Ventura Breweries: Brewer’s Favorite Picks

Guest Blog by Andrew Montgomery, Ventura County Beer

Ventura is a beer lover’s haven, with 10 different craft breweries to check out. From World Beer Cup winners to small-batch and niche brews, we set out to find the beers our local brewers enjoy most. It’s a range of refreshing sips: crisp lagers and hoppy IPAs. Let’s take a look at the go-to beers our local Ventura brewers enjoy most.

Transmission Brewing

First up is Transmission Brewing. The Head Brewer, Carey, enjoys the award-winning Transmission Light. A Rice Lager at 4.2%, this is an expressive light beer that’s a favorite at Transmission’s beautiful Ventura brewpub.

BellRinger Brew Co.

Over in downtown Ventura, Head Brewer, Dan, at BellRinger Brew Co. makes a lot of excellent beers. His favorite? The Ringer, a Pilsner at 4.8%. A clean and crisp light-bodied lager with pleasant hoppiness. BellRinger offers a lot of great food that pairs well with this easy-drinking beer!

Seaward Brewing

At Seaward Brewing in Ventura, Head Brewer Brian has developed lots of excellent beers, many that are canned and distributed locally. His favorite is Bae Watch, a beautiful, crimson Red Ale at 5.5%.

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Bright Spark Brewing

Among the many breweries in Ventura, Bright Spark Brewing has distinguished itself as a community gathering place, with great food and beer. Brewer Mike’s favorite beer is The Sauce, an Italian Pilsner at 5%. Light, hoppy and a great pair with Bright Spark’s pizzas.

MadeWest

MadeWest in Ventura is well known for their hop-forward styles. Lead Brewer, Ben, prefers “IPA”, MadeWest’s house West Coast IPA. Ben’s ability to interpret hop flavors and characteristics is a true talent, and like many beer fans, prefers clear IPA.

Rincon Brewery

With the addition of Eric, as Head Brewer, Rincon Brewery has been making some great new beers. Eric’s favorite so far is Beached, a Hazy IPA coming in at 6.2%. Light and silky, this has great body and hop notes.

Topa Topa Brewing Company

Topa Topa Brewing Company has locations all over Ventura County, in Ojai, Camarillo, and Ventura. Head Brewer Casey is a big fan of a recent addition to their core line-up, Weekender, a West Coast IPA at 7.2%. Crisp and dry, the hops are pleasantly fruit-forward.

Ventura Coast Brewing Company

Ventura Coast has some amazing beers, across a variety of styles. Head Brewer Philly loves their Vendelo Mexican Lager. Sweet flavors of corn and malt are allowed to shine in this light, 4.4% lager available year round.

Poseidon Brewing Company

Located in the Maker’s District, Poseidon is known for its nautical-themed beer. One of their most popular beers on the list is their Grapefruit IPA but try any of their pale ales or Chocolate Porter.

Leashless Brewing

A certified organic brewery offering gluten reduced beer, Leashless could be your next go to spot for unique beer with that classic Ventura beach flair. A fan favorite is their V-Town IPA. Come for the crisp brews and stay for live music and delicious food trucks.

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Transmission Brewing 1098 E Front St, Ventura, CA 93001

(805) 751-4075

BellRinger Brewing Company 472 E Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001

805-643-2337

Bright Spark Brewing 4561 Market Street, Ventura, CA 93003

805.322.8884

Seaward Brewing 1920 Goodyear Ave STE D, Ventura, CA 93003

(805) 507-7202

Madewest Brewing Company 668 E Harbor Blvd, Ventura , CA 93003

Rincon Brewery Ventura 4100 Telegraph Rd, Ventura, CA 93003

(805) 676-0020

Topa Topa Brewing Co. 4880 Colt St, Ventura, CA 93003

(805) 535-4366

Ventura Coast Brewing Company 76 S Oak St, Ventura, CA 93001

(805) 667-8640

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