 Have you ever dreamed of turning
your passion into a thriving business? That's exactly what happened to San Diego natives
Jack White, Yuseff Churney and Peter A'Hearn when they opened Home Brew Mart in the Bay
Park area in 1992. Avid brewing enthusiasts, the three conceived of the retail store as a
supply Mecca for local brew-it-yourselfers. It proved to be just that. So much so, in
fact, that four years later Home Brew Mart's profits allowed the three entrepreneurs to
realize the other half of their dream. The Ballast Point Brewing Company, located
inside Home Brew Mart, fired up its kettles in September of 1996.
 In the front of the
business, customers shop for the equipment and supplies they'll need to brew their own
beer. They can also enter the back of the store, and have a taste of fresh Ballast Point
beer. It's enough to make a beer lover feel downright tingly inside.
Ballast Point's nautical-themed tasting area offers the brewery's best sellers on tap,
while especially savory creations stand ready to serve via an old-fashioned British-style
hand pump.Peek into the attached warehouse and you'll see massive gleaming steel tanks and
experience all the wonderful smells, sounds and smiles of a traditional brewhouse. If you
go, say hello to Brewmaster Peter A'Hearn. He has an extensive biochemistry background and
was graduated from the highly respected brewing program at U.C. Davis. Go ahead and ask
questions. A'Hearn loves to talk home brew.
Four-ounce tasters are available, and glass jugs can be purchased to transport your
favored brew home.
 Ballast Point beers are
served in over 100 bars and restaurants throughout San Diego. Leading the way for the
brewery these days is its Yellowtail Ale, a refreshing beer styled after the crisp and
golden Kolsch ales of Cologne, Germany. Ballast Point also recently released its
Yellowtail Pale in 22 oz. bottles.
Also available at the brewery's tasting bar are Ballast Point White, Black Marlin
Porter, Firkin Hoppy I.P.A., and Ballast Point Copper Ale, brewed in the English E.S.B.
(Extra Special Bitter) style, and made with six malts and two hop varieties.
-- Dave Dennis |
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