With craft breweries on the rise in the United States, the South Bay of Los Angeles has seen its own share of brewery growth in the last three years.
The Brewer's Association, which represents more than 70 percent of breweries in the United States, recently announced there are now more breweries in the U.S. than there were before Prohibition.
In the past year alone, the Brewer's Association said 350 new breweries were opened in the U.S. The organization listed an additional 1,252 breweries currently in the planning phase.
Locally, five craft breweries have recently opened their doors. They offer a diverse range of locally made craft beer for the ever-refining palates of beer drinkers.
"It’s a fact that beer drinkers are responding to the quality and diversity created by small American brewing companies," said Brewers Association director Paul Gatza. "Beer-passionate Americans are opening breweries at a rate faster than at any time since the day Prohibition ended."
Brian Brewer, the brew master for the Brewery at in Hermosa Beach, that the South Bay represents plenty of unlocked potential for the craft beer market.
"It is kind of the last untapped resource for the craft beer industry in Southern California," Brewer said. "The market has nowhere to go but to expand ... In general, I think the trend is going to be more awareness and growth in the industry."
All five of the South Bay's newest breweries offer their beers on tap throughout Los Angeles. Some even open the brewery doors for beer tasting on select days.
Strand Brewing Co., Torrance
Perhaps the most established small brewery in the South Bay, Strand Brewing Company offers up three year-round beers in addition to a rotating list of seasonal and specialty beers including its flagship 24th Street Pale Ale.
For lovers of dark beer, Strand brews the Batch 100 stout and for hopheads, the Atticus IPA. Take home growler fills of any of their beers are available at their in-house taproom at 23520 Telo Ave. #2 in Torrance.
Strand Tap Room Hours: Thursday-Friday 4-9 p.m.; Saturday noon-8 p.m.; Sunday noon-6 p.m.
El Segundo Brewing Company, El Segundo
Started by long time home brewer Rob Croxall, El Segundo Brewing Company specializes in California-style beers that emphasize hops. "The beers we brew showcase Rob's love of hops and are beers that we and our friends like to drink," the website says.
Popular beers include the White Dog W.I.P.A., which uses wheat instead of barley to produce a smooth but hoppy IPA, and their signature Blue House IPA. Beers are available to taste and take home in growlers at their tap room at 140 Main Street in El Segundo.
El Segundo Tap Room Hours: Wednesday-Friday 5-9 p.m.; Saturday 2-9 p.m., Sunday 3-7 p.m.
Monkish Brewing Co., Torrance
Opened this year, Monkish Brewing Co. specializes in creating Belgian and Belgian-inspired beers. Head brewer Henry Nguyen is not afraid to experiment with exotic ingredients, including hibiscus flowers in his Belgian-style tripel ale known as "Feminist" or pink peppercorns in the "Red Table" Belgian amber ale.
Monkish offers tastings of their beer and growler fills at their tasting room in Torrance at 20311 S. Western Ave.
Monkish Tasting Room Hours: Thursday-Friday 4-9 p.m.; Saturday 3-8 p.m.; Sunday 1-6 p.m.
The Brewery at Abigaile, Hermosa Beach
Opened in January and located inside the restaurant Abigaile, the Brewery at Abigaile offers a rotating list of five beers that are brewed in-house by head brewer Brian Brewer. Beers range from the hoppy IPAs to the dark and complex bourbon vanilla porter, which utilizes brown sugar and vanilla beans in the brewing process.
Growlers filled with one of five beers are available to take home, and beers can also be enjoyed at Abigaile's bar or restaurant during regular restaurant hours Monday through Sunday.
Brouwerij West, Palos Verdes
Specializing in Belgian-style beers, Brouwerij West has been brewing in Palos Verdes for past two years. Although they do not offer a public tasting room, the brewery's beers can be found on draught and in bottles in bars and stores across the South Bay and Los Angeles.
Their art-focused beer labels were recently the subject of an L.A. Weekly article and popular beers include the Saison Extra and Belgian Style Tripel
