewery<\/a>: <\/strong>I once referred to this spot as \u201cSan Marcos\u2019 house of diacetyl.\u201d That was rough even for me, but such was the perceived prominence of that buttery off-flavor when Dos Desperados opened. Rather than rail against that assessment, owner Steve Munson<\/strong> improved brewing and fermentation processes. In no time, his beers were far better across the board. In fact, his Nelson Lager was one of the best bottom-fermented beers I had all last year. 1241 Linda Vista Drive, San Marcos<\/em><\/p>\n Groundswell Brewing<\/a>: <\/strong>When it opened in a small, off-the-beaten-path locale in Grantville, this brewery had good intentions but boring and inconsistent wares. But they stuck with it, determined to get better and grow the business. I\u2019d say they accomplished those goals backwards, taking over Twisted Manzanita Ales<\/strong>\u2019 Santee production brewery before recent head-brewer changes led to a dramatic improvement in beer quality. But no matter the order, they\u2019ve made good on both objectives. 10151 Prospect Avenue, Santee; 6304 Riverdale Street, Grantville<\/em><\/p>\n