BEER California Rules

5 California Craft Breweries Leading the Evolution of Beer

- Eric Courtney

First off, this is by no means a Top 5 “best” list. There are too many craft/micro breweries in California who are doing their own thing well. This list is merely comprised of breweries that are generating an exceptional buzz (already with the puns) throughout the craft beer lover’s community.

A lot of people may not be aware that California was a utopia for beer before Prohibition killed numerous thriving breweries and hop farms in 1920. Had Prohibition never happened, the city of Sacramento could very well have had the reputation as being Milwaukee West today. Now we are in the middle of a brewing Renaissance; an awakening. Although they are not on this list, it is important to mention the name Ruhstaller, a legacy craft brewery based in Sacramento, who is putting forth a tremendous effort to bring awareness and prosperity back to the region by educating and leading the industry by example.

Below is a list of five exceptional California craft breweries generating awareness through their beer.

5 Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company