Smog City Brewing Company will be having their grand opening on Saturday, May 18th from 12-9pm. Their location is: 

1901 Del Amo Blvd Ste B
Torrance, CA 90501

I recently visited to celebrate my buddy Derek’s birthday and was fortunate enough to see a preview of the new brewery. It’s located in a small and unassuming business park, as most new breweries are now-a-days. They have a bright large space filled with the aroma of promise and excitement.

We happen to be there when a bunch of other media were there getting a “sneak peak” of the place.

I loved everything about the place. It was long and had two roll-up doors so you had a cross-breeze which doesn’t seem like much but when it’s hot and the brewery is making beer, it’s a life saver. There was a ton of space to walk around and set your beer down on a barrel, or grab a chair and stay awhile. They had these awesome stands made from barrels that I was obsessed with. The one next to the large recliner chair was my favorite. I want that for my house so badly! 

The beers were spot-on. The Coffee Porter was unbelievable. It was just lovely. It was like getting handed $10 and kiss on the cheek from your grandma on your birthday. The smell of coffee is prominent, and the balance is perfect. It just really, seriously, sincerely, well-done beer. I know the description “well-done” doesn’t excite your brain but that means a lot in the beer world. 

Derek (NB Brew Co.), Julian (Beachwood BBQ & Brewing), John Porter (Smog City)

I did also try the “Weird Beer” and the Scotch Beer and I liked both of them  as well. The weird beer seems to be a saison but that’s just my assumption. The real test of a brewery is how well they can make an IPA. Most breweries will either make a great IPA or a mediocre IPA, and if you make a mediocre IPA then you should just stop. You don’t need it, especially if you make other good beers. But, being in California, it has become a requirement and an expectation so most breweries will succumb. Smog City, just so happens to friggin’ NAIL the IPA. They nailed it. They make a fantastic “Gorilla IPA” that is excruciatingly good. It’s citrusy and hoppy and bright and so well executed. We should all bow down to Jon Porter (head brewer/owner of Smog City). 

The only issue with Smog City is it’s not close enough to visit very often, but I will have to make the trip again because I want more of their beer. I have high hopes for you Smog City, so cheers to a fantastic beginning and a long road of excellence.