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- 【2025 UPDATED】Experience Smog City Brewing: The Ultimate California Craft Beer Travel Guide
- 【TASTING NOTES】Detailed Reviews of Beers I Tried at Smog City Brewing
- 【LOCAL GUIDE】Smog City Brewing’s Taproom Atmosphere and How to Order
- 【BASIC INFO】Smog City Brewing Overview
- More American Craft Beer Information Here!
- 【CONCLUSION】Smog City Brewing: A Paradise for Dark Beer Lovers
【2025 UPDATED】Experience Smog City Brewing: The Ultimate California Craft Beer Travel Guide
Hello there! I’m Riho, a craft beer enthusiast. Smog City Brewing is a brewery that specializes in exceptional dark beers. This brewery, which embodies California’s diverse culture and innovation, has been on my “must-visit” list whenever I travel to America. In this post, I’ll share my experience visiting their taproom, highlighting what makes them special, and particularly diving into the delicious dark beers I tried!
If you’re looking for craft beer in California, Smog City Brewing is an absolute must-visit. It’s practically heaven for dark beer lovers!
Smog City Brewing’s beers are now available in various bottle shops and events in Japan, with their dark beers receiving rave reviews for their rich body and deep flavors. Their diverse beer lineup is definitely worth experiencing firsthand!
Their brewery logo design is incredibly cool…
I finally made it to this dream brewery! In this blog, I’ll report on Smog City Brewing’s characteristics, the taproom atmosphere, how to order, and most importantly, review the delicious dark beers. The content is enjoyable for everyone from beer beginners to connoisseurs.
I’ll cover brewing styles, tap list, local information, and ordering methods in detail!
【2025 CURRENT】Smog City Brewing Tap List
SMOG CITY BREWING
HOP WATER / NON-ALCOHOLIC
- Pineapple Guava Hop Water Hop water with pineapple and guava $5/16oz | $4/4oz
FRUITY & REFRESHING
- I’m Your Huckleberry Whoosh! Hard seltzer with huckleberry 5.8% $7/16oz | $3/4oz
LAGERS & LIGHT ALES
- Little Bo Pils Czech Style Pilsner 4.8% $8/16oz | $3/4oz
- Citrus Blonde Ale Fruited Blonde 5% $8/16oz | $3/4oz
- Amber Lager Amber Lager 5.3% $8/16oz | $3/4oz
HOPPY & IPAs
- Sabre-Toothed Squirrel Hoppy Amber Ale 7% $8/16oz | $3/4oz
- Winter Ale Spruce Tips, Juniper, and Honey Winter Warmer 7.6% $8.50/16oz | $3/4oz
- Smog City IPA West Coast IPA w/ Citra, Simcoe & Centennial 7.3% $8/16oz | $3/4oz
- Amarilla Gorilla IPA Tropical West Coast IPA 7.6% $8/16oz | $3/4oz
- Nesting Pair (Collab w/ Bay Foundation) West Coast IPA w/ Centennial, El Dorado, Idaho 7 & Citra 6.8% $8.50/16oz | $4/4oz
- PC Load Letter (Collab w/ Pizza Port) White IPA w/ Alana, Mandarina, Centennial & Chinook 6.7% $8.50/16oz | $3/4oz
- Druidic Dreams (Taproom Hop Series) West Coast IPA w/ Simcoe, Nelson Sauvin, Citra & Huell Melon 6.8% $8.50/16oz | $3/4oz
- Snow Donut (2025) (Smog Days Series) Hazy IPA w/ Nelson, Centennial, Chinook, Waimea & Simcoe 6.2% $8.50/16oz | $3/4oz
- Frost Quake (Smog Days Series) Hazy IPA w/ Simcoe, Amarillo, Centennial & Chinook 6.2% $8.50/16oz | $3/4oz
- Hoppy New Year (2024) Hazy IPA w/ Alana, Centennial, Simcoe & Hallertau 7% $8.50/16oz | $3/4oz
SOURS & FRUIT BEERS
- Snugglebug Sour Blonde Ale w/ Boysenberries & Raspberries 4.8% $8/16oz | $3/4oz
- Popricot Saison w/ Fuzzy Apricots 6% $9.50/16oz | $4/4oz
- Pumpkin Spice Brown BA Sour Brown Ale w/ Pumpkin Pie Spices 7.8% $8/16oz | $3/4oz
DARK BEERS & STOUTS
- Coffee Porter Robust Porter w/ Coffee 6% $8/16oz | $3/4oz
- Strangers in LA (Collab w/ Nepo Brewing) Chocolate Baltic Porter 8.3% $9/16oz | $4/4oz
- The Nothing Double Chocolate Imperial Stout 9.3% $9/16oz | $4/4oz
- Buzzworthy 2021 Imperial Honey Stout 12.9% $10/16oz | $4/4oz
BOTTLE POURS – LIMITED
- Benny And the Bretts Vol. 4 “BOTTLE POUR” Sangiovese BA Sour Red Ale 9.5% $9.50/16oz | $4/4oz
【TASTING NOTES】Detailed Reviews of Beers I Tried at Smog City Brewing
I visited the taproom of Smog City Brewing, a popular California brewery! This time, I ordered their iconic dark beer “The Nothing” and will review its rich body and smoky finish.
First Up: Sabre-Toothed Squirrel!
The first beer I tried was Sabre-Toothed Squirrel, which was truly delicious with sturdy malt backbone supporting the strong hop character. The color was beautifully clear. The flavor was fresh and completely different from what I usually drink in Japan—no metallic taste at all, just a fresh and mild impression. The malt character was pleasantly satisfying, making it a beer you can enjoy slowly. It was absolutely delicious.
This is the beer that got me hooked on craft beer. I was thrilled to drink it at the source!
For My Beer Flight, I Ordered the Imperial Stout!
The flight system lets you write down your own selection, and I ordered a lineup including The Nothing. Overall, the malty beers were delicious with impressively rich flavors. The classic clear IPA was refreshingly crisp, allowing me to enjoy it without palate fatigue all the way to the end.
I remember drinking this from a bottle on my 24th birthday. Such nostalgic memories.
【LOCAL GUIDE】Smog City Brewing’s Taproom Atmosphere and How to Order
The taproom atmosphere feels like a hidden tasting room within the brewery. I loved that they serve beer in brewery-exclusive glasses, and the interior gives off a calm ambiance. There’s also an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy your beer under the California sunshine. Additionally, the staff are incredibly friendly, making you feel welcome with warm hospitality every time you visit.
【BEGINNER’S GUIDE】How to Order at Smog City Brewing
At Smog City Brewing, you approach the counter directly in the taproom to order the beer you want. When ordering, it’s reassuring to point at the menu photos. Don’t worry if you’re not confident in your English! You’ll be fine as long as you know a few basic words.
Try ordering with “Can I have a pint of SMOG DARK?” Even if you’re unsure about pronunciation, pointing and smiling will get your message across!
- Step 1: When ordering, say “Can I have a pint of SMOG DARK?”
- Step 2: At the register, when asked “Tab, Open? Close?”, choose whether to pay later (Open) or pay now (Close)
- Step 3: Show ID (passport or driver’s license) if requested
- Step 4: Pay with cash, Apple Pay, or credit card
- Step 5: Select tip amount on the tablet and sign
- Step 6: Pick up your beer from the counter
I was confused by the tipping system at first, but it becomes very smooth once you get used to it! The standard is typically 15-20% of the bill.
The tablet makes it easy to select a tip amount. If you’re unsure, selecting “18%” is always a safe choice.
【BEER LOVER’S GUIDE】Recommended Breweries & Restaurants Near Smog City Brewing
- Monkish Brewing (8-minute walk) A brewery specializing in traditional monastery-style craft beers. They’re particularly known for their extensive IPA selection. Official website: www.monkishbrewing.com
- Click here for my detailed report on Monkish Brewing
- Cellador Ales – Barrel House & Bottle Shop (10-minute walk) A shop offering a wide selection of craft beers and limited-edition bottles. Their barrel-aged beer lineup is not to be missed. Official website: www.celladorales.com
【BASIC INFO】Smog City Brewing Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Company | Smog City Brewing |
| Address | 1901 Del Amo Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501 |
| Hours | Mon-Thu: 12:00-22:00, Fri-Sat: 11:00-23:00, Sun: 12:00-20:00 |
| Official Website | Smog City Brewing Official Website |
| Established | 2013 |
| Main Beer Lineup | Sabre-Toothed Squirrel, The Nothing, SMOG DARK, Ember, Vapor Echo, FUMÉ |
| Brewing Philosophy | Reflecting California’s rich culture and innovation, with unique recipes that pursue the depth of dark beers |
| Awards | Craft Beer Awards 2023 – Gold (SMOG DARK), Great American Beer Festival 2022 – Bronze (The Nothing) |
【ACCESS INFO】Smog City Brewing Location
【LOCAL FOOD GUIDE】Characteristics of the Area Around Smog City Brewing and Nearby Restaurants
The Torrance area where Smog City Brewing is located is a region where California’s diverse culture and sophisticated atmosphere intersect. The surrounding area is dotted with local craft food establishments, unique breweries, and shops that captivate visitors. One distinctive feature is the abundance of Japanese restaurants, allowing you to enjoy ramen, sushi, and other Japanese cuisine.
Recommended restaurants:
- HopSaint Brewing Company – A popular spot combining brewery and restaurant
- Madre Restaurant – Authentic Mexican cuisine with an extensive tequila selection
- Mitsuwa Marketplace – A Japanese supermarket with food court and Japanese grocery items
More American Craft Beer Information Here!
Complete List of California Craft Beer Information
American Craft Beer Information Category
【AWARDS】Smog City Brewing Major Award History
| Category | Competition | Year | Beer Name | Award | Entries | Source URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Lager | Craft Beer Awards | 2023 | City Lager | Gold | 150 (Total entries) | Official Website |
| Sunset Saison | Craft Beer Festival | 2023 | Sunset Saison | Silver | 200 (Total entries) | Official Website |
| SMOG DARK | Great American Beer Festival | 2022 | SMOG DARK | Bronze | 80 (Category entries) | Official Website |
【CONCLUSION】Smog City Brewing: A Paradise for Dark Beer Lovers
Smog City Brewing offers a taproom with a relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff where you can enjoy their diverse and unique beers. The greatest attraction of this brewery is experiencing the deep richness and full-bodied flavors of their dark beers in California’s sophisticated environment. The area is also home to numerous other craft breweries, making it ideal as a base for a beer tour!
Even if it’s your first time visiting an overseas taproom, you can order without issue just by memorizing a few simple English phrases. So please give it a try! The fresh craft beers you can only taste at Smog City Brewing will surely become unforgettable memories.
Smog City Brewing is known for its rich malt flavors and perfect smoky notes. If you’re visiting California, definitely make time to stop by! While some of their beers are available in Japan, the freshness of drinking them on-site is incomparable!
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