Craft Beer Perfection: Left Coast Brewing Company
Craft beer brewing has become a booming industry in recent years, with breweries popping up all over the country. One such brewery that has made a name for itself in the craft beer world is Left Coast Brewing Company. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Left Coast Brewing Company and their commitment to creating unique and flavorful beers. From their history and brewing process to their sustainability practices and community involvement, Left Coast Brewing Company is a shining example of what it means to be a craft brewery.
Key Takeaways
- Left Coast Brewing Company was founded in 2004 by a family with a passion for craft beer.
- The art of craft beer brewing involves a careful balance of ingredients and techniques to create unique and flavorful beers.
- Left Coast Brewing Company offers a range of unique flavors, including their flagship beer, Trestles IPA.
- Sustainability is a key focus for Left Coast Brewing Company, with efforts to reduce waste and conserve resources.
- Local sourcing is important in craft beer production, with Left Coast Brewing Company using ingredients from California whenever possible.
The History of Left Coast Brewing Company
Left Coast Brewing Company was founded in 2004 by Ian and Brett Cheatham, two brothers with a passion for brewing beer. What started as a small operation in San Clemente, California, has grown into a thriving brewery with distribution throughout the United States. The Cheatham brothers’ dedication to quality and innovation has been the driving force behind the success of Left Coast Brewing Company.
Over the years, Left Coast Brewing Company has expanded its production capacity and added new beers to its lineup. They have also opened a tasting room at their brewery, where visitors can sample their beers and learn more about the brewing process. Despite their growth, Left Coast Brewing Company remains committed to their roots and continues to produce small-batch, handcrafted beers.
The Art of Craft Beer Brewing
Craft beer brewing is an art form that requires skill, patience, and attention to detail. At Left Coast Brewing Company, the brewing process begins with selecting the finest ingredients, including malted barley, hops, yeast, and water. These ingredients are carefully measured and combined in specific ratios to create the desired flavor profile.
Once the ingredients are mixed together, they are heated in a large kettle to extract the sugars from the malted barley. This process, known as mashing, creates a sweet liquid called wort. The wort is then transferred to a fermentation vessel where yeast is added. The yeast consumes the sugars in the wort and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide.
After fermentation is complete, the beer is transferred to conditioning tanks where it is allowed to mature and develop its flavors. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the style of beer being brewed. Once the beer has reached its desired flavor profile, it is carbonated and packaged for distribution.
The Unique Flavors of Left Coast Brewing Company
| Beer Name | ABV | IBU | SRM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Una Mas | 5.8% | 23 | 6 |
| Trestles IPA | 6.8% | 75 | 7 |
| Hop Juice Triple IPA | 10.0% | 100+ | 12 |
| Asylum Belgian Tripel | 11.2% | 30 | 6 |
Left Coast Brewing Company is known for its wide range of unique and flavorful beers. One of their most popular beers is Hop Juice, a double IPA that packs a punch with its hop-forward flavor and high alcohol content. This beer is a favorite among hop lovers and has won numerous awards for its bold and balanced flavor.
Another standout beer from Left Coast Brewing Company is Trestles IPA, a West Coast-style IPA that showcases the brewery’s commitment to quality and innovation. This beer is named after Trestles Beach, a popular surf spot near the brewery, and features a blend of hops that create a citrusy and piney flavor profile.
In addition to their flagship beers, Left Coast Brewing Company also produces a variety of seasonal and limited-edition beers. These beers often feature unique ingredients or brewing techniques that set them apart from the rest. From barrel-aged stouts to fruit-infused sours, there is always something new and exciting to try at Left Coast Brewing Company.
Sustainability in Craft Beer Production
Left Coast Brewing Company is committed to sustainability and environmentally-friendly practices in their brewing process. They have implemented several initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint and minimize waste. For example, they have installed solar panels on their brewery roof to generate clean energy and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
Left Coast Brewing Company also takes steps to conserve water during the brewing process. They use a closed-loop system that recirculates water, reducing the amount of water needed for brewing. They also recycle their spent grain, which is used as animal feed by local farmers.
In addition to their environmental efforts, Left Coast Brewing Company is also committed to giving back to the community. They regularly participate in local charity events and donate a portion of their sales to various causes. By prioritizing sustainability and community involvement, Left Coast Brewing Company is setting an example for other breweries to follow.
The Importance of Local Sourcing in Craft Beer
One of the key factors that sets craft beer apart from mass-produced beer is the use of high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. Left Coast Brewing Company understands the importance of sourcing ingredients locally and works closely with local farmers and suppliers to ensure the freshest and highest-quality ingredients are used in their beers.
By sourcing ingredients locally, Left Coast Brewing Company is able to support local businesses and reduce their carbon footprint. It also allows them to have more control over the quality and flavor of their beers. By working directly with farmers, they can ensure that only the best ingredients make it into their brews.
The Role of Hops in Craft Beer Brewing
Hops play a crucial role in craft beer brewing and have a significant impact on the flavor and aroma of beer. Hops are flowers that contain alpha acids, which contribute bitterness to beer, as well as essential oils, which add aroma and flavor.
Left Coast Brewing Company takes great care in selecting the right hops for each of their beers. They work closely with hop farmers to source the freshest and highest-quality hops available. By using a variety of hop varieties, they are able to create beers with a wide range of flavors and aromas.
The amount and timing of hop additions during the brewing process also play a role in the final flavor of the beer. Left Coast Brewing Company carefully calculates the amount of hops needed for each batch of beer to achieve the desired bitterness and aroma. They also experiment with different hop combinations and techniques to create unique and innovative beers.
The Science Behind the Perfect Craft Beer
Craft beer brewing is as much a science as it is an art. The brewing process involves a series of chemical reactions that transform the raw ingredients into beer. Understanding the science behind these reactions is crucial to creating the perfect craft beer.
One of the key factors in brewing is temperature control. Different enzymes and yeast strains have specific temperature ranges at which they are most active. By carefully controlling the temperature at each stage of the brewing process, brewers can ensure that the enzymes and yeast are working optimally, resulting in a beer with the desired flavor and aroma.
pH levels also play a role in the brewing process. The pH of the mash affects enzyme activity and the extraction of sugars from the malted barley. The pH of the wort affects hop utilization and the activity of yeast during fermentation. Left Coast Brewing Company closely monitors pH levels throughout the brewing process to ensure that their beers have a balanced and consistent flavor.
The Future of Craft Beer: Trends and Innovations
The craft beer industry is constantly evolving, with new trends and innovations emerging all the time. Left Coast Brewing Company understands the importance of staying ahead of the game and is always looking for ways to innovate and push boundaries.
One trend that has gained popularity in recent years is the use of alternative grains in brewing. Left Coast Brewing Company has experimented with using grains like quinoa, millet, and buckwheat in their beers, creating unique flavors and textures. They have also explored different fermentation techniques, such as wild fermentation and mixed-culture fermentation, to create complex and funky beers.
Another trend in craft beer is the rise of low-alcohol or non-alcoholic options. Left Coast Brewing Company has recognized this trend and has started producing low-alcohol versions of some of their popular beers. These beers offer all the flavor and aroma of their full-strength counterparts but with a lower alcohol content.
The Perfect Pairings: Food and Craft Beer
Craft beer is not just a beverage; it is an experience. One way to enhance that experience is by pairing craft beer with food. Left Coast Brewing Company offers a wide range of beers that pair well with different types of food, from light and crisp lagers to rich and robust stouts.
For example, their Trestles IPA pairs well with spicy foods, as the hop bitterness helps to cut through the heat and cleanse the palate. Their Una Mas amber lager pairs well with grilled meats, as the maltiness of the beer complements the smoky flavors of the meat.
Left Coast Brewing Company also hosts beer pairing events at their tasting room, where they collaborate with local chefs to create unique and delicious food pairings. These events allow customers to explore the flavors and nuances of their beers in a fun and interactive way.
The Community of Craft Beer Lovers and Left Coast Brewing Company
Community is at the heart of the craft beer industry, and Left Coast Brewing Company understands the importance of fostering a sense of community among its customers. They host regular events at their tasting room, such as trivia nights and live music performances, to bring people together and create a welcoming and inclusive space.
Left Coast Brewing Company also collaborates with other local businesses and organizations to support the community. They have partnered with local restaurants to create beer dinners, where their beers are paired with specially crafted menus. They have also collaborated with local artists to create unique labels for their limited-edition beers.
In addition to their local community, Left Coast Brewing Company also has a strong online presence and engages with craft beer lovers from all over the world through social media. They regularly share updates about new beers, events, and promotions, and encourage their followers to share their experiences with Left Coast Brewing Company’s beers.
Left Coast Brewing Company is a shining example of what it means to be a craft brewery. From their commitment to quality and innovation to their dedication to sustainability and community involvement, they embody the spirit of the craft beer industry. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of craft beer, Left Coast Brewing Company has something for everyone. So why not grab a pint and experience the unique and flavorful beers that Left Coast Brewing Company has to offer? Cheers!
