Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fast forward to the 21st century: California today boasts nearly 400 craft breweries
(more than any other US state), with the most well-established scenes in San Diego and
along the North Coast. Snobbery is not just reserved for California's foodies and wine lov-
ers, as many beer drinkers fuss just as much over their monk-brewed triple Belgians and
the relative merits of 'hoppiness.' You won't get attitude for ordering beer with a fancy
meal - many California sommeliers are happy to suggest beer pairings, and some high-end
restaurants offer special tasting menus to accompany signature local beers.
For quality small-batch brews you won't find elsewhere, any self-respecting California
city has at least one craft brewery or brewpub of note, while other specialty beer bars
proudly offer dozens of California and West Coast microbrews on tap and in bottles. These
days, some of California's craft breweries are increasingly experimenting with canning in-
stead of bottling to make their beer cheaper, more ecofriendly and more widely distributed
at supermarkets and liquor stores statewide.
