White Labs Brewing Co was started in 2012, but White Labs began as a supplier of yeast for home brewers, producing its first yeast strain in 1995. The presence of White Labs in San Diego contributed significantly to the town’s growth into a craft beer mecca, and White Labs continues to provide yeast and laboratory services to the local breweries. White Labs Brewing Co was formed to showcase the influence yeast has on beer, but on any afternoon you are just as likely to see visitors dropping off samples or picking up yeast strains as you are to see them ordering beer.
The Beer
The Big Board
Number of Taps
- 18 beers on tap
- 28% of taps are IPAs
Signature Beer
- Not a particular beer, but a serving option: The side-by-side comparison serving. The majority of the tap beers have been brewed in two batches where the only difference is the yeast strain. This can result in two very different tasting beers, and you can sample them in tandem to fully appreciate the variations caused by the yeast.
“What’s the Best Thing Ya Got?”
- I was recommended the Zamtra Hazy IPA and the Barleywine. I went with the Barleywine, which varied from boozy but dry to plum- and candy-like depending on the yeast.
eBay Platinum Reserve
- Frankenstout is so-named because it is made with 96 different yeast strains available from White Labs. It is sometimes available in bottles. While it wasn’t there on my most recent visit, a FrankenPorter on tap similarly used all 96 yeast strains.
For the Couch
- White Labs fills crowlers and growlers. They also have a refrigerator case with 4-pack cans.
The Space
Indoor Capacity
- The small finished tasting room has four tables and six seats at the bar
Outdoor Space
- A large covered patio space with heaters has six tables and 14 rail bar seats.
Food Service
- White Labs has its own kitchen and serves sliders, tacos, cheese boards, bread bites, and a variety of pizzas from margherita and pepperoni to specialty creations of the chef that revolve every couple of weeks.
- Soda, juice, and water is available in the cooler
Exit Through Gift Shop
- T-shirts, flannels, hoodies, hats, and glassware are all available
The Scene
Entertainment
- Music is played at a medium volume through speakers on the patio
- Two televisions over the bar show sports
Extras
- White Labs offers scheduled tours of the facilities on Fridays and Saturdays with no reservation required. You can also see into the laboratory space from a window in the tasting room.
Das Fressen 