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2025-08-3115 min read

CaliforniaWeek 5 of our 50-state journey

Golden State brewing excellence - birthplace of the American craft beer revolution with pioneering breweries like Sierra Nevada, Stone, and Russian River.

California craft beer scene

Welcome to California: Golden State Brewing Revolution

This week marks California's emergence as the undisputed leader of American craft brewing, home to legendary breweries like Sierra Nevada, Stone, Russian River, and Anchor. From San Francisco's historic steam beer to San Diego's hop-forward innovations, the Golden State combines perfect climate, innovative spirit, and pioneering brewers to create the epicenter of craft beer excellence.

California State Landscape

California's perfect climate and innovative spirit created the American craft beer revolution

The Birthplace of American Craft Beer

California's craft beer story is the story of American craft beer itself. From Fritz Maytag saving Anchor Brewing in 1965 to Ken Grossman launching Sierra Nevada in 1980, California breweries have consistently led innovation, set standards, and inspired generations of brewers worldwide.

What Makes California Beer Special

🌞 Perfect Climate

Year-round brewing weather allows for consistent production and outdoor beer culture, creating the perfect environment for craft beer innovation.

🌿 Hop Innovation

Home to the Cascade hop and countless hop varieties, California breweries have access to the finest American hops and pioneered hop-forward brewing techniques.

🏗️ Pioneer Spirit

From Sierra Nevada's 1980 Pale Ale launch to Stone's aggressive IPA philosophy, California breweries have consistently pushed boundaries and defined American craft beer.

This Week's Journey

Day 1
Stone Brewing
Stone IPA
Day 2
Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Firestone Walker 805
Day 3
Russian River Brewing Company
Russian River Pliny the Elder
Day 4
AleSmith Brewing Company
AleSmith Speedway Stout
Day 5
Lagunitas Brewing Company
Lagunitas IPA
Day 6
Anchor Brewing Company
Anchor Steam Beer
Day 7
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

Supporting California Breweries

When you visit these California breweries, you're not just buying exceptional beer—you're supporting the institutions that created American craft beer culture. California's craft beer scene represents the perfect balance of innovation, tradition, and pioneering spirit that continues to influence brewing worldwide.

Featured Beers (So Far)

1 of 7 beers reviewed
Stone IPA by Stone Brewing
5.0
American IPA

Stone IPA

Stone Brewing

California
6.9% ABV
77 IBU

Tasting Notes

Intense citrus and pine hop aroma, full-bodied with substantial malt backbone, aggressive hop bitterness balanced by caramel sweetness, long bitter finish.

What Makes It Special

The legendary West Coast IPA that helped define the style. Aggressively hopped with citrus and pine character from Centennial, Chinook, and Columbus hops.

About Stone Brewing

Founded in 1996 in San Diego, Stone Brewing is one of California's most iconic craft breweries. Their mission is to brew bold, flavorful beers that challenge conventional expectations. Known worldwide for Stone IPA and their uncompromising commitment to hoppy beer excellence.

Visit Stone Brewing