For The Alpine Sun
San Diegans have been instrumental to the success of the ever-growing beer industry in the region. During the Prohibition era, locals would travel across the border to Tijuana where hundreds of cantinas would serve Americans.
For The Alpine Sun
San Diegans have been instrumental to the success of the ever-growing beer industry in the region. During the Prohibition era, locals would travel across the border to Tijuana where hundreds of cantinas would serve Americans.
It was not until the late 20th century, however, when legislation legalized home brewing and the sale of craft beer in restaurants that San Diego began to flourish as a beer town. With this new legislation, brewers throughout the region began to network with one another, to share recipes and to compete, which allowed for the growth of our now booming craft beer industry.
Pat McIlhenny, Owner and Brew Master of Alpine Beer Company, started home brewing in 1983 in hopes of someday opening his brewery. McIlhenny gained his knowledge and fueled his passion by entering brewing competitions, taking brew science courses and by visiting different breweries to earn first hand insight into what it takes to run a brewery.
McIlhenny realized his dream in 2002 when he opened Alpine Beer Company in the heart of Alpine. His brewery stands out from the plethora of microbreweries in San Diego because of its unique labels. Each label is a picture of different locations across Alpine: The Alpine Ale label displays a picture of the location of Alpine Beer, the Captain Stout label is a picture of Alpine’s first fire station, and the Mandarin Nectar label shows the Alpine Women’s Club building, which was the original Town Hall.
Recently, Alpine Beer Company was recognized by State Senator Joel Anderson for its positive representation of Alpine, excellent customer service, and economic investment in the community. Anderson said, “Pat McIlhenny is a fantastic example of how hard work and a determined spirit can accomplish your loftiest goals. I am honored that he chose Alpine to open his business and invest in our community.”
The brewery briefly closed in 2008 to expand its headquarters, and reopened in 2009. The expansion welcomed the addition of four large fermenters to facilitate the production after an increase in demand.
