Brewing Good Vibes, Great Beer

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It’s good to know that, while much is changing in the world, Stone Brewing still plans to serve the same satisfying libations, eats, and events we’ve enjoyed over nearly three decades, as world-renowned Japanese brewing company Sapporo takes the helm.

“There are no changes,” says Stone Brewing spokeswoman Lizzie Younkin of the $165 million sale of San Diego county’s biggest brewery that closed on August 31. “We’ll continue with our plans, with support from Sapporo.” Stone is the ninth largest craft brewery in the United States, according to its news release. The US branch of Sapporo plans to make Sapporo branded beers at Stone’s facilities in Escondido and Richmond, Virginia.

Since the company opened its first restaurant, Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens – Escondido, it has been one of the hippest places to go for lunch, dinner, an event, or something special from the bar. Online reviewers note, “... the hype is real and it’s an out-of-this-world experience.” Another, who confesses to not even liking beer, says she goes out of her way to go there “because of the vibes.” Maybe that’s because of Stone’s stated commitment to “making good beer and having fun while we’re doing it.” The vibes sometimes even include treats for guests’ dogs. 

Stone has been the largest financial supporter of Surfrider Foundation’s San Diego chapter during their 26-year relationship, according to Alex Ferron, chapter manager of Surfrider San Diego. Younkin confirmed the partnership will continue under Sapporo. This year, Stone has committed to donating $2 to the local Surfrider group from every Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager six-pack sold in San Diego County. The company will also sponsor a series of beach cleanups, as well as Surfrider’s upcoming 30th Annual Paddle for Clean Water. 

Stone Buenaveza is the #1 selling Craft Mexican Style Lager in San Diego and Stone’s #3 most popular beer nationwide, according to the company. Brewed with sea salt and a hint of lime for “a crisp, refreshing, and full-flavored lager,” it’s the brewery’s fastest growing beer, 

“Stone has always been rooted in giving back to our communities, with nearly $4 million donated to charities,” says Maria Stipp, Stone Brewing CEO. “Our team cares passionately about our beaches. We are looking forward to taking part in beach cleanups ourselves.” She adds that Buenaveza is a great way to cap off a day by the ocean.

So, what does Buenaveza mean?

Stone says its “Buena Family” of beverages is inspired by our lifestyle, “which includes a heavy emphasis on beaches and bays (and beers and burritos).” The company says, “it comes with the ‘Buena Spirit’—an opportunity to live buena and do buena in the communities we love.” The lineup includes Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager, the more-recently released Buenavida Hard Seltzer, and upcoming Buenafiesta Tequila Margaritas.

To find Stone Buenaveza near you, visit the Stone Beer Finder at Find.StoneBrewing.com. For more information about Stone’s upcoming sponsored beach cleanups with Surfrider or to find a beach cleanup near you, go to sandiego.surfrider.org and celebrate the festive Buenaveza & Buenavida good life at @livebuena on Instagram.

Keep up with Surfrider’s coastal cleanup events on sandiego.surfrider.org/events.

Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager Battered Fish Tacos Recipe

If you're taking Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager home with you, try making your own battered fish tacos with this recipe courtesy of Stone Brewing.