The Linkery in North Park serves a variety of locally made artisan beers. (Photo by Bonzo McGrue)

Craft beer is to San Diego what artisanal wine is to Napa. Within our county’s limits, there are roughly 35 independently owned and operated breweries, some operations so small they simply cannot quench the demand of thirsty beer enthusiasts.

San Diego’s vibrant indie beer culture has California’s less-strict alcohol distribution laws to thank; craft brewers have the ability to sell directly from their facilities, and deliver to pubs and restaurants. Most states aren’t as lucky. These facts and more came to light last month with the debut of Beer Wars ^[1], a documentary exposing the challenges craft brewers face in a market dominated by the ‘yellow fizzy beer’ corporations. Political commentary aside, the film’s resonating message is that craft brewers are a community who share the common belief that beer is a means for celebration, not competition.

Join the community by checking out the  San Diego Brewers Guild ^[2]website for information on tours, pubs/restaurants, and other craft beer related news including local events. And of course, start drinking your way down our list of 8 great San Diego craft beers.

Speedway Stout by  Alesmith Brewing Company ^[7] Aromatic coffee, rich chocolate and dark roasted malts lend to this beer’s decadence. Sip and savor Speedway Stout; as the smooth, lightly carbonated beer temperature rises, hints of berries and spice come through. Jump-start your night with this 12% ABV Alesmith craft at Toronado ^[8]. 4026 30th Street San Diego, 92104. 619-282-0456.

Trippel Belgian Style Ale by Green Flash Brewing Company ^[9] Brilliant orange with a slight haze, this beer tastes as bright as it appears with full-bodied characteristics that are fruity, spicy and yeasty. The Vista-based brewery’s ‘contemporary’ interpretation of a monk-brewed ale uses Belgian yeast and pale malts for a lively, 9.7% ABV tripel available at  Hamilton’s Tavern ^[10] 1521 30th St, San Diego, CA 92102. 619-238-5460

Sour Wench Blackberry Ale by Ballast Point Brewing Company ^[11]
With a reddish-purple pour and robust berry fragrance, this tart beer will likely fool you into thinking it’s sweet. As refreshing as a zesty glass of lemonade on a hot day, pucker up and enjoy this light, 5.4% ABV sour ale on draft at The Linkery ^[12], 3794 30th St at North Park Way, 92104. 619-255-8778.

Automatic #1 by  Blind Lady Ale House ^[13]
The release of Automatic #1 hit the craft beer scene last month, and everyone’s lining up for more of this all-organic brew similar to a Belgian Wit (or wheat) style ale. Brewer Lee Chase used fresh ginger, coriander and toasted American Oak in his premiere batch out of the Normal Heights brewpub. Get a glass of this spicy 5.6% beer while you can at  Blind Lady Ale House ^[13]. 3416 Adams Ave, San Diego, 92116. 619-255-2491.

Mission Hefeweizen by Mission Brewery ^[14]
Nothing says summer quite like a tall glass of fizzy, citrusy, hefewiezen served with a wedge of fresh orange. Mission’s version of the German style wheat beer is consistently palatable, and a refreshing surprise for those who aren’t typically ‘beer drinkers.’ Stop in to Neighborhood ^[15]for a draft of this 5% ABV Hef. 777 G St, San Diego, 92101. 619-446-0002.

Stone Self Righteous Ale (Courtesy photo)

Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale by Stone Brewing Company ^[16] This double IPA may pour black into a pint glass, but perfumey hops explode on the palate into colorful, floral flavors. Dark roasted malts finish off this dual, ‘bittersweet’ 8.7% ABV beer, best-enjoyed day, or night, at the  Stone World Bistro and Gardens ^[17]. 1999 Citracado Parkway, Escondido, CA 92029. 760-471-4999.

Pure Hoppiness by  Alpine Beer Company ^[18]
Bitter beer fans are guaranteed to soar to ‘hop heaven’ with this intensely floral, citrusy west coast double IPA. As its name implies, several varieties of hops are packed into each brew for a copper colored, bold yet refreshing beer. On tap at  O’Brien’s American Pub ^[19]. 4646 Convoy St., San Diego, 92111. 858-715-1745.

Shark Attack by  Port Brewing Company ^[20]
Sever your palate with this double red ale, sharp with a ‘lethal dose’ of crystal malts and bitter, herby hops. Lighter carbonation in this 9% ABV caramelly beer allows background flavors like clove and honey to pierce through. Get a pint with your pie at  Pizza Port ^[21] Carlsbad location: 571 Carlsbad Village, Carlsbad, 92008. 760-720-7007. Solana Beach location: 135 N. Highway 101, Solana Beach, 92075. 858-481-7332.

Amy T. Granite is a gastro-adventuring, craft beer enthusiast who celebrates living in San Diego everyday. She is an SDNN contributing writer. Visit her blog www.saysgranite.com. ^[22]