Bottled & Kegged: San Diego's Craft Brew Culture

How San Diego became a nationwide leader in craft beer

April 6, 2013 to January 20, 2014

Bottled & Kegged: San Diego’s Craft Brew Culture explores the ebb and flow of beer production in the San Diego region over the years and answers the question: Why is San Diego becoming such a nationally renowned region for craft beer production and innovation?

Beginning with the region’s earliest inhabitants to the present day, the exhibit highlights events and individuals who built a brewing industry where once there was none, kept an industry alive during Prohibition, and managed to bring back what, at one time, was one of the region’s most robust enterprises.The exhibit features many hands-on interactive elements that help explain: the brewing process, how San Diego County brewers achieve such expansive flavor profiles, and the science behind matching beers with food.Bottled & Kegged has components that speaks to audiences of all ages and will educate even the most avid craft beer lover.

Upcoming Events


History Happy Hours! May 31, 2013 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Press


Larry Himmel's Neighborhoods April 11, 2013
San Diego History Center spokesperson Matthew Schiff and filmmaker Sheldon Kaplan talk about a new exhibit called "Bottled & Kegged: San Diego's Craft Brew Culture." April 10, 2013
Our fave beverage, matched with 12 dishes at Taste of San Diego Craft Brews February 12, 2013
Beer is Allowed in the Museum January 31, 2013
Bottled & Kegged: San Diego’s Craft Brew Culture January 22, 2013

Past Events


Makers of San Diego History: Honoring The Craft Brew Industry April 27, 2013 - 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Members' Opening: Bottled & Kegged: San Diego's Craft Brew Culture April 5, 2013 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm
UCSD Extension Panel Discussion: Is Beer In Your Career? April 5, 2013 - 4:30pm to 5:30pm
Taste of San Diego Craft Brews 2013 February 16, 2013 - 5:00pm to 9:00pm

Brewing in San Diego, prior to Prohibition, was big business. After Prohibition's repeal, San Diego again began producing large quantities, supplying 25 % of the beer produced in the state in the late 1940s before national conglomerates like Anheuser-Busch, Coors, and Miller pushed local brands out of the market.

In 1953, production ceased in the City of San Diego and beer would not be brewed commercially in the region again until 1987.With the help of some changes in statewide legistation, as well as a vibrant home brewing culture in the region, several local brewer/entrepreneurs--with a dedication to the craft of brewing and a passion for the pursuit of quality--started making beers that introduced residents to a whole new world of flavors.In time, the cumulative knowledge and expertise of brewers inspired even more creativity and innovation within the craft beer community.

The result has been a vast galaxy of craft beers in all varieties with wildly different flavors, tastes, and textures that have gained notoriety worldwide, with brewers earning awards on beer's biggest stages.Today, San Diego is home to over 60 breweries and is one of the top-tier regions for quality craft beer production and a leader in craft brew tourism.Click here to learn more! Images: Home Brew Mart's 15-barrel brewing system to be on display in the exhibit!

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Bottled & Kegged: San Diego's Craft Brew Culture

Upcoming Events

Press

Past Events