I love visiting new breweries. The chance to try new beer, meet new people, and experience the often creative atmosphere that makes each brewery unique makes any brewery visit an anticipatory occasion. On a recent beercation to Carlsbad, California, I had the opportunity to visit several new brewing establishments and one that stands out in my memory is Arcana Brewing, a small, friendly place to chill out with beer in hand.
Is That a Brewery I See?
Arcana Brewing, presently located at 5621 Palmer Way, Suite C, in Carlsbad, California, is an easy place to miss and somewhat of a challenge to find. This is because the brewery is situated in a business strip mall, surrounded by businesses of varying types, and basically blends into its surroundings. Fortunately for me and my group of associates, someone knowledgeable was behind the wheel but I can fully understand how some people may have to do a few automotive circles before they find this destination.
Once inside Arcana Brewing, I quickly discovered that any small inconvenience was worth the small amount of trouble. Arcana isn’t huge, but it boasts a friendly, artistic atmosphere that is casual, unpretentious, and welcoming. No one under 21 is admitted at Arcana Brewing, but they do allow dogs so you can have some additional companionship from your four- legged family member, if you wish.
Arcana Brewing features art on the walls, dart boards for entertainment, and limited seating. They have a couch, which helps provide a feeling of hominess, and they have an active Mug Club, as evidenced by the large number of beer mugs on display. Aracana Brewing doesn’t have its own kitchen, but it is common to find food trucks serving beer- compatible grub and live music is a common attraction.
Now, for the Beer
Arcana Brewing features about 12 to 15 of its own beers on tap at any given time. I sampled several when I visited and among them, I liked the Headbasher IPA the best. Its 7.25 percent alcohol by volume and 65 IBU are not as excessive or extreme as the beer’s name would lead you to believe. I found it a good choice for someone like me, an unabashed, unapologetic hophead seeking the wondrous taste of hops everywhere I go. I was also rather found of the Fly Guy Rye IPA for similar reasons.
Another thing I like about Arcana Brewing is its willingness to experiment, at least a little bit. They don’t seem to care too much at Arcana about offering a wide range of common styles- they would rather offer some more unique twists on popular favorites. Some good examples are Newton’s Graff Apple and ‘Merica Bacon Ale- two beers with their own distinct flavors, well differentiated from the average beer.
Breweries and Memories
Arcana Brewing is a pleasant place to chill. This, as I said, was one of several stops on an organized Carlsbad, California beercation event that I attended and it stands out for its laid- back vibe, friendly, non- pretentious atmosphere, and interesting beers.
A visit to Arcana Brewing is a good way to get a taste of Carlsbad’s upcoming craft beer scene. I found the beers at Arcana good all- around with a few standouts in the bunch and nothing that I would say is sub- par. I admit that some of the beers, like Marley’s Ghost Ale and Headbasher IPA, are only going to appeal to a specific set of taste buds, but there is something here for everyone and the none of the beers is too weird, too weak, or too off the wall to make it disagreeable to the craft beer crowd.
One of Arcana Brewing’s chief appeals is its atmosphere. No, Arcana isn’t going to win any awards for interior decorating or be featured in a business- oriented version of House Beautiful. But this is precisely the brewery’s appeal. It wants to come across as unassuming, welcoming, and non- judgmental and its atmosphere takes me back to my college days, a time when meeting and conversing with people and sharing a beer or two mattered more than stuffy, disingenuous aesthetics.
Arcana Brewing isn’t as well- known as many of San Diego County’s other, heavy- hitting, widely distributed craft breweries, but it has enough going for it to warrant a visit. The funky, artsy, casual charm of Arcana Brewing makes it an enjoyable place to park your body, fill your glass, and easily chat with the stranger next to you without concern or worry. Come as you are, and let Arcana Brewing handle the rest.
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