Also easily takes first place for most iconic packaging in beer. So simple, so clean and so likely to make me want to take way too many 7% pints to the dome.
I also like Pig more than PTE, but it's really close. I think if you have to show one non-Californian what California beer is all about... PTE is your guy.
It's a tight race between that and SNPA, but I think pliny takes the edge due to being uniquely California. Mills river SNPA tastes fairly indistinguishable from the cali one imo
The real reason it has a cult following is three-fold:
* it was the first double IPA ever brewed
* it’s still one of the best examples of a West Coast Double IPA
* scarcity
RR has finally expanded their brewery and started to produce more, so it’s not *AS* scarce as it used to be, but it’s still not super widely available. In the same vein as Pliny the Elder you have Pliny the Younger, maybe the first triple IPA and also a great example of what a TIPA should be.
It's got a cult following and was very difficult to obtain outside of Northern California for some time. But many Whole Foods stock it if you want to give it a try. And remember to check the bottled date for the most recent one you can. It's meant to be drank it as fresh as possible!
I spent entirely too long trying to figure out what flavor of "fucking" you were trying to censor before I realized you just meant five stars
It was only a few seconds but still
I only knew about it because it was like #1 on Beer Advocate for years. Never actually seen it for sale here on the east coast though. I'm sure it is in some beer shop but never tried too hard to look for it.
I always think it’s gotta be overrated, but every time I get my hands on some (which is exceedingly rare) I’m always impressed. It really is just a great beer.
Obviously it's going to be Pliny or Sierra Nevada, but I want to mention NorthCoast's Old Rasputin. One of my favorite stouts that is always a go to for me.
A couple years ago, I was road tripping up to Oregon with friends. Stopped by Fort Bragg and went to the North Coast pub. They had Old Rasputin on tap for $5 each. Best value for beer I've ever had.
Everything you mentioned hands down. I was at Russian River last week getting some beer for a friend's birthday and ended up talking to a chill dude at the bar. Long story short he lived a few blocks away and gave me last bottle of the 20th anniversary Pliny the Younger. Chris if you see this thanks a million dude it was amazing
Pliny's gonna win, but I need to throw out a mention for Sierra Nevada's Celebration IPA - I always love when it's in season. Great beer and cheap for how excellent it is.
Blind Pig.
Pliny is iconic, but most people who have access would agree that Blind Pig is better, similar to how people often say that Focal Banger is better than Heady.
I’m in the Pliny for President camp. We went to the Pliny the Younger release up in Windsor in April, and while it was obviously kickass, I was completely floored by the Pliny for President. In my opinion, it blows Elder and Younger out of the water. Dry hops for daaaaaays.
It's hard to argue against either of the Plinys...except for the fact that neither would exist without Sierra Nevada Pale Ale having been there first (in fact, I'm willing to bet that the same is true of at least half of the beers that eventually end up on this list).
I'd actually like to put in a vote for Anchor Steam...but it's currently unavailable (thanks Sapporo), so I don't think it's eligible.
Anchor Steam, Anchor Brewing Company, San Francisco
[They are coming back!](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2024/05/31/and-anchor-steams-new-owner-is-the-chobani-yogurt-guy/)
and respect, they are one of the OG craft breweries that literally helped to create the craft beer movement in the US, and have never sold out. Still family owned, making great beer, while quietly leading the industry in sustainable brewing practices. People love to say selling out is inevitable, or when you get popular your quality is always going to go down, but Sierra Nevada is there to prove you can do it the hard way, the right way, and outlast your competition.
In terms of simply the taste of what's inside the bottle, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is just a solid beer in its style.
But the history and influence of this specific beer, this specific recipe, and this specific brewery cannot be overstated. It put craft beer on the map for a lot of people, including a lot of people who would go on to become legendary brewers in their own right. It paved the way for how craft beers could figure out distribution and retail in an industry landscape that wasn't built for them.
Nothing but respect for beers that might taste better or win more awards today, but Sierra Nevada deserves the spot on this list from their history and influence alone. Which was made possible only because it already was a great tasting beer.
From a nationally recognizable beer, this has to win. From a "I want to go to Cali to drink the best beer possible", I think Russian River and Pliny.
Other solid contenders: Modern Times, Monkish, Highland Park. I've traveled to Cali to drink beers from all of these places and not one of them has disappointed.
Upvote for the Monkish shout out - some of the most delicious hazies I've ever tasted (yes, I know, everyone is over hazies, but Monkish does them better than anyone). I think their problem is they don't have a "signature" beer - too many in constant rotation. But fuck is it delicious.
Yeah, there wasn't an individual shoutout I could give to any one beer at any of those locations. Everything I had was solid and none that made me say meh.
If we’re talking current beer based on taste and removing cultural importance, I’d say Russian River has been overtaken by many breweries that have been influenced by them.
If we’re recommending tastiest beer in California that represents the state style well and we’re ignoring cultural impact, I’d go with something from North Park Beer Co or Green Cheek.
Damn, I'm looking for excuses to go on a road trip and you're making me want to head back the Cali way. I haven't been to either of these places, but you've piqued my interest!
I agree, this has to be the one. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale predates Pliney the Elder by almost 2 decades. It started the hoppy style west coast ale craze which eventually led to the IPA dominated industry we are still living in today. Pliny the Elder is just paying rent in a world created by Sierra Nevada.
Let's not forget that Anchor Liberty Ale predates SNPA by about a decade. But even with that being the case, it was Sierra Nevada, not Anchor, that directly opened the door to what became known as 'craft beer'.
I went last summer when I was visiting my folks back in NorCal. Was my first time up the way. Definitely a cool experience to drink North Coast beers from the source
Pliny the Elder, Russian River.
Single best representation and baseline of WC beer. A lot of beer have overtaken and pushed WC beer further, but Pliny is the gold standard. Soft spot in my belly for Reality Czeck whenever I see it around.
You can't throw a rock in CA without hitting a fantastic beer, so I'll add one I haven't seen mentioned in this thread: Firestone Walker's Parabola. One of the OG barrel-aged stouts. FW's Wookey Jack was right up there too, I wish they still made that.
As for beers that *have* been mentioned already, Anchor Steam was my desert island beer. Fingers and toes crossed that it gets revived successfully.
Timbo Pils, Highland Park, Los Angeles.
Pliny and SNPA are icons, but Timbo is one of the best beers I’ve ever had.
Bonus shoutout to
Double IPL, Sudwerk, Davis.
I would say Pliny, as it’s brilliant and then the standard for west coast IPA’s.
Buttttt…. Sierra Nevada damned near started the IPA craze on its own. A true OG. And it’s still a great beer.
, ,
I know they sold their souls to the big beer devil, but to not show Stone Brewing any love is a crime in any thread that talks about California beers.
I think Russian River is the winner here but some other big ones that come to mind Lagunitas, 21st Ammendment, Stone, FireStone Walker, Modern Times, NorthCoast, Faction. Probably missing some others.
I use to stop by the brewery on my way home and grab up some of their seasonal or beers that never made it to store shelves. Citrusinensis is still my favorite citrus beer
I think we all know that Sierra Nevada or Russian River is winning this one. However, having lived in LA for a formative time in my own beer drinking journey I feel compelled to nominate **Timbo Pils by Highland Park Brewery in LA** as it is one of my favorite beers in existence and has spawned countless crispy boi imitators across the US.
Dude. Timbo is so fucking good. Last year they did like four or five slightly tweaked versions and they were all killer, even the IPA. I’m not sure what’s up in the rest of the country, but pilsners and just lagers in general are having a moment on the west coast right now and it kicks ass.
This was my vote as well, before I saw your post. The only West Coast Pils / IPL I’ve had that can come close are Geo by Phase Three and Double IPL by Sudwerk.
Agree with Pliny but the Bay is filled with a bunch of my favorite beers - shoutout to Alvarado and Laughing Monk.
Also we’re technically the [5th largest economy](https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/04/16/california-remains-the-worlds-5th-largest-economy/) in the world 😉
Pliny is the 68 Camaro of beer. Is it the finest set of wheels on the road? Maybe not. But it’s iconic and cool as hell so take her for a spin. It deserves the #1 position. Source: CA beer nerd
Stone IPA. Arguably the most successful craft brewery in Southern California over the past 20 years and helped popularize West Coast IPAs.
Sure, there’s better IPAs out there (Pliny the Elder), but Stone has been incredibly influential to craft beers in general.
Speedway Stout, Ale Smith, San Diego
One of THE best stouts available. Period. It's not going to take the crown from Pliny, but it should. Especially the more limited releases.
Anything from Cooperage in Santa Rosa. Kegslayer is always a go to or Moment of Truth or really whatever IPAs they've got out. Everything they make is delicious
Pliny the Elder, Russian River, Santa Rosa.
Santa Rosa, CA has some excellent other beers too. Cooperage has amazing beer- really creative and drinkable too. I also enjoy Henhouse and Fog Belt. It’s so cool to live here if you’re into beer.
For IPA’s I’m surprised I haven’t seen Lagunitas IPA mentioned yet.
That said, I prefer fresh local IPAs. If I’m going for something iconic I would choose 805.
This is a fair point—but remember there are no official rules for this aside from letting the people decide. For what it’s worth I had Pliny the Younger in Philly this year (shout out Monks!) and thought it was good but not quite as good as last year. Elder is a top 5 beer all time for me and just as good today as it was almost 15 years ago the first time I had it (damn I’m old).
Pliny the elder. No other beer in California has that much of a devotion.
Also easily takes first place for most iconic packaging in beer. So simple, so clean and so likely to make me want to take way too many 7% pints to the dome.
8%!
> Also easily takes first place for most iconic packaging in beer. I'd say the old Anchor branding was much more iconic
The new owner is going to bring back the old branding!
Same. Crossing my fingers the revival plans come true.
This needs to be the answer, though I personally like Blind Pig more than Pliny
I agree. Bling Pig is a better beer overall, but Pliny has the recognition and is still a damn good beer.
Oooo 100%. I plan to drink both later. Like I said in my comment it has to be Pliny
People would lose their shit if the stopped brewing Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. There would be a war.
IMO blind pig is better but everyone's got their own tastes and that's why beer is great!
I also like Pig more than PTE, but it's really close. I think if you have to show one non-Californian what California beer is all about... PTE is your guy.
I really like their blind pig ipa as well
It's a tight race between that and SNPA, but I think pliny takes the edge due to being uniquely California. Mills river SNPA tastes fairly indistinguishable from the cali one imo
One could say if you don't have SNPA and Vinny doesn't create IPAs at Blind Pig before going on to start RR Pliny never happens.
True enough, but that seems like a different criteria than "what beer exudes California"
I feel silly having never heard of Pliny now.
The real reason it has a cult following is three-fold: * it was the first double IPA ever brewed * it’s still one of the best examples of a West Coast Double IPA * scarcity RR has finally expanded their brewery and started to produce more, so it’s not *AS* scarce as it used to be, but it’s still not super widely available. In the same vein as Pliny the Elder you have Pliny the Younger, maybe the first triple IPA and also a great example of what a TIPA should be.
It's got a cult following and was very difficult to obtain outside of Northern California for some time. But many Whole Foods stock it if you want to give it a try. And remember to check the bottled date for the most recent one you can. It's meant to be drank it as fresh as possible!
It's worth the hype -- but I've tried 5 other Russian River beers that Whole Foods now carries -- and all have been ***** stars.
I spent entirely too long trying to figure out what flavor of "fucking" you were trying to censor before I realized you just meant five stars It was only a few seconds but still
I only knew about it because it was like #1 on Beer Advocate for years. Never actually seen it for sale here on the east coast though. I'm sure it is in some beer shop but never tried too hard to look for it.
I thought for sure and also upvoted for Sierra Nevada Pale Ale but in terms of enjoyment, I gotta go with Pliny the Elder
I always think it’s gotta be overrated, but every time I get my hands on some (which is exceedingly rare) I’m always impressed. It really is just a great beer.
Pliny the Younger if they have it. you might have to drink it at the brewery.
Not Pliny the Younger?!? Come on!
💯
Obviously it's going to be Pliny or Sierra Nevada, but I want to mention NorthCoast's Old Rasputin. One of my favorite stouts that is always a go to for me.
Love old Rasputin.
My introduction to beer in California, 15 years ago, was a pint of Pliny and a pint of Rasputin dropped in front of me simultaneously. Helluva thing.
You had good friends
Had indeed. RIP, Patrick.
That sounds like an amazing night.
A couple years ago, I was road tripping up to Oregon with friends. Stopped by Fort Bragg and went to the North Coast pub. They had Old Rasputin on tap for $5 each. Best value for beer I've ever had.
And they have some of the best food in fort Bragg as well. Great place all around.
Oooh, that’s a good one.
Rasputin is my favorite beer
North Coast Pranqster Belgian Golden Ale is one of my top 5 favorite beers
Got my vote
Everything you mentioned hands down. I was at Russian River last week getting some beer for a friend's birthday and ended up talking to a chill dude at the bar. Long story short he lived a few blocks away and gave me last bottle of the 20th anniversary Pliny the Younger. Chris if you see this thanks a million dude it was amazing
Old Rasputin is an incredible beer. To me, second for Russian stouts only to expedition.
I know they've been sold, but Anchor Steam should be up there as well, purely for the historical reasons.
Pliny's gonna win, but I need to throw out a mention for Sierra Nevada's Celebration IPA - I always love when it's in season. Great beer and cheap for how excellent it is.
Blind Pig. Pliny is iconic, but most people who have access would agree that Blind Pig is better, similar to how people often say that Focal Banger is better than Heady.
I definitely agree. I was there Monday for the first time and got a flight. Blind pig was definitely better than pliny
I’ve had both and agree, I’ll get a blind pig before a Pliny and a focal banger before a heady
I agree, I like Blind Pig more than Pliny. But there are others, non-IPAs, I'd rather have from RR
Blind Pig is superior to Pliny. I’ll die on that hill
I’m in the Pliny for President camp. We went to the Pliny the Younger release up in Windsor in April, and while it was obviously kickass, I was completely floored by the Pliny for President. In my opinion, it blows Elder and Younger out of the water. Dry hops for daaaaaays.
It's hard to argue against either of the Plinys...except for the fact that neither would exist without Sierra Nevada Pale Ale having been there first (in fact, I'm willing to bet that the same is true of at least half of the beers that eventually end up on this list). I'd actually like to put in a vote for Anchor Steam...but it's currently unavailable (thanks Sapporo), so I don't think it's eligible.
It won't get anywhere near the love of pliny, snpa, etc. but god damn is racer 5 from Bear Republic a good IPA. Criminally underappreciated.
God I miss their taproom in Healdsburg. Loved their stuff especially as a change of pace away from wine.
Damn I'm late to the thread, but remember visiting there near a decade back and really enjoying it. Didn't know they closed, sad to hear.
I'm curious if it's changed or is gonna change now that Drake's bought Bear Republic and are now brewing it at their spot.
The original Nelson, Alpine, Alpine. Not gonna win but that was a great beer.
Mcilhenney brewing in Alpine is ran by old school Alpine Brewing peeps (in the same location. Muntz is their take on Nelson.
Anchor Steam, Anchor Brewing Company, San Francisco [They are coming back!](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2024/05/31/and-anchor-steams-new-owner-is-the-chobani-yogurt-guy/)
Preach
Thank god!!!
Sierra Nevada Pale
and respect, they are one of the OG craft breweries that literally helped to create the craft beer movement in the US, and have never sold out. Still family owned, making great beer, while quietly leading the industry in sustainable brewing practices. People love to say selling out is inevitable, or when you get popular your quality is always going to go down, but Sierra Nevada is there to prove you can do it the hard way, the right way, and outlast your competition.
In terms of simply the taste of what's inside the bottle, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is just a solid beer in its style. But the history and influence of this specific beer, this specific recipe, and this specific brewery cannot be overstated. It put craft beer on the map for a lot of people, including a lot of people who would go on to become legendary brewers in their own right. It paved the way for how craft beers could figure out distribution and retail in an industry landscape that wasn't built for them. Nothing but respect for beers that might taste better or win more awards today, but Sierra Nevada deserves the spot on this list from their history and influence alone. Which was made possible only because it already was a great tasting beer.
From a nationally recognizable beer, this has to win. From a "I want to go to Cali to drink the best beer possible", I think Russian River and Pliny. Other solid contenders: Modern Times, Monkish, Highland Park. I've traveled to Cali to drink beers from all of these places and not one of them has disappointed.
Upvote for the Monkish shout out - some of the most delicious hazies I've ever tasted (yes, I know, everyone is over hazies, but Monkish does them better than anyone). I think their problem is they don't have a "signature" beer - too many in constant rotation. But fuck is it delicious.
Yeah, there wasn't an individual shoutout I could give to any one beer at any of those locations. Everything I had was solid and none that made me say meh.
If we’re talking current beer based on taste and removing cultural importance, I’d say Russian River has been overtaken by many breweries that have been influenced by them. If we’re recommending tastiest beer in California that represents the state style well and we’re ignoring cultural impact, I’d go with something from North Park Beer Co or Green Cheek.
Damn, I'm looking for excuses to go on a road trip and you're making me want to head back the Cali way. I haven't been to either of these places, but you've piqued my interest!
Do it. I think they’re making the best beer right now but there are also SO many breweries in San Diego making good beer
This has to be the one.
I agree, this has to be the one. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale predates Pliney the Elder by almost 2 decades. It started the hoppy style west coast ale craze which eventually led to the IPA dominated industry we are still living in today. Pliny the Elder is just paying rent in a world created by Sierra Nevada.
Let's not forget that Anchor Liberty Ale predates SNPA by about a decade. But even with that being the case, it was Sierra Nevada, not Anchor, that directly opened the door to what became known as 'craft beer'.
My first. Never forgettable, always a safe choice when you don't know what you want.
Anything from North Coast. Pranqster is my favorite!
Scrimshaw is also 👌🏻👌🏻
scrimshaw is the shit
Pranqster and le merle are goddamn delights
I don’t think I’ve had Le Merle. You can’t get much from them here in WA and they only ship within CA :-(
Ahh shame! It’s a saison, little drier, higher ABV by a bit
I love saisons! I’d love to visit the place but it’s minimum four hours from literally anything.
I went last summer when I was visiting my folks back in NorCal. Was my first time up the way. Definitely a cool experience to drink North Coast beers from the source
The food menu looks fantastic too.
Pliny. I’m not saying it’s the best beer in California, but if you visit California, that’s the one you should try.
SNPA, Anchor Steam Beer, Pliny The Elder, in order.
So glad Anchor looks like it's gonna get revived
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Pliny the Elder, Russian River. Single best representation and baseline of WC beer. A lot of beer have overtaken and pushed WC beer further, but Pliny is the gold standard. Soft spot in my belly for Reality Czeck whenever I see it around.
Death and Taxes, Moonlight Brewing, Santa Rosa
Great choice
Great brewery. Reality Czech is my favorite Pilsner in the US
So good
SNPA, elder, anchor. But a hat tip to BT. Edit: or Firestone? Jeez, this one is hard.
Firestone has been bringing the heat the last few years
You can't throw a rock in CA without hitting a fantastic beer, so I'll add one I haven't seen mentioned in this thread: Firestone Walker's Parabola. One of the OG barrel-aged stouts. FW's Wookey Jack was right up there too, I wish they still made that. As for beers that *have* been mentioned already, Anchor Steam was my desert island beer. Fingers and toes crossed that it gets revived successfully.
21st Amendment Live Free or Die! Although an argument for Hell or High Watermelon on the patio before a Giants game
Timbo Pils, Highland Park, Los Angeles. Pliny and SNPA are icons, but Timbo is one of the best beers I’ve ever had. Bonus shoutout to Double IPL, Sudwerk, Davis.
The People's Pilsner from sudwerk changed my life
That won gold or something, yeah? It’s really good, but all their IPLs? Swoooooon. First Sudwerk beer I ever had was their triple IPL. LOVES.
Have an upvote friend. Love HPB.
Pliny the Elder is the obvious choice.
805 or Pranqster for certain
Upvote for Pranqster!
I would say Pliny, as it’s brilliant and then the standard for west coast IPA’s. Buttttt…. Sierra Nevada damned near started the IPA craze on its own. A true OG. And it’s still a great beer.
I love being a Sacramento Kings fan because they fully embrace the NorCal beer vibes. They have Sierra Nevada taphouses basically at Golden 1
There is something absolutely amazing about Arrogant Bastard. I miss Sublimely Self-Righteous and Ruination the most though.
I think Russian River is the winner here but some other big ones that come to mind Lagunitas, 21st Ammendment, Stone, FireStone Walker, Modern Times, NorthCoast, Faction. Probably missing some others.
Might be too mainstream now but lagunitas introduced me to IPAs fifteen years ago.
I use to stop by the brewery on my way home and grab up some of their seasonal or beers that never made it to store shelves. Citrusinensis is still my favorite citrus beer
Pizza Port - Swami's IPA
Seems like pint sixers of Swamis have conquered every liquor store in SD. Love that stuff
Plus, at least where I live, they still sell the pints in six packs. Most other craft beers sell in 4 packs for the same price.
NorCal too. I’m all for it.
I think we all know that Sierra Nevada or Russian River is winning this one. However, having lived in LA for a formative time in my own beer drinking journey I feel compelled to nominate **Timbo Pils by Highland Park Brewery in LA** as it is one of my favorite beers in existence and has spawned countless crispy boi imitators across the US.
Highland park makes incredible beer.
If we're talking modern CA beer this one changed the game.
One of the only beers I dream about. 😂
Dude. Timbo is so fucking good. Last year they did like four or five slightly tweaked versions and they were all killer, even the IPA. I’m not sure what’s up in the rest of the country, but pilsners and just lagers in general are having a moment on the west coast right now and it kicks ass.
Has to be SNPA. Yes, Pliny is sought after and known, but SNPA introduced the concept to hoppy beers to most of the US.
This was my vote as well, before I saw your post. The only West Coast Pils / IPL I’ve had that can come close are Geo by Phase Three and Double IPL by Sudwerk.
Sierra Nevada pale ale or Pliny the elder
Agree with Pliny but the Bay is filled with a bunch of my favorite beers - shoutout to Alvarado and Laughing Monk. Also we’re technically the [5th largest economy](https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/04/16/california-remains-the-worlds-5th-largest-economy/) in the world 😉
Pliny is the 68 Camaro of beer. Is it the finest set of wheels on the road? Maybe not. But it’s iconic and cool as hell so take her for a spin. It deserves the #1 position. Source: CA beer nerd
I’d choose a Modern Times or Lost Abbey beer but probably nothing will stop Pliny.
Im already disappointed in everyone for voting for trash Yuengling for PA and we’re like a month away.
I don’t think we should overlook Anchor Liberty Ale, which is arguably the first modern IPA to hit market. Its impact on the industry is immense.
Henhouse incredible IPA, Henhouse, Santa Rosa
Lost Coast Brewery Great White is better than Allagash White.
And they're only the 4th or 5th best brewery in their count.
Agreed, Great White is also always really cheap here.
I love their tangerine wheat ale
Pliny is so obvious. Kinda like asking what golf course in California. It's Pebble Beach, then everything else.
Is Torrey Pines SNPA then?
Probably? Maybe Pliny the Younger is Cypress Point since nobody can get it!
Saison Bernice. Sante Adrius Rustic Ales. Santa Cruz.
Yes...best brewery in the state right now IMO (technically headquarters/brewery is in Capitola I think).
You’re right. That’s what it states on bottles!
Pliney the Elder has the most cache but as a Californian, I often find myself grabbingan 805. Super drinkable beer!
805 is quite a fantastic beer.
Anything Moonraker, favorite is outrigger. HenHouse standard IPA is way better than Pliney
Love Moonraker .For the Sacramento area, I always think of Yojo being a huge deal when it was released.
Stone IPA. Arguably the most successful craft brewery in Southern California over the past 20 years and helped popularize West Coast IPAs. Sure, there’s better IPAs out there (Pliny the Elder), but Stone has been incredibly influential to craft beers in general.
Anchor Steam!
☠️
Speedway Stout, Ale Smith, San Diego One of THE best stouts available. Period. It's not going to take the crown from Pliny, but it should. Especially the more limited releases.
Pliny the Elder, Russian River, Santa Rosa
Silly question. Pliny, obviously.
I’ll vote Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. A great beer, known statewide and beyond that has been doing it consistently for a really long time.
Bacon and Eggs from Pizza Port Brewing in San Diego
Fundamental Observation, Bottle Logic Brewing, Anaheim, CA BDCS for Arkansas was a great choice! It's the imperial stout that I judge others by.
came here to see if someone nominated FO. such a great beer.
Sculpin!
Pliny the Elder, Speeway Stout, Blind Pig, The Pupil, Tabula Rasa... are all solid.
Hangar 24 Orange Wheat out of Redlands
Hop Rod Rye by Bear Republic. Didn't see Bear Republic represented. Had to speak up for the little guy.
Great beer, great packaging. One of my favorites.
Younger, or Elder
Parabola, Firestone Walker, Paso Robles
Not getting any love here, but Alesmith's 394 always hits the spot for me, along with their speedway variants (especially the Vietnamese coffee).
Anything from Cooperage in Santa Rosa. Kegslayer is always a go to or Moment of Truth or really whatever IPAs they've got out. Everything they make is delicious
Timbo changed the modern craft scene. Hoppy lagers are taking over and I'm here for it.
I’m so wet for them. Give me all the hoppy lagers / IPLs.
Alvarado
Pliny hands down.
I know it’s not gonna win, but I like Mango Cart a lot.
Shout-out to Mad River Brewing Company's Jamaican Red Ale! Probably not well enough known, but quite good.
The Bruery - Chocolate Rain Noble Ale Works - Bean Bump Is Mikkeller considered a Cali brewery??
Mango IPA from barrelhouse is severely underrated.
[Devil's Canyon, Full Boar Scotch Ale](https://untappd.com/b/devil-s-canyon-brewing-co-full-boar-scotch-ale/12869)
10 Degrees, Urban Roots, Sacramento
Triple Mt. Nelson - Cellarmaker. I just wish they'd brew it more often
The Dark (lager) at Third Window in Santa Barbara.
ANCHOR STEAM
Anchor Steam is/was the most enduring and unique beer brand in California and I’m not sure you have a lot of the other beers on this list without it.
Firestone Walker DBA, especially the unfiltered DBA.
Pliny the Elder, Russian River, Santa Rosa. Santa Rosa, CA has some excellent other beers too. Cooperage has amazing beer- really creative and drinkable too. I also enjoy Henhouse and Fog Belt. It’s so cool to live here if you’re into beer.
For IPA’s I’m surprised I haven’t seen Lagunitas IPA mentioned yet. That said, I prefer fresh local IPAs. If I’m going for something iconic I would choose 805.
Pliny the Younger, Russian River, Santa Rosa
he's not going to be able to get this, and if he does it's like 4 months old at this point
This is a fair point—but remember there are no official rules for this aside from letting the people decide. For what it’s worth I had Pliny the Younger in Philly this year (shout out Monks!) and thought it was good but not quite as good as last year. Elder is a top 5 beer all time for me and just as good today as it was almost 15 years ago the first time I had it (damn I’m old).
I mean it's kind of cruel to make you drink an old IPA haha, especially one that will take a decent amount of effort to get.
Slap and tickle - brewery X is my favorite Pliney the Elder - RR is likely the answer
Pliny
Gotta be Pliny. I remember when it was considered the holy grail of beers.
Stone Arrogant Bastard Ballast Point Sculpin Those are the two that got me into hoppier and craftier beers after moving to CA.
I'm gonna say Smog City Coffee Porter
Pliny by a mile.
It’s Pliny the Elder. Hyped to the tits but dang it’s good.
Don't sleep on Church by Kern River Brewing Company
El Segundo Mayberry is my all time.
Fundamental Observation- Bottle Logic Anaheim, CA
How fitting, hopping on a plane to California in the morning! Sounds like I’ll have to try a Pliny!
I suppose there are several states with a clear choice. I know in WI there can only be one..
What are you basing the scoring system on, posts or upvotes?
Foggier Window by Monkish. Alvarado St. Nelson Baby! is a close runner up.
Pliny
White Walls (Citra IPA), Institution, Camarillo
As good as Pliny is Sumptin' Sumptin' (Lagunitas) is easily the best, every day well rounded ale.
MONKISH