Tommaso Maggiore, when speaking of the slower movement of the beer industry, says, “There are still guys in small industrial places making great beer.” He could’ve been talking about Dan Guy at Arcana Brewing Company. Guy opened in 2012 near Prager Brothers. Instead of a ticket to the soft opening you had to bring a trinket “that wasn’t trash,” Guy says. That became a tradition that makes Arcana a curiosity shop, giving o a steampunk vibe with a renaissance fair aftertaste. Guy says of brewing, “When it’s fun, it’s art; when it’s work, it’s science.” From his apothecary, Guy’s Sol Mosaic came out by the end of his first year and has been adapted to perfection. It is a double dry-hopped IPA that is full bodied and light at the same time. “You can’t make cider with a wine license,” Guy says. His Hermit’s Gra is an apple ale that works around those cider house rules. It uses an American wheat, apple juice and a pinch of spice, depending on the season. His summer version has that summer apple snap. 5621 Palmer Way, Suite C 909.529.2337, arcanabrewing.com Arcana Brewing Company Tommaso Maggiore and Brooke Simonds’s Carlsbad Brewing Co. at Bressi Ranch is a special place. Not only is the food fantastic in their restaurant, but they know how to pay homage to Carlsbad. The decor remembers the old Carlsbad Raceway and the beer they are spotlighting here is the Strawberry Blonde Ale. Tommaso had just arrived from the Carlsbad Strawberry fields with a fresh haul. “A lot of people cheat and use additives or concentrate,” he says. He uses real Carlsbad strawberries. This gives the blonde a genuine strawberry aroma and a vivid strawberry savor with the hop just right. Using the real strawberry juice like they do for the blonde, they also have a spin-o kettle sour. Graphic Artist Candy Weil has adorned both cans with a swinging strawberry blonde out to enjoy the sunshine. Carlsbad Brewery makes good beer, but they also appreciate others; if you're into Belgians, they probably have the most imports ready at the bar. Tommaso also enjoys “Hoppin with the Homies,” so look for collabs with other breweries on tap. 6133 Innovation Way, Suite 101 760.452.7229, carlsbadbrewingco.beer Carlsbad Brewing Co.
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