Craftsman Brewmaster Mark Jilg
Arguably the best brewer in LA, Mark Jilg has been making Craftsman since 1995 in a tiny warehouse in Pasadena. I was first introduced to his Craftsman Hefeweizen a couple years ago at Father’s Office. I don’t think they even sell this stuff in bottles. It’s easy to forget that they make beer on such a small scale, because their tap handles are easy to spot at the finer beer establishments around LA.
But holy crap, I’m just realizing this now, not even one of the 25 or so beers they make is ranked on BeerAdvocate, because they are all still awaiting 10 reviews. Does no one outside of LA know about this beer?
Their most popular brew is their 1903 Lager, which accounts for about 1/3rd of their sales. I tried some of their Cabernale a few weeks ago at the Weiland Brewery Restaurant, it was amazing. It pours an odd pinkish brown, with a fizzy thin head and a fruity, floral aroma. Mark actually uses Central Valley grapes in the brew. Another seasonal they make is the Triple White Sage, which is coming down the pike as we speak.
I learned a lot about Craftsman and Mark from this recent interview I read on LAist, so this is a highly recommended read. I’m going to pass you off now, be sure to take notes, there will be a pop quiz later this week.
The LAist interview with Mark Jilg.
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Hi. I am looking to purchase a few cases of locally-brewed beer in Los Angeles. I have been looking over this site and see a lot of information about beer you can buy in bars, but not sure where to find it by the case. I am buying it for an environmental fundraiser that wants to provide only “locovore” food and drink… stuff that was produced within 100 miles of LA. Any suggestions?
Comment made by Mary on Monday, May 5, 2008 @ 2:52 pm
Mary,
Craftsman has been teasing us with plans to bottle for quite some time, but for now, it’s all draft.
Here are some ideas. I’ll organize them according from best beer to worst. Your event’s parameters will determine the most feasible option. Contact Mark and see if you can buy a keg of Craftsman. I would bet that they don’t sell directly to consumers, but I could be wrong.
You can pick up growlers (I’m sure some sell kegs as well) from a local brewpub. My guesstimate for the best to worst order is roughly Red Car Brewery, Belmont Brewing Company, Weiland Brewery, San Pedro Brewing Company (here’s the drop from top tier to lower tier), Redondo Beach Brewing, Bonaventure Brewing, and Manhattan Beach Brewing. BJ’s and Rock Bottom also make good beer, but corporate brewpubs don’t really go with your theme.
The Los Angeles area has two breweries that bottle. Angel City and Skyscraper. Angel City beers are much easier to find. Both are weak at best. The only above average beer you’ll find from either one is Angel City Dunkel.
Good luck.
Comment made by Andy on Monday, May 5, 2008 @ 11:18 pm
Thank you! It’s mostly a wine event, but since I am a beer enthusiast (drinker) I insist each year we have some sort of beer. People aren’t too picky but I’d like have something nice on hand and it must be local (per the parameters of the event). I will make some calls… you’ve been really helpful! Mary
Comment made by Mary on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 @ 9:35 am