Absolution Brewing Opts Out

In July, I shared the news that a brewer working on an upcoming interest I’d been keeping an eye on for some time, Devil’s Forge Brewing Company, had merged with another operation. As it turns out, it was less of a coming together of business powers as it was said owner, Wes McCann, being hired as the brewmaster by the other operation, Absolution Brewing Company.

OK, so technically, it’s a merger…kinda…I suppose. Bottom line, McCann, a homebrewer whose been working his way toward the professional ranks like an adventurer slashing his way through the jungle thicket, will get his shot. There’s just one catch. It won’t be in Santee, as he’d expected. In fact, it won’t even be in San Diego County.

Absolution has signed a lease on the space where it will brew its beer, and it’s north of Suds County, USA. In fact—brace yourselves, San Diego—it’s in Los Angeles. Torrance, to be exact. McCann and company are in the process of repairing the foundation of their space after discovering a fault that will keep them from being able to brew immediately. If all goes well, they will open by Christmas, though that would be quite the “win,” meaning it’s unlikely they’ll make enough progress.

Los Angeles is in the midst of its own craft brewing movement. It’s remarkably similar to San Diego about 10 years ago. It was only a matter of time before that trend-geared locale caught craft beer fever. With any luck, the influence of the San Diego-inspired mentality McCann takes to the area will have some positive impact.