[Riho Brewery No.239] Mason Ale Works (San Diego) | Dankenstein’s Monster DIPA Unleashed in Barrio Logan!
Beer
2026.02.21
This article can be read in about 19 minutes.
Hello! I’m Riho, a craft beer enthusiast.
On November 13, 2025, I visited Mason Ale Works in San Diego’s Barrio Logan neighborhood. Founded in 2015 and continuously evolving across multiple locations, the brewery found its new home in February 2025 by taking over the former Border X Brewing space in Barrio Logan. Now operating as House of Mason Beverage Collective — managing multiple brands including Eppig Brewing, Second Chance Beer, and Castellum Ciders — Mason Ale Works is one of San Diego’s most exciting craft beer destinations.
Hop-kun
Mason Ale Works’ “Dankenstein’s Monster” is an unfiltered DIPA using five hops: Cascade, CTZ, Chinook, Centennial, and Simcoe — ABV 9.3%, IBU 60 — Hop! Rated 3.89/5 on Untappd (5,414 ratings), it’s an intensely dank IPA that’s the monster its name promises — Hop!!
Rune-chan
Barrio Logan is famous for Chicano art — Woof! Craft beer and culture together is so very San Diego — Woof! Beer with tacos is the ultimate combination — Woof!!
Mason Ale Works was founded in 2015 by Grant Tondro inside the URGE Gastropub in Oceanside. In 2017, they established their flagship brewery at URGE Common House in San Marcos, but in 2021 that space was converted to Draft Republic by Cohn Restaurant Group. Continuing to evolve, Mason now operates as House of Mason Beverage Collective, overseeing multiple brands including Eppig Brewing, Second Chance Beer, and Castellum Ciders.
In February 2025, they took over the former Border X Brewing space, opening a new tasting room in Barrio Logan — San Diego’s vibrant Chicano art district. The space features 16 taps and a full kitchen collaboration with Tacos El Villasana.
🍺 Signature Beers
① Dankenstein’s Monster ★ Untappd 3.89/5
True to its name — the “Monster of Dank.” An unfiltered DIPA (ABV 9.3%, IBU 60) combining five hops: Cascade, CTZ, Chinook, Centennial, and Simcoe. Just as the tagline promises: “Big citrus, big pine, and all the dankness you could ask for.” Explosive citrus juiciness with aggressive pine-resin dankness. The most powerful beer in the lineup, rated 3.89/5 on Untappd (5,414 ratings).
② West Coast IPA ★ Flagship
Simply described as “Hoppy. Piney. Citrus. Legend.” — the flagship beer (ABV 7.2%). Clear and dry with classic West Coast characteristics: pine resin and citrus. Consistently rated 3.78/5 on Untappd (1,342 ratings).
③ Respeto ★ Mexican-Style Lager
“Crisp. Refreshing. Classic.” A Mexican-style lager (ABV 4.5%) inspired by Barrio Logan’s culinary culture. Winner of the Gold Medal at the 2018 Ensenada Beer Festival — a long-standing crowd favorite that pairs perfectly with tacos.
📊 Flavor Profile (Dankenstein’s Monster)
Flavor Element
Intensity (1–5)
Character
🟠 Bitterness
5/5
60 IBU · five-hop dankness explosion
🟢 Sweetness
3/5
ABV 9.3% malt body · balancing sweetness
🔵 Acidity
1/5
Virtually none · dry and intensely bitter
🟣 Body
4/5
Full body · rich unfiltered texture
🟡 Aroma
5/5
Pine resin · citrus · dank · intense Simcoe
🏆 Overall Rating
★★★★☆
4.0/5
Dankenstein’s Monster delivers some of San Diego’s most ferocious dankness! Great food + beer pairing at the vibrant Barrio Logan new location
Riho-kun
“Dankenstein’s Monster” is every bit the monster its name suggests! Surprisingly drinkable for 9.3% ABV, with five-hop dankness flooding every sip. The artsy Barrio Logan atmosphere was a perfect match — great craft beer in a great neighborhood!
“Dankenstein’s Monster” Double IPA is a crowd favorite — intensely dry-hopped with citrus and tropical fruit aromas. Their Nelson Sauvin and Phantasm-series IPAs are also highly regarded.
How do I get to Mason Ale Works in San Marcos?
Located in San Marcos, about 35 miles north of downtown San Diego. Best reached by car via I-15 North or I-5 to CA-78 West. Ride-share (Uber/Lyft) is recommended as public transit options are limited.
Do they serve food?
The taproom offers light snacks. Food trucks occasionally park outside — check their Instagram/social media for the schedule. Feel free to bring your own food or order delivery.
ルネちゃん
What’s the Barrio Logan neighborhood like?
りほくん
Barrio Logan is San Diego’s vibrant Latino arts district — colorful murals, authentic Mexican food, and a growing craft beer scene. It’s one of the most culturally rich neighborhoods in the city!
ホップくん
Dankenstein’s Monster DIPA is paradise for hop lovers! The tropical fruit explosion — mango, passion fruit, citrus — all in one glass. The name is no joke, it’s a monster of flavor!
ルネちゃん
8%+ beer seems really strong. How do you handle that?
りほくん
Start with a 6oz taster if you’re not used to DIPAs! The danger is they taste so smooth you might not notice the strength. Pair with food — a good taco goes perfectly with hoppy beers.
🍻 How to Order at an American Taproom
New to American taprooms? Here’s a quick guide to ordering craft beer with confidence.
りほくん
Don’t be shy at the bar! Staff at craft breweries love talking beer. Just point at the tap list or say what style you enjoy and they’ll guide you to something great.
Step 1
Check the tap list on the board or menu
Step 2
Order at the counter: “Can I have a [beer name], please?”
Step 3
“Open tab or close?” → Say “Open” to pay later, “Close” to pay now
Step 4
Show ID (passport) if asked — 21+ required
Step 5
Pick up your beer at the counter
Step 6
Add 15–20% tip when closing your tab (tablet screen)
ホップくん
Try asking: “What do you recommend?” or “What’s your most popular IPA right now?” — bartenders love these questions!
ルネちゃん
Want to try before committing? Ask for a “taster” or “sampler” — most taprooms offer small 2-4oz pours to help you decide!
⚠️ Disclaimer
Taste evaluations are personal opinions. Beer flavor perception varies by individual. Product information, hours, and prices are subject to change without notice. Drink responsibly. Must be 21+ to consume alcohol in the United States.
Seattle-based IT engineer and certified Japanese beer judge exploring the craft scenes on both sides of the Pacific. I bring a developer's analytical eye to brewing processes while volunteering tech skills to help brewers tell their authentic stories. Follow my cross-cultural beer journey where code meets craft! 🍻
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