There’s a new great craft brewery in town! I’ve been eagerly awaiting the opening of Artifex Brewing for several months.  That day arrives this Monday (August 4).

Started by Tom Cordato, Nicholas Cordato, John Johur, and Chris Gort, Artifex Brewing is located at 919 Amanecer, Suite A in San Clemente, CA.  John (formerly at Pizza Port Solana Beach Brewing and Mother Earth Brewing) and Chris (formerly at Stone Brewing and Backstreet Brewing) are the brewers.

Monday’s opening will offer two beers since the production is still ramping up.  Check the Artifex Brewing Facebook page for opening times. More beers will be added soon. Also, look for a “grand opening” event to occur in mid-September.

I dropped by the brewery yesterday to meet with the team and check out the operation. The tasting room offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

The brewing equipment is adjacent to the tasting room so you can observe the brewery in operation while having a beer.

While there, I tried some beers in the production line – (1) a San Francisco style lager; (2) a hoppy wheat; and (3) an American IPA.  You do not want to miss out on trying these excellent brews.  I’ll conduct a full review of these beers at a later date (more drinking needed!). My abbreviated tasting notes follow.

Artifex Lager (5.5% ABV / 31 IBU): The lager definitely exhibits a West Coast influence and offers a crisp, dry finish. Try pairing this beer with fish tacos for great eating and drinking.

Artifex Hoppy Wheat – an American Pale Wheat (5.9% ABV / 35 IBU): Made with Chinook and Simcoe hops, the hoppy wheat is a refreshing summer beer. Let me sit on the patio with some earthy cheese and this beer for total relaxation.

Artifex IPA (7% ABV / 77 IBU): Made with Simcoe, Mosaic, and Centennial hops, this IPA will satisfy those looking for a well-made, tasty West Coast IPA.

I plan to return on Monday for the opening. Come join me!

San Clemente now boasts three outstanding breweries – Artifex Brewing, Left Coast Brewing, and Pizza Port San Clemente.