Savoring Monkish Brewing Co.: A California Craft Beer Journey

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rihobeer

I work as an IT professional, but my passion lies in the world of craft beer. I hold a Japanese Beer Judge qualification and participated as a rookie judge in the 2024 JGBA. After contributing to the beer scene in Tokyo, I relocated to Seattle, where I’ll be based until the end of 2027, immersing myself in the vibrant beer culture here.

Writing beer reviews and energizing events is my way of spreading the love for craft beer. With a mission to "make beer more accessible," I’m actively looking for opportunities to contribute to the beer industry and get involved in related projects.

While my posts are primarily in Japanese, I plan to increase content in English in the future to connect with a broader audience.

If there’s anything I can help with, please feel free to reach out! I’m open to connections via social media or email(riho.dare at gmail.com), and I look forward to collaborating with fellow beer enthusiasts around the world. Cheers!

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Hello! I’m Rihobo, a huge fan of craft beer. Today, I visited Monkish Brewing Co. in Torrance—a brewery renowned for its delicious saisons and hazy IPAs. With a uniquely sophisticated California vibe and a diverse range of brews, it’s a must-visit spot for any beer enthusiast.

Savoring Monkish Brewing Co.: A California Craft Beer Journey

Monkish Brewing Co. is renowned for its saisons and hazy IPAs. It’s so popular that many enthusiasts even import its beers to Japan.

Monkish Brewing Co. Tap List

ENJOY HERE

BELGIAN-ish

  • SONG OF SILENCE – Belgian-ish Blonde
    ABV: 7.1%
    Prices: 6oz $5.25, 12oz $8.5, 16oz $9
  • SUBLIMINAL SEQUEL – Belgian-style Tripel
    ABV: 10.3%
    Prices: 6oz $6, 12oz $8.5, 16oz $9
  • FEMINIST – Belgian Tripel with Hibiscus
    ABV: 7.5%
    Prices: 6oz $5.25, 12oz $8.5, 16oz $9
  • ANOMALY – Dark Strong Ale
    ABV: 9%
    Prices: 6oz $5.25, 12oz $8.5, 16oz $9

SPECIAL

  • RAYGUN – Hoppy Blonde
    ABV: 5.3%
    Prices: 6oz $7.25, 12oz $8.25
  • HELLISH – German Helles Lager
    Prices: 6oz $6, 12oz $7, 16oz $8
  • LITTLE TWIN STARS 2024
    Imperial Stout conditioned on loads of raw coconut & cacao nibs
    ABV: 12.5%
    Prices: 6oz $6, 12oz $7, 16oz $9

HOPPY

  • WEST COAST CATS & DOGS – WC IPA (West Coast IPA)
    ABV: 7%
    Prices: 6oz $5.25, 12oz $8.5, 16oz $9
  • BRAIN BOXES – WC Pilsner
    ABV: 5.1%
    Prices: 6oz $5, 12oz $8.5, 16oz $9
  • LIKELY LOVE – IPA with Mosaic, Nelson Sauvin, Citra
    ABV: 6.5%
    Prices: 6oz $5, 12oz $8.5, 16oz $9
  • FOGGY WINDOW – DIPA with Citra, Nelson Sauvin
    ABV: 8.2%
    Prices: 6oz $5.25, 12oz $8.5
  • CONSCIENCE BE FREE – DDH IPA with Galaxy, Nelson Sauvin
    ABV: 7%
    Prices: 6oz $5.25, 12oz $8.5
  • BABBLESHIP – DDH DIPA with Galaxy & Mosaic
    ABV: 8.5%
    Prices: 6oz $5.25, 12oz $8.5
  • SNOW GIANT – TIPA with Citra & Nectaron
    ABV: 10.4%
    Prices: 6oz $6, 12oz $9

IN HOUSE BOTTLES

  • TRIPLE OAK LIFE SIZED (2022)
    Barrel-aged Barleywine in multiple bourbon barrels
    ABV: 15%
    500ml: $75
  • SCOFF (2022)
    Double Barrel-aged Barleywine in bourbon barrels
    ABV: 15%
    500ml: $75
  • BARREL-AGED LITTLE TWIN STARS (2021)
    Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels with cacao nibs
    ABV: 15.5%
    500ml: $75
  • BARREL-AGED LITTLE TWIN STARS
    Aged in Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels with coconut & cacao nibs
    ABV: 15.5%
    500ml: $75

SELTZER

  • NO UMBRELLA – Super Seltzer with Pineapple & Coconut
    ABV: 8.3%
    Price: 9oz $9

ENJOY AWAY (To-Go Cans)

HOPPY CANS (4pk / 16oz Cans)

  • BRAIN BOXES – WC Pilsner – $18.5
  • WEST COAST CATS & DOGS – WC IPA – $18.5
  • STINKER BEATS – DDH IPA – $20.5
  • FOGGY WINDOW – DIPA – $20.5
  • BABBLESHIP – DDH DIPA – $22.5
  • SNOW GIANT – TIPA – $24.5

OTHER CANS

  • HELLISH – German Helles Lager – $16
  • SONG OF SILENCE – Belgian-ish Blonde – $16
  • FEMINIST – Belgian-ish Tripel – $19.5

Reviews of the Beers I Tried at Monkish Brewing Co.

The First Beer I Tried: Foggy Window!

I started with Foggy Window. It features a robust malt character reminiscent of bitter chocolate on the palate. Although very smooth and easy to drink, I ended up downing it quickly. Simply delicious.

Next Up: Song of Silence!

Song of Silence boasts an intense, phenolic aroma from its yeast. In the mouth, a vibrant interplay of hops and phenols creates a harmonious bouquet, and as you swallow, it spreads as smoothly as water. It’s an incredibly refreshing beer.

Finally, I Tried: ancient future 2024!

Lastly, I sampled ancient future 2024. It has a pronounced alcohol aroma with mellow, raisin-like nuances that fill the palate. Elegant throughout, with a warming surge of alcohol that gradually spreads from the back of the throat and a robust, bittersweet, chocolate-like impression, it finishes with a remarkably dry aftertaste.

Flavor Profile of Monkish Brewing

This brewery’s beers are distinguished by their refined, smooth taste—with barely any bitterness or astringency. Even with higher alcohol levels, they remain extremely drinkable, delivering a powerful hop character. While those seeking a heavy, robust beer might look elsewhere, anyone after an easy-drinking brew will be delighted. It masterfully combines the time-honored traditions of Belgian-style ales with the fruity hop profile of American beers. Simply outstanding…

Thank you, Monkish. Next time, I’ll bring some friends!

Location Information

Nearby Restaurants and Craft Beer Spots

Right near Monkish Brewing Co., you’ll find spots like Cellador Ales – Barrel House & Bottle Shop and Smog City Brewing Co.. There are also several Japanese-run izakayas and hotels in the area.

I stayed at the Redac Gateway Hotel, an exceptionally beautiful Japanese-style hotel.

Safety and Security

Torrance is considered relatively safe compared to other parts of the Los Angeles region. With active police patrols and a vibrant community, residents generally feel secure. However, exercise basic caution—keep an eye on your belongings and stay aware of your surroundings, especially in less crowded areas or parking lots at night.

The Atmosphere of the Monkish Brewing Co. Taproom

The space is inviting—you can relax and enjoy your beer while admiring the brewing equipment. An open layout and friendly staff make it easy for first-time visitors to feel at home.

There’s also a self-service water station and outdoor seating—perfect for enjoying a beer on a sunny day.

I visited on a Friday night and it was bustling—almost fully packed!

There was a food truck on site, and I ordered a pizza! The combination of Monkish’s Hazy and pizza was simply amazing…

How to Order at Monkish Brewing Co.

In the taproom, you order directly at the register by stating which beer you’d like. Since the beer names are unique, it’s a good idea to point at the tap list while ordering.

  • Step 1: Order by saying something like, “Can I have a pint of …?”
  • Step 2: At the register, when asked “Tab, Open? Close?” choose either post-pay (Open) or pay-as-you-go (Close).
  • Step 3: Present your ID (passport or driver’s license) for age verification.
  • Step 4: Pay with cash, Apple Pay, credit card, etc.
  • Step 5: Select your tip amount on the tablet and sign.
  • Step 6: Collect your beer from the counter.

It might seem unfamiliar at first, but now I can order smoothly every time!

How to Taste (Beer Sampling)

Depending on how busy it is, you can ask the staff for a sample. Try a little of the beers that catch your eye, and then order a full pint of your favorite.

It’s polite to ask, “May I try a sample?”

For More Information on American Craft Beer, Click Here!

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In Summary: Monkish Brewing Co.

At Monkish Brewing Co., you can enjoy a wide range of distinctive beers in a relaxed taproom with friendly staff. Their appeal lies in offering a variety of styles—from monastic ales and saisons to hazy IPAs. With other California craft beer spots like Cellador Ales and Smog City Brewing Co. nearby, it’s also an ideal hub for your beer tour!

From light saisons to rich, barrel-aged brews, every beer here has its own unique charm. If you’re in California, be sure to stop by Monkish Brewing Co.!

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