California San Marcos/Cardiff advice needed

[ruger988]

I have a thread going about a road trip I'm about to make (https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=598628) But have re-thought some things and decided to change my route. I'm cutting out vegas and instead going a little further south in Cali to get a few more brewery stops in. The main target is The Lost Abbey, it's going to be a little more driving but I think it should be worth it to get to one of my favorite breweries. The question... The Confessional is the most convenient stop/adds the least time and mileage, for those that have been to both there and the main brewery, is the main brewery worth the extra ~1.5 hours that it would add to my trip, or will the Confessional get me the full experience?

I know The Bruery will be on my route now as well, any other hidden gems for great sour/wild beer I should hit?

This is the route i've got in mind as of today:
http://tinyurl.com/jzlxgk9

TIA

 

[optimal_pizza]

Toolbox in Vista is a popular spot for wilds / sours:
http://www.toolboxbrewing.com/

If you take the 78 freeway through Vista, you could hit up Toolbox as well as the main Lost Abbey brewery which is right off the 78. Then you could meet up with the 15 and take it south to the 8 and continue along your journey.

Bonus with visiting the main Lost Abbey brewery is Port brewing and Hop Concept beers are also on-tap / available in bottles. The Confessional does have a nicer setup if that matters.

Also Green Flash has a barrel facility in Poway along the 15, Cellar 3, might be worth a stop if you're into barrel aged stuff.
http://www.greenflashbrew.com/cellar3/

 

[ruger988]

Toolbox in Vista is a popular spot for wilds / sours:
http://www.toolboxbrewing.com/

If you take the 78 freeway through Vista, you could hit up Toolbox as well as the main Lost Abbey brewery which is right off the 78. Then you could meet up with the 15 and take it south to the 8 and continue along your journey.

Bonus with visiting the main Lost Abbey brewery is Port brewing and Hop Concept beers are also on-tap / available in bottles. The Confessional does have a nicer setup if that matters.

Also Green Flash has a barrel facility in Poway along the 15, Cellar 3, might be worth a stop if you're into barrel aged stuff.
http://www.greenflashbrew.com/cellar3/

Awesome, thats helpful. I read on the Confessional page of Lost Abbeys site that they have Hop Concept and Port brewing also, is that not really the case? My main focus is the LA stuff so not a huge deal, but variety is always nice.

 

[drgonzo2k2]

Instead of the 5 between SF and LA you should take the 101. I'd take the 280 from SF, and then the 17 down to Santa Cruz/Capitola, and you can hit up Sante Adairus. From there you can either take the 1 down to Monterey and go to Alvarado Street, or take the 156 over to the 101 and visit their new brewery and tasting room in Salinas. Then just stay on the 101. You can either hit up the main Firestone Walker location in Paso Robles or (even better) their Barrelworks location in Buelllton.

 

[cdug619]

Awesome, thats helpful. I read on the Confessional page of Lost Abbeys site that they have Hop Concept and Port brewing also, is that not really the case? My main focus is the LA stuff so not a huge deal, but variety is always nice.

Sorry, didn't see this post before commenting on the other thread.

Not sure why Google told you another 1.5 hours. It should just about the same with going to Cardiff or San Marcos.

I would definitely go to the main site over the tasting room. Main site has all three "breweries" on tap and lets you see the brew set up. They have a lot of art on the walls that you see on the bottles. Depending on the time of day, you might even run into Tomme there. Last few times I have been there in the evenings, he has been there with friends having a few. Love that place!

 

[BentBrewer]

Heretic Brewing in Fairfield should be on your radar. And if you're willing to deviate, a bit, I'd recommend Dust Bowl as well.

 

[gordie12]

If you're stopping in North County I'd definitely say check out Booze Brothers. And depending on when they open, Indian Joe for sure.

 

[kev211]

Ya 1.5 hours is a gross over estimate on googles part. Especially considering that from where you would have to get off the 5 at the 78 to go to the main Lost Abbey brewery its about equidistant to Cardiff. That being said... I find the Cardiff Confessional slightly more scenic (ocean view) but the main brewery is awesome as well (more selection).

Oh, and the Confessional has THC and Port as well.

PM me if you are looking for more specifics on any breweries in SD. I live in north county SD and frequent many of the breweries up there (if the timings right I could always come out and grab a pint with you). Also a rad little brewery/home brew store in Vista you may want to check out, Bear Roots Brewing; which happens to be down the road from Belching Beaver as well.