Where to Drink Beer in North County | Eater San Diego

"There is an old law about beer in Germany called the Reinheitsgebot, or “purity order. “ The law was introduced in 1487, and adopted across the country in 1516, and it says, simply, that there can only be three ingredients used in making local beer: hops, water, and malt (the fourth required beer ingredient is microscopic yeast, but at the time, brewers didn’t even know it existed yet). That’s it. The law was originally created to control trade (and slow imports), and while it’s been limited quite a bit recently, it still holds today. The folks at Vista’s Belching Beaver, half a world away, respectfully decline to follow that rule within their walls. They mix all kinds of things into their best-in-class beers, including mango, honey, peanut butter, chocolate, and cinnamon. And the world is better off for it — Belching Beaver has some of San Diego’s best brews, hands down. Odds are good that you’ve tried them — Belching Beaver is one of North County’s biggest successes, too. This Vista location also has a great restaurant bursting with good food and atmosphere. So no offense, Germany (and thanks for everything you’ve done for beer!), but if you stick to the rules of the Reinheitsgebot, well, your loss." - Mike Schramm