5 years ago a local family decided to open a brewery in Grantville and that brewery has been a HUGE contributor to the amazing local San Diego craft beer scene we have today.

That brewery is Benchmark Brewing Company.

Matt Akin (co-founder/brewmaster) and Rachel Akin (co-founder/brand czar) joined Paul and myself this week to talk about everything Benchmark Brewing including the opening of their second location in Bay Park.

With Great American Beer Festival (GABF) coming up Matt, Rachel, and Paul each discussed what it’s like to not only submit beer to GABF to be judged, but all three are judges for GABF! Speaking of GABF Benchmark has brought home a gold medal AND a silver medal in the past. So rad!

Benchmark can be found in local bars, restaurants, and bottle shops. They can some REALLY great beers and with the weather cooling down throw one in your pack before you go on a hike to enjoy at the top!

So what’d we drink:

Table Beer                                                4% ABV 

Oatmeal Stout (2014 & 2016 GABF gold & silver medal: session beer)   

                                                                    4.5% ABV 

Hop Chunks IIPA                                 8.5% ABV

Big thanks to Rick Romero (director/camera dude) and Abel Garcia (prodcuer/audio dude) for all your help. You two are the best!