Top 3 California Micro Brews

One thing about California is that no matter what your hobbies are, you can make a profit off of them here. Look at Bill Gates and Walt Disney for some shining examples of this. Brewing beer is no different. There are so many micro breweries in this state that you would think everyone has a couple casks fermenting on the patio. With so many to choose from, you can be assured that only the best can make it in this market. There are several different varietals on the market here, just as there are several different preferences in the consumer market. There is sure to be a California beer that will please even the most picky of imbibers. Here is a look at three of my favorites.

Gordon Biersch

It is a rather humorous story behind my discovery of this amazing brewery and grill, but ever since I stopped into one on my first day in San Diego, I have been in love. I have sampled beers from all over the world and in several countries (one of the few benefits of the Marine Corps that you actually receive). Outside of Germany, there is no finer German Ale than the ones made by Gordon Biersch. I have yet ot taste a lager in this country as fine as those brewed by this master. The hefeweizen is one of their best. An orange wedge in a nice cold glass of the "hefe" is sheer heaven. There are several seasonal offerings that will truly tantalize your palate. The maibock is very traditional and just amazing, but the true winner of the Gordon Biersch lineup is the festbeir. This brew is truly worthy of Oktoberfest.

Karl Strauss

Another local favorite with me is Karl Strauss. This is a great beer for a change of pace and they truly have one of the best reds on the market. Both Amber and Red Trolley are superb reds. The great brew does not stop there though. Karl Strauss has a very unique way of serving in their brew pubs called cask conditioning. This adds such a full flavor and so many more textures than traditional keg brewing. This added care and love for their craft truly makes Karl Strauss one of the best beers on the market. Their IPA blends are just beyond compare. With several different fruity and floral notes, there is no way to choose a favorite. Karl Strauss is a little limited in the seasonal offerings with only three, but their multiple varieties of ale that is offered year round, there is something for everyone and several for me.

Red Car

One of the rare and true treasures of the Los Angeles area is Red Car Brewery and Restaurant. This is the only place that you can get the beer from Red Car, and no matter where you are in the world, it is worth the trip. This little "mom and pop" shop is an awesome find. With some of the best meals in the entire metropolitan area and some of the best micro brews in the world, this place is sure to please. The South Loop porter and the Motorman Reserve are my favorites. I would easily put these two beers up against any other brewery in the nation. Everything here is homemade. The owners are a husband and wife couple that wanted to sell her food and his beer. With over 15 years experience brewing before the place even opened, he does an amazing job. Just like it says in his store, "I drink what I brew, I hope you like it, too!"

With all of the competition, there are several other standouts. It would take a lifetime to sample all of the microbrews in the state, but the major ones are everywhere around here. In California, it is easier to find a micro than to buy a Bud. With all of these on the market, there are several that do rate an honorable mention. While these three are the best in my opinion, some more you need to try are Schooner and Sierra Nevada. These are truly the best that California has to offer (for now at least).