Ever quaff Yellowtail Ale?
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