Second life for La Jolla brewpub

It’s too early to tell if it’s a phoenix, but something has risen from the ashes of the defunct La Jolla Brew House. Namely, La Jolla Brewing Company (7536 Fay Avenue, La Jolla). The space is the same, but the name, concept, and brewing equipment are all new. Ownership, which is made up of legitimate craft beer enthusiasts with years of experiencing managing successful hospitality businesses, inherited a 10-barrel brew house, fermenters and serving tanks, then expended significant startup funds replacing and upgrading utilities and support equipment including a glycol chiller, piping, temperature controls, electric panels, pumps, and process filtration.

Also new in the brewery is the guy manning the mash tun, Brett Stampf. A brewing veteran of nearly two decades, with experience gained at reputable operations including Stone Brewing Co., Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales, and Green Flash Brewing Company, Stampf has yet to release his house beers to the public. Right now, the business is in its soft open phase with plans for an official grand opening on January 30. For now, he and his colleagues are working to accomplish their goal of showcasing local brewing companies’ wares via its two-dozen taps.

Once available, La Jolla Brewing Company’s core quintet of beers will include a nitrogen-driven golden ale, American pale ale, dry-hopped brown ale, dry stout, and India pale ale. A trio of rotating seasonal beers will also be brewed. Down the road, Stampf hopes to brew an imperial stout, black IPA, a yet-to-be-determined Belgian style, and possibly even lagers. Initially, those beers will be available exclusively at the brewpub, but as the business grows, the owners hope to grow the brand beyond their four walls.