Lightning Brewery Review

Beer is good. Beer is great. But beer is better when enjoyed in a warm and comfortable atmosphere surrounded by those you love. That wa...

Lightning Brewery, Beer Tasters

Beer is good. Beer is great. But beer is better when enjoyed in a warm and comfortable atmosphere surrounded by those you love. That was my exact experience at Lightning Brewery.

As many of you know, my girlfriend runs a popular California lifestyle blog and often gets invited to breweries for complimentary tastings. I was fortunate enough to accompany her to Lightning Brewery. It's nestled cozily in an industrial business park in Poway, CA. Needless to say, I was hooked after the first sip.

About

Lightning Brewery, Lightnig Brewing, Lightning Brew, Poway, California
Can you spot me in the photo?
Fed up with the lackluster taste of cheap American lager, James Crute, Ph. D, decided he'd fuse together his two passions, beer and biochemistry. Keep in mind, this was all while he was in graduate school in the early 80s working towards getting his doctorate.

After several failed attempts to brew at home, he finally landed on a winning recipe that pleased his friends' taste buds very much. Brewing naturally became one of his favorite activities. In 2006 he opened Lightning Brewery in Poway, CA. Now, Crute and his team have their beer on tap in over 300 locations and have won countless awards.

Atmosphere

Lightning Brewery, Beer List, On Tap
On Draft
When we first got there, there was only a handful of people sitting outside in the cozy seating area.

My girlfriend and I stepped inside to the small but welcoming tasting room and found we were the only ones there. I introduced myself and my girlfriend to Katherine, the beertender. She was very nice and even offered my girlfriend and I tasters of our own. 1 round of tasters was plenty for us.

The decor was minimalistic, functional and utilitarian. Just how I like it. Inside there was a fridge full of their tasty beverages. They had a spot for merchandise, a flat screen television and smooth jazz playing in the background. It was the perfect spot to hang out, drink some beers, and talk to my girlfriend without having to scream over blaring music.

The Taste Test

Lightning Brewery, Beer Tasters
Beer Tasters
Elemental Pilsner: A German Pilsner that's tastes earthy and gold with an attractive golden hue.

Thunderweizen Ale: The traditional German wheat beer's taste is silky, citrusy, and refreshing.

Lightning Kolsch-Style Ale: The Kolsch-style brew is slightly sweet and bitter, just like life.

Blue Sky IPA: The tropical IPA tastes fruity and malty. It's perfect to have in this California weather.

Electrostatic Ale: The French Farmhouse ale is spicy, bitter, and wholly satisfying.

Electrostatic Chardonnay Barrel: All I have to say is this is a must-try amber beauty.

Saison Noir: The Farmhouse Ale is dark with a bold and enjoyable taste.

Dark Currant Ale: A take on a Belgian Saison is citrusy and refreshing.

Fig Honey: The wheat ale is sweet, tasty, sour, and savory, all at once.

Red Arc IPA: The delicious IPA is bold and malty. It's a classic.

Verdict

Lightning Brewery, Beer Tasters
Last of the Tasters
I'm giving Lightning Brewery two thumbs up, five gold stars, and I'd give them the key to the city if I could. The service was great. The beers were top notch. What more could I ask for?

If you love beer and haven't checked this place out, I highly recommend it. And on your way out, grab yourself a few natural beer soap and candles. They make excellent gifts and stocking stuffers.

Lightning Brewery, Candles, Succulents
Lightning Brewery Gift Corner


Lightning Brewery: 
13200 Kirkham Way Suite 105
Poway, CA, 92064


Tasting Room Hours
Wednesday-Saturday: 12:00-7:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 -5:00 pm

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Snapchat: godondrugs89


*Disclaimer: I received these beers for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Grumpy Young Man

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2 comments

  1. Matthew SpadeJanuary 24, 2016 at 2:48 AM

    You get invited to breweries all the time, with you gf? You're living the beer dream, mate! Have you been or hear of El Segundo Brewing Co?

    Buckets & Spades

    ReplyDelete
  2. FredJanuary 26, 2016 at 11:15 AM

    yeah we try to cover the local craft beer scene as best as we can. i haven't heard of that brewery but i'm always down to try new breweries. i'll have to check it out. thanks!

    ReplyDelete

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