Stone Brewing Co.
After visiting four San Diego breweries last weekend, I’ve developed a new theory about breweries. It goes something like this: the physical appearance of the inside of the brewery is a good indicator of the brewer’s approach to beer making. It feels somewhat obvious when you say it out loud, but it’s amazing to me how much the personality in the glass is reflected in the architectural layout of fermentors and mash tuns. Take Stone Brewing for example – our first stop on an epic San Diego brewery adventure (this is only part one) – their production floor is a maze of pipes and and structure, creating an art deco sculpture of beer and steel.
The lattice work of industry all says “We mean fucking business.” This is a serious production facility, pumping out beer, to spec, day in and day out. They are producing a set number of products, and each seems to be treated with scientific accuracy. This is reflected in the glass – Stone brews have always struck me as consistent, clear in vision, and aggressive on the palate – just as they were brewed to be.
Luckily, all of the serious work of brewing with broken up with levity by our tour guide Ken. He worked hard to make the brewing process accessible for the crowds that travel from all over to visit the brewery. While their brewery may brew Arrogant Bastards, they don’t seem to employ them.
I would be remiss not to mention Stone’s fantastic beer garden (which is actually a garden, not a collection of picnic tables) and delightful restaurant and bar. They pour a surprisingly varied collection of beers beyond their own (this is likely the result, of Stone being a distributor as well, and the tightly knit community of San Diego breweries) and wonderful food to pair it with. I highly recommend the “Stinky Cheese Plate” to eat in the garden, and unwind from the long drive down from San Francisco.
Tags: brewery tour, San Diego, Stone
October 20th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Right on guys, my wife and I actually stopped in for the first time this past weekend and were blown away by the brewery. Really a awesome set up they have there and you’re right, the garden is great. Couldn’t get over the work that must of gone into the place as a whole.
October 20th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
OK, now I’m going through San Diego on my next trip to LA from Tucson (instead of through Phoenix). Also, your friend in the last pic should be proud of that woot shirt! It’s the favorite one of mine!
October 20th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Thanks – that’s me!
October 20th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
They pour a surprisingly varied collection of beers beyond their own
I can’t stand it when places don’t do this.
October 20th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Those are some awesome pics! Glad you enjoyed your visit. I shared your blog with our staff and they’re very flattered by the kind words. Cheers!
-Matt at Stone
October 21st, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Love the photos. Yet another stop (as if it already wasn’t) next time i’m in SOCAL.
October 21st, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Just made a similar trip the week before, highlighted by trips to Stone, Lost Abbey/Port Brewing (Sinners and Saints party!), Pizza Port Carlsbad brewpub and great bottleshop, and two stops at the Bruery and plus a visit to their brewing supply shop. Great photos, curious to see the rest of your brewery architecture/layout to brewing philosophy comparisons.
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:38 pm
I love the expression in the last picture. You look like you stole that beer. Don’t worry, I won’t tell.
November 1st, 2009 at 7:35 am
Stone is the reason I’m proud to be from San Diego (er, not the weather, beaches, sun, zoo, or surfing). Just stumbled on your blog. Love it–cheers!
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:43 am
[i]They pour a surprisingly varied collection of beers beyond their own[/i]
This is largely due to the fact that DrBill is their beverage coordinator!
http://blog.stonebrew.com/?p=706
December 1st, 2009 at 10:39 pm
I’m glad you were able to make it down there. It’s my favorite place to go…I miss it! *sniff*