Best Beer in Ventura County?

[tiffanie]

I'm looking for some input on what you think is the best place to get great beer in Ventura county. I'm a homebrewer and am always interested in finding a new, interesting beer to try. I'm not talking about Bud, Coors, or Miller. Let's share places that have some interesting craft beers from smaller microbreweries.

Which bars & stores are the best?

[Steve]

In Ventura County, the only one that comes to mind is BJ's. There are quite a few in Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara Brewing Co, Telegraph Brewing Co, Hollister Brewing Co and Union Ale Brewing Co. There used to be Downtown Brewing Co on upper State St, but I think they closed.

[tiffanie]

Anacapa Brewing on Main Street in Ventura is pretty good, but mostly focused on IPA & other hoppy beers. I love sweeter, maltier, more Belgian style beers.
Island Brewing in Carpinteria is excellent. They just won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival in Colorado for one of their cask conditioned beers.
Also, I recently re-discovered The Brewhouse on Montecito Street in Santa Barbara. They have a very wonderful, diverse selection of beer, including many Belgian style beers. Saint Barb's was awesome. I used to go there years ago and didn't like their beer as much as I do now. Plus their prices aren't over the top!
Does anyone know of local stores that have a good variety of beers from all over?

[heyitstiffyb]

If you are looking for a store with variety, your best chance at finding new things are at BevMo!
Earlier this year I went to Costa Rica and tried their Imperial which I fell in love with. Lucky for my friends and myself, BevMo carries it! It's our 'let's treat ourselves'. But of course they have beers from all over the place like hawaii!

[tiffanie]

Oh I completely forgot that BevMo opened in Santa Barbara. If you really feel like heading out into the hills, check out Ojai Beverage Company. 2000+ wines and 800+ beers plus 13 beers on tap. The food is amazing too.

[Simimama]

I'm not sure where they get all their beers (i.e., whether they're craft beers or from microbreweries), but Trader Joe's always has an interesting, affordable, and good-tasting selection!

[Jutty]

There is a brewery I want to try still, Ladyface out in Agoura, anyone been to it yet?

Locate Ladyface