New brew: Smog City Brewing in Torrance on Wednesday gives session beer lovers a summertime smooch

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Torrance’s Smog City Brewing has a line-up of some of the most innovative craft beers around, but it hasn’t had an approachable, low-alcohol beer on tap regularly since the demise of its Make-out Session Pale Ale due to poor sales.

But at 4 p.m. Wednesday Smog unveils a 5 percent ABV Smoochin’ Capuchin Session IPA that seems a nod to its drinkable, but departed predecessor, just as the weather in the South Bay heats up yet, again that’s described as a “delightfully intense, super hoppy, full bodied Session IPA.

“Notes of ripe melon and grapefruit with a light malt character keep this little beauty extremely drinkable,” reports the brewery and unlike many of Smog’s limited edition beers this one will be available in growlers, too.

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And, perhaps not so coincidentally for you true beer nerds out there, Smog is retiring its teal growers for a golden one that’s perfect, one supposes, for a similarly-colored session IPA.

Smog City Brewing in Torrance releases popular Amarilla Gorilla IPA in bottles for first time at 4 p.m. today

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Amarilla Gorilla (7.8 percent ABV) is one of two IPA’s Smog produces on a regular basis (along with their Hoptonic). Here’s more from the brewery press release:

Brace yourself for Amarilla Gorilla IPA’s tropical assault. Expect notes of mango, papaya, and candied orange peel reinforced by a supportive bitterness, subtle malt, and a hint of citrus and pine mid palate to keep this beast balanced.

Join us today (Wednesday) at 4pm when we welcome back the beast! Bottles will be available for the first time, as well as the usual growlers, pints and tasters.

Want something a little lighter, but just as zesty? Smog will also release a limited batch of their top-selling Pilsner with limes that checks in at 4.4 percent ABV.

El Segundo Brewing Company unveils only bottling Friday of summer seasonal Grand Hill IPA

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El Segundo Brewing, which arguably boasts the best IPA line-up in the county, is bottling its summer release Grand Hill IPA Friday morning and the making it available later that same afternoon:

Grand Hill is nothing but base malt, Big Bitterness, and a heavy dose of Amarillo and Centennial hops which make this India Pale Ale a nod to what has made the California IPA what it is today. Bright presence of lemon zest in the aroma leads well into a base of pine and citrus in the palette.

Larry’s Grill will be here doing tacos starting at 3.

Cases are available for $58. Email Pete(at)ElSegundobrewing.com

Read reviews of Grand Hill IPA here.

Claremont Craft Ales celebrating third anniversary today

Claremont Craft Ales Third AnniversaryThree cheers to Claremont Craft Ales!

The brewery is celebrating its third anniversary today (July 11). The celebration event is being held in two sessions: The first began at noon and runs ’til 4 p.m.; the other is from 5 to 9 p.m.

A limited number of tickets, which include a souvenir glass and 16 pours, are available at the door for $30. Children and designated drivers get in free.

More than 35 beers, including barrel-aged varieties, will be flowing at the event.

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Dudes’ Brewing Company of Torrance hires new brewmaster and plans to quadruple production

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Dudes’ Brewing Company has signed a distribution deal with Southern Wine and Spirits this week to expand their reach in Southern California.

The Torrance-based company hopes to quadruple production this year and expand their craft beer selection with the help of Alex Rabe, their new master brewer.

Rabe was formerly with San Diego’s Rough Draft Brewing Co.

“Instead of focusing on individual processes, I think about the beer as a whole,” said Rabe in a statement. “ I think about how each small change will affect the final product because that is what truly matters.”

–Nereida Moreno

Lagunitas has big plans for Southern California brewery

Azusa LagunitasPetaluma-based Lagunitas Brewing Co. has big plans for its new brewery under construction in Azusa.

How big? 178,000-square-feet worth, that’s how big.

Initially, the brewery will pump out 420,000 barrels of beer annually, but will eventually ramp up to — cue Doctor Evil voice — one million barrels. The brewery will distribute throughout the Southwest, and perhaps, eventually into Mexico.

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Ballast Point Independence Party Friday at Select Beer Store in Redondo Beach

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Select Beer Store in Redondo Beach will hosts its third annual Independence Party featuring the beers of the San Diego brewery from noon to 10 p.m. Friday.

The Ballast Point beer line-up includes Calm Before the Storm (Cream Ale w/Coffee & Vanilla), Schooner Wet Hop (100% Cascade fresh hop ale), Sour Wench (Blackberry Berliner Weiss) w/Raspberries, Barrel-Aged Sea Monster (Imperial Stout), Dorado (Double IPA) w/Watermelon, Victory at Sea (Imperial Porter) w/Peanut Butter, Victory at Sea (Imperial Porter) w/Horchata, Sculpin (IPA), Sculpin (IPA) w/Coffee, Sculpin (IPA) w/Mango, Sculpin (IPA) w/Pineapple Sculpin (IPA) on Nitro, Grunion Pale, Sextant (Oatmeal Stout), Longfin Lager and Wahoo Wheat.

You haven’t lived if you haven’t tasted their Sculpin IPA.