The Explosion of California Craft Beer

by Patrick O'Brien

A bit of an introduction:

I am a 28 year old college student from California with a passion for sports, gaming, and craft brews. I met Myles five years ago or so through gaming, and we quickly discovered that we both shared a passion for beer. 

So naturally, when he asked if I'd like to participate in beards and brews, I could hardly contain my excitement.

To those of us who live State-side, it's no secret that craft beer has seen a resurgence in the past 10 years or so.

A craft brewery is defined as any brewery operation who is small (brewing 6 million barrels or less),  independent (one quarter of the brewery or less is owned by any alcohol industry member or interest that is not a craft brewer),  and traditional (meaning the flavor derives from traditional or innovative brewing methods and fermentation).

One of the states at the forefront of artisan brewing is California.  The state in its entirety has over 500 craft breweries, listing all the important ones would take far too much time and would fit better in a novel than a blog.

Each week I'll be setting out to highlight a particular brewery, style of beer, or perhaps even give some insight to home brewing.

Stay tuned for the good stuff!