Bagby Beer Company #craftbeer @bagbybeer

If there is anything I like more than drinking excellent beer, it is drinking excellent beer in an environment that is welcoming, relaxing, creative, fun, and intriguing. Bagby Beer Company provides all of these and more!

Jeff and Dande Bagby opened Bagby Beer Company, in Oceanside on Coast Highway, in the fall of 2014. In starting Bagby Beer Company, Jeff and Dande Bagby’s philosophy consists of three simple tenets: “World-class beer. Simple food done well. Inviting hospitality.”

Bagby's philosophy is proudly displayed by their professional, friendly staff. — Bagby’s philosophy is proudly displayed by their professional, friendly staff.

Bagby Beer Company’s two-story facility on an 11,000 square foot lot rose from the ashes of a former Saab car dealership and emerged as a brewery, multiple bars, beer garden, and restaurant. The result successfully leverages the concept of “design as art” to create novel and inviting social and drinking spaces that provide a comfortable and fun brewpub experience with flair. In addition to beer, Bagby Beer Company also offers wine, spirits, cocktails, and food.

41 tap handles line the wall in the main bar area at Bagby Beer Company. — Bagby Beer Company’s main bar has 41 tap handles that serve both Bagby and guest beers.

A group of patrons enjoy the weather in a corner of Bagby Beer Company's outdoor beer garden. — A group of patrons enjoy the weather at Bagby Beer Company’s outdoor beer garden. An outdoor bar provides easy ordering.

Indoor and outdoor seating is available upstairs also. — An upstairs bar area offers indoor and outdoor seating also with nice ocean breezes.

A separate tasting room supports focused tasting events. — A separate tasting room supports focused tasting activities.

Jeff Bagby is the former Head Brewer and Director of Brewing Operations for the Pizza Port chain. During his tenure from 2005 to 2011, Pizza Port won “Best Large Brew Pub” for three consecutive years at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF). Prior to his working at Pizza Port, Jeff was also Head Brewer for Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Company. Before Oggi’s, Jeff worked for White Labs and Stone Brewing Company.

One of my favorite aspects of Bagby Beer Company is how the architecture and landscaping combine industrial and organic elements that unite the indoor and outdoor seating areas to create Bagby’s aesthetic.

Industrial elements highlight both the facility’s automotive heritage as well as the beauty of brewing and beer.

The supportive, clean landscaping acts as a relaxing mood catalyst.

Lots of nooks and crannies help to create “rooms” for a more personal drinking and conversation experience.

Light and shadow are keys elements in the overall design with changes occurring throughout the day to create dynamic natural intrigue.

Reflective back splash and wall tiles play with natural lighting to create stunning results.

Even the artificial lighting was playfully charming.

Once getting past the dazzling architectural elements, there is a large selection of house and guest beers to choose for drinking.

Sample flights are available and a good way to discover the wide array of Bagby house beers. I suggest asking the knowledgeable and personable staff for guidance and insight.

All of the beers I tried were excellent. Two of my favorites were the Hop Whompus Imperial Red Ale (10% ABV) and the Priscilla Robust Porter (5.9% ABV). The Hop Whompus provided big malt aromas and flavors with lots of body and a strong supporting hops finish. The Priscilla burst forth with seductive caramel and chocolate aromas and flavors. The dry finish consistently lured me into savoring another swallow.

Priscilla's charms kept me longing for my next swallow. — Priscilla’s charms kept me longing for my next swallow.

Overall Bagby Beer Company is one of the most enjoyable beer stops I have ever made. I will return often and highly recommend this place to all my readers!