“MMMMM, beer” Iconic words spoken by Homer Simpson, the dimwitted, quick-tempered, genuine, lovable family man. Drinking his signature Duff Beer either on the couch watching TV or at his favorite tavern, Moe’s, Homer is someone who definitely cannot live without beer. What is it about beer that makes people so passionate about this frothy, beverage? Is it the taste? The way it makes you feel after downing your fourth or fifth? Is it the camaraderie of drinking with your friends at the local pub, cheering on the good times and reminiscing the old? Our guess is that it is a combination of all of these and San Jose has some of the best breweries to grab your favorite beer.
History of Breweries
Beer is one of the oldest alcoholic drinks and of course one of the most popular beverages in the world. With evidence of 13,000-year-old beer residues found at the Raqefet Cave in the Carmel Mountains in Israel. Beer has continued to be brewed throughout history spanning different locations and societies and has been recorded in the writings in ancient Egypt & Iraq. Workers were paid in beer during the building of the Pyramids and recipes were spread throughout Europe by Germanic & Celtic tribes. The Benedictine Weihenstephan brewery in Bavaria, Germany, can even be traced back to the year 768, making it the oldest working brewery in the world. (Thanks wikipedia)
Brewed in giant factories with recipes scientifically calculated and precisely tested to garages and basements where ingredients are thrown together more like a sorcerer creating a potion in their cauldron. An art that has been passed down for thousands of years, evolving and improving, while also fundamentally staying the same. While brewing beer may seem more like a science, creativity is a major factor in the process. With hundreds of different types of beer out there, breweries get a chance to standout and create their identity. In addition, they can really show off their beer knowledge and inventiveness. It’s what makes these craft breweries so special and why their patrons are so loyal. Above all, it’s right there in the name – craft. With every sip, we can taste the hard work and care that was put into each pint.
San Jose Breweries
San Jose’s craft beer scene may be small compared to other cities but we’ve always been fan of quality over quantity. Therefore, below please find our favorite breweries of San Jose, CA (in no particular order).
Hermitage Brewing
Hermitage Brewing’s slogan is, “A Retreat From the Ordinary”, and they can definitely back that up! They have a rich history, opening their first brewpub in 1987 and they have been one of the first breweries in San Jose. When you think of a San Jose brewery, Hermitage is definitely one of the first you think of. Operating out of an industrial warehouse, when you sit down with one of their beers, you can feel the beer making energy. Check out their signature 408 Session IPA or one of their tasty American Sour series.
Strike Brewing
While they may be small craft brewery, Strike’s knowledge of beer is anything but. They started making beer in 2011 with a love of beer and baseball (a perfect combination) and opened a taproom in San Jose in 2014. Stop by their San Jose taproom or newly opened Campbell taproom for one of their signature IPA’s (Two Seam, Double, Triple Play) or their floral, citrusy Santa Cruz Screaming Hand Imperial Amber Ale.
Clandestine Brewing
A beautiful mural coats the exterior wall of the Clandestine taproom, a nano-brewery that sits just outside of downtown. Brewing a wide array of styles of beer, the brewers use their science and creativity to develop some spectacular beers. Our favs are the Brian’s Margarita Wit(strong) as well as the El Jefe.
Camino Brewing
How many breweries can say their inception was formed in a 1,900-mile cycling trip along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail in Spain? Encouraged by the trek, owners Nathan Poulous and Allen Korenstein returned home to start working on Camino Brewing and opened their San Jose brewery in 2018. Camino is a brewery that takes beer seriously but knows how to have fun and create unique styles and flavors. A favorite is their partnership with Chromatic Coffee for their Café Con Leche Stout.
Uproar Brewing
Opening up in the eclectic SoFA District in Downtown San Jose, Uproar is a neighborhood spot that locals flock to. With plenty of space, games, and tasty food what more could you ask for in a brewery taproom. Oh, and not to mention the beer of course. Their delightful beer menu will definitely make you a repeat customer. Try the Double Dank IPA & So Pitted!! Sour.
Hapas Brewing
Large, bustling brewery with friendly customers, staff, and delicious beer! Hapas is one of the coolest new hangouts in San Jose. Nestled in a beautiful warehouse space just off downtown Willow Glen, this brewery brings in many locals looking to hangout. As a result, this is a must stop for good beer in San Jose.
Original Gravity Public House
OG is one of San Jose’s first craft beer bars and is staple in San Jose when craving a beer. With over 35 rotating taps, OG is definitely going to have something that will quench your thirst. It’s a place where you can be yourself and try something new or stick with your one of your favorites. OG is one of our favorite spots.
P.S. – If you are looking for a fun way to visit some of these breweries, come book a ride on the Brew Bike!
