Big Bear, nestled in the scenic mountains of Southern California, offers a captivating craft beer scene with breweries that are worth exploring. With its picturesque landscapes, outdoor adventures, and vibrant community, Big Bear has become a hotspot for beer lovers seeking exceptional brews.
Craft beer has gained significant popularity across the state, and Big Bear is no exception. With a growing number of breweries, this region has become a haven for beer enthusiasts in search of unique and flavorful experiences. Our expertise in the field allows us to present you with the finest breweries that Big Bear has to offer.
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Among the featured breweries, one notable mention is Hangar 24 Craft Brewing. Known for its aviation-inspired branding and adventurous spirit, Hangar 24 Craft Brewing has made a mark in both Redlands and Big Bear. An interesting finding about Hangar 24 Craft Brewing is their commitment to incorporating locally sourced ingredients, such as citrus fruits from the surrounding area, into their brews, resulting in distinct and refreshing flavors that capture the essence of Big Bear.
So, if you’re ready to embark on a delightful journey through Big Bear’s craft beer landscape, join us as we unveil the top 10 breweries that will tantalize your taste buds and immerse you in the unique charm of this mountainous region.
Here are the top 10 breweries in Big Bear.
- Big Bear Lake Brewing Company
- Big Bear Mountain Brewery
- Brass Bear Brewing
- Bear Cave Brewing Co
- Lake Arrowhead Brewing
- Off the Grid Brewing Company
- Escape Craft Brewery
- Hops and Spokes Brewing Company
- Ritual Brewing
- Hangar 24 Craft Brewing
The Top 10 Breweries In Big Bear
1. Big Bear Lake Brewing Company
Established in 2013, Big Bear Lake Brewing Company is located in the beautiful mountain town of Big Bear Lake, California. This family-owned brewery crafts a variety of beers, including their popular Grizzly Brown Ale and Black Diamond Stout. Although the wine choices are limited, there is a wide-ranging and diverse selection of craft cocktails and spirits available.
You can also grab a bite to eat on their dog-friendly patio! The brewery has received recognition for its beers, winning multiple medals at the San Diego International Beer Competition and the Los Angeles International Beer Competition.
Big Bear Lake Brewing Company offers a diverse menu featuring a range of delicious options. Some of the enticing dishes you’ll find include fish tacos, Angus ribeye, paella, sliced tri-tip steak, the Power Bowl (a quinoa bowl topped with black bean puree, red bell pepper marinara, and seared cauliflower), orange-glazed salmon, beer-battered fish and chips, and chicken pesto pasta caprese.
2. Big Bear Mountain Brewery
Nestled in the heart of Big Bear Lake, California, Big Bear Mountain Brewery has been serving craft beer since 2012. Known for their creative brews, they offer a diverse selection, including their signature Powder Trip IPA and Honey Blonde Ale.
This brewery has gained acclaim, earning awards such as the Silver Medal at the San Diego International Beer Festival and the Bronze Medal at the Los Angeles International Beer Competition.
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3. Brass Bear Brewing
Located in the charming town of North Canton, Ohio, Brass Bear Brewing is a local favorite. With a focus on traditional brewing techniques, they offer a range of classic styles, like their Bavarian Hefeweizen and American Pale Ale.
Their dedication to quality has garnered recognition, including a Silver Medal at the Ohio Craft Brewers Cup.
4. Bear Cave Brewing Co
Based in Victoria, British Columbia, Bear Cave Brewing Co opened its doors in 2018. This small-batch brewery embraces experimentation, producing unique and limited-release beers.
Notable creations include their Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout and Fruit-infused Sours. Despite being relatively new, Bear Cave Brewing Co has received positive reviews for its innovative approach and high-quality brews.
5. Lake Arrowhead Brewing
Situated in the picturesque mountain town of Lake Arrowhead, California, Lake Arrowhead Brewing has been serving craft beer since 1997.
With a focus on German and Belgian styles, they offer a selection of refreshing brews, including their Kölsch and Witbier. The brewery has gained recognition for its commitment to quality, earning accolades at various beer competitions throughout Southern California.
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6. Off The Grid Brewing Company
Located in the vibrant city of San Diego, California, Off the Grid Brewing Company opened its doors in 2012. Known for their diverse range of beers, they offer everything from hop-forward IPAs to rich stouts.
Notable brews include their Double IPA and Coffee Milk Stout. The brewery has received acclaim, winning awards such as the Silver Medal at the San Diego International Beer Festival.
7. Escape Craft Brewery
Situated in Redlands, California, Escape Craft Brewery has been brewing exceptional beers since 2013. With a focus on quality and creativity, they produce a wide range of styles, including their popular Hazy IPAs and Barrel-Aged Stouts. The brewery has received recognition for its beers, earning medals at competitions such as the Los Angeles International Beer Competition and the California State Fair Commercial Beer Competition.
8. Hops and Spokes Brewing Company
Based in Lakeville, Minnesota, Hops and Spokes Brewing Company has been delighting beer enthusiasts since 2016. Known for their community-focused approach, they offer a variety of flavorful beers, including their IPA and Chocolate Stout.
The brewery has gained local recognition and support for its commitment to sustainability and hosting events that promote biking and outdoor activities.
9. Ritual Brewing
Located in Redlands, California, Ritual Brewing has been crafting exceptional beers since 2012. Inspired by traditional brewing methods, they produce a diverse range of styles, including their ESB and Belgian-style Tripel.
Ritual Brewing has received numerous awards and accolades, including medals at the Great American Beer Festival and the Los Angeles International Beer Competition.
10. Hangar 24 Craft Brewing
Established in 2008, this brewery draws inspiration from the nearby Redlands Municipal Airport, infusing its beers with a sense of adventure and aviation-themed branding. Hangar 24 Craft Brewing offers a wide range of flavorful beers, including their iconic Orange Wheat and Betty IPA. They have received widespread acclaim, winning numerous awards at prestigious competitions such as the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Festival.
With its commitment to quality and innovation, Hangar 24 Craft Brewing continues to be a prominent player in the craft beer scene. They operate a taproom and production facility in Big Bear Lake, California. The Big Bear Lake location offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy their renowned craft beers while taking in the scenic beauty of the area. Whether you’re exploring their flagship brewery in Redlands or visiting their taproom in Big Bear Lake, Hangar 24 Craft Brewing provides a memorable experience for beer enthusiasts.
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Brewery Tours And Tastings In Big Bear
While Big Bear may not have an extensive array of brewery tours and tastings like larger cities, there are still some notable options to explore. Here are a few breweries in Big Bear that offer tours and tastings:
- Big Bear Lake Brewing Company: Located in the heart of Big Bear Lake, this brewery offers tours of its facility by appointment. Visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look at their brewing process and learn about their unique beer offerings. Tastings are available in their on-site taproom, where you can sample their diverse selection of beers. Check their website or contact them directly for tour availability, costs, and any special events.
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- Big Bear Mountain Brewery: This brewery in Big Bear Lake doesn’t offer formal tours, but you can enjoy tastings of their craft beers in their cozy taproom. With a range of styles on tap, including IPAs, stouts, and more, there’s something for every beer lover. Visit their taproom during their opening hours to sample their brews and learn about their beer-making process from the knowledgeable staff.
- The Cave: While not a brewery itself, The Cave is a live music venue in Big Bear Lake that often hosts beer tastings and special events featuring local breweries. Keep an eye on their event calendar for beer-related happenings, such as tap takeovers or beer-pairing dinners. These events provide an excellent opportunity to sample beers from various breweries while enjoying live entertainment.
Please note that tour times, costs, and special events can vary, so it’s best to check the websites or contact the breweries directly for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to drink responsibly and arrange for transportation or accommodations if needed. Cheers to discovering the flavors of Big Bear’s craft beer scene!
Conclusion
There you have it – the top ten breweries in Big Bear, California. Whether you’re looking to sample the local craft beer scene or just want to spend a night out with friends, this list has something for everyone. From classic pilsners and IPAs to smoked beers and sours, Big Bear’s breweries offer an excellent variety of craft beer styles that will please even the most discerning beer lover. So grab a pint and explore the exciting world of craft brewing in Big Bear!