As the craft beer movement continues to grow in San Diego County, Fallbrook Brewing Company stands out as a promising contender. Embracing all things local, the brewery has a true charm nestled in the heart of Fallbrook’s downtown. The community of Fallbrook lies northeast of Oceanside and just southwest of Temecula Valley’s wine country. It known for its avocado groves boasting itself asthe “Avocado Capital of the World.” It is often called “The Friendly Village”where the community hosts their annual Avocado Festival drawing large crowds. As the friendly village, the local are really just that. Many are lifelong residents and appreciate the localvore of the area.
In fact, Fallbrook continues to grow embracing their agricultural roots featuring local farms such as Terra Bella Ranch and gastronomic dining like Oink and Moo Burgers and BBQ. This is a creative community showcases a large art movement with the school of the arts along with a popular art center. With this creative uprising now comes the next movement with all things local…beer.
Enter Fallbrook Brewing Company (FBC). The beers are unique boasting local ingredients in popular craft brew favorites. It is a small craft brewery or nano brewery with a tasting room to serve those seeking local handcrafted beer. FBC houses a small three barrel brewing system allowing the brewers to be creative and offer a spectrum of staple beers and variety of specialty offerings. They strive to utilize local ingredients whenever possible and their goal is to have a positive impact on the local community – “Be Social, Drink Local.”
FBC is a family operation with brothers Chuck and Stephan McLaughlin and their spouses Jaime and Jenn. Family and friends help run the tap room, so the atmosphere is welcoming and fun. Serving as head brewer, Chuck is an up and comer with local awards for home brew. In fact, McLaughlin won for his Rubus Vigoratus, a Russian Imperial Stout with notes of coriander and raspberries (8% ABV), which he brewed with Iron Fist Brewing Company in neighboring Vista, California. The McLaughlins are fans of the floral spicy notes in a Belgian yeast, along with the hoppiness of IPAs, so expect to find some surprises brewed up to include a camomile IPA and saison made with local avocado blossom honey.
The staples for FBC will honor the streets of Fallbrook – Stagecoach Stout (5.5% ABV), Sleeping Indian IPA (6.5% ABV), Reche Rye Pale Ale (6% ABV), Calavo Cream Ale (4.8% ABV) and Wilt Road Wit (check out line up here). However the specialty beers definitely show off the fun and flavorful palates of this team. Highlights from their sold out grand opening included a Coffee Stout from locally roasted coffee from Temecula (5.5% ABV), Portleigh Stout with black currents (7% ABV), a Tinge of Ginge Ale with hints of ginger (4.8% ABV) and other fun specialties such as the Apple Jack Rye PA with apples and whiskey (6.5%) and Plum Crazy Saison with fresh plum jam (6% ABV). My favorite was the Sour Saison, a summer saison with the spice and farmhouse style you expect with a nice sour pucker finish (6% ABV). Their specialty Coffee and Cream on nitro (4.8% ABV) tapped out by the second session of the grand opening making it one of the most popular of the day. It is easy to see that the McLaughlins are passionate about their beers and passionate about Fallbrook.
Tasting room hours are Wed-Thu 3-8pm, Fri 3-9pm, Sat 12-9pm and Sun 12-5pm and is located on 136 Main Avenue. Check out FallbrookBrewing.com for the most up-to-date info on brews, events and more! Grab a sandwich Dominick’s or a burrito at Estrella’s and belly up at the bar for a pint. Lift your glass and toast the newest brewery in San Diego County. This is one brewery you do not want to miss. Cheers!
Featured Writer: Cari Gordonne works for the U.S. Marine Corps servicing over 50,000 Marines, Sailors and their families aboard Camp Pendleton. She has served on the board for Slow Food Temecula Valley since 2008. Passionate about good, clean, fair food with a commitment to community and the environment. She enjoys la dolce vita in wine country, but is a native of Colorado. Blessed with a great Italian family, she is foodie enthusiast and is also the niece of Rich Mauro.