(San Diego, CA) – In case you missed it, we dropped an interesting interview a few weeks ago Clayton LeBlanc, co-founder and brewer of Eppig Brewing. We talked about the fact that they immediately stood out in the competitive San Diego beer scene with amazing lagers in the post “yellow sparkling beer only for wussies” era.
You can listen to our conversation by association Or search for The Full Pint Podcast on your favorite podcast app. There are a few details we didn’t put in our show description that are worth mentioning right now.
Did you know that Eppig started out as a Brooklyn brewery in the mid-1800s and was revived in San Diego 150 years later? In 1866, the great-great-uncle of co-founder Stephanie Eppig and his brother founded Leonhard Eppig’s Germania brewery after moving to the United States. It should come as no surprise that they specialize in lagers, as is the current San Diego incarnation. From 1866 to 1919, the family ran six breweries in the Bushwick neighborhood of New York from 1866 to 1919. Eppig’s history has had some juicy twists, including a partnership with gangster Holland Schultz (aka “Bronx Beer Baron”) to move production underground during Prohibition. The Mafia chiefs later forcibly seized control of the company, and eventually the Eppig family lost their beer business.
Fast forward a century and a half – Stephanie & Clayton, with co-founders Nate Stephens and Todd Warshaw, Take inspiration from Eppig’s heritage breweries and brands. The hallmark of Eppig’s identity is their logo featuring an eagle with a beer barrel, an iconic symbol taken directly from antique beer bottles and porcelain corks from their collection of original artifacts.
While most breweries turn to sleek, modern can art and marketing designs, they plan to continue this historic look and feel. In their San Diego tasting room, fans enjoy carefully crafted beers in an environment that pays homage to the past, featuring reclaimed wood paneling, traditional German beer tables and lithographs depicting the original Brooklyn brewery. It’s no coincidence that Eppig’s vibe is considered timeless and distinctive, rather than trend-chasing – and so is the beer they serve.
As of last month, they now operate three tasting rooms in San Diego County. All of their places are dog and family friendly and have over a dozen approachable, balanced beers in a variety of styles. We know people like to plan their brewery visits in advance, so let’s break them down for you:
Eppig Vista Brewery and Brewery – 1347 Keystone Way C, Vista, CA 92081 – This mothership includes a traditional German bierhalle for special events and a tasting room with windows that looks into their 16,000-square-foot production brewery. BYOF or check their website for food truck schedules.
Eppig Point Loma Waterfront Beer Garden – 2817 Dickens St, San Diego, CA 92106 – A heavenly outdoor patio right on the harbour with stunning views of the San Diego skyline and boats lining the marina. BYOF from any restaurant within walking distance including Pt. Loma Seafoods & Mitch’s.
Epic La Jolla Brewhouse – 1273 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037 – Eppig’s newest tasting room is located in a beautiful village of shops and restaurants across from La Jolla Cove. Lots of options for takeout and BYOF. This location is also the perfect place to grab a pre- or post-dinner drink if you’re making a reservation at any of the neighborhood’s legendary spots, including Eddie V’s, George’s at the Cove and Duke’s.
We’ve heard that Eppig is methodically expanding distribution beyond San Diego and has recently started shipping beer to Orange County, California. With any luck, they’ll crawl the California map so those who can’t get to San Diego have a chance to try their carefully crafted lagers and ales.
About EPPIG Brewing: Eppig Brewing is an independent family owned and operated San Diego brewery with locations in Vista, Point Loma and La Jolla. Founded in 2016 and rooted in a rich Bavarian family’s history of brewing beer and traditional styles, they’ve quickly risen through the ranks in San Diego’s competitive craft-focused market. Eppig brews a variety of award-winning lagers and ales that are balanced, approachable and often historical and contemporary, paying homage to the Eppig family’s brewing roots from the 1800s. For more information, visit Eppigbrewing.com or follow Eppig on Facebook and Instagram – @eppigbrewing.