San Diego Brewing Co.’s Ken Gowan reveals the secrets of good beer By Joe Zarro, Editor in Chief Ken Gowan’s job is to make beer. To many here at San Diego State, this is a college student’s dream come true. “My father’s a brewmaster, I kind of grew up with it,” Gowan said. “I was hired at my first brewery – unofficially – before I was 21.” At 26 years old, Gowan already has more than five years of experience as a professional brewer. He has been brewing an average of two times a week for the San Diego Brewing Co. for about three years. Beer lovers can enjoy the Brewing Co.’s restaurant and bar, which showcases more than 45 different beers on tap and a moderately priced menu ($7 – $15). In addition to the five house beers, Gowan brews seasonal and specialty beers. “I try to keep (house beers) as consistent as possible,” Gowan said. “With all other beers I try to improve and experiment. I don’t stick to one set recipe for my specialty beers.” Because he’s constantly trying to improve the quality of his drinks, feedback is important. “I take as much criticism from customers as possible -good and bad,” he said. “I try to keep an open mind with my recipes.” One specialty beer available until Oct. 15 is the Monster Mash. “It’s a high-gravity or high-alcohol (brew),” Gowan explains. “It’s going to be about 8 percent. It’s darker, more malty.” Also available this month is the Admiral Baker Bitter, which is an American-style bitter beer that is along the lines of a pale ale. Gowan recommends this one because he has a propensity toward bitter beers. “I am more of a hop-head,” Gowan said when asked about his taste in beer, “I like hoppier beers.” Hops in brewing is analogous to spices in cooking. “Hoppy is bitter – like a pale ale, dry and crisp,” Gowan explains. “The more hops you put in there, the more bitter the beer.” For those who prefer a middle-of-the-road beer, the San Diego Amber is the most neutral of the house beers, and also the Brewing Co.’s most popular. It’s got a good taste, but isn’t too dark or light. Callahan’s Blueberry Wheat is a house beer popular for those with lighter palettes, and the Nut Brown appeals to those with a taste for the dark side. But with the awesome selection and variety Brewing Co. offers, there is no reason to settle for a beer that is just OK. The selection of more than 45 beers displays a world beyond Coors and Miller Lite, and exposes the consumer to a depth of brewing he might have never known existed. However, the laundry list of names and new beer vocabulary terms may be intimidating at first. It’s easy for a new drinker to get lost, so it’s important to ask for directions. On pub and bar review sites like www.pubcrawler.com, two things are constantly reiterated about the Brewing Co. — the selection and the friendly service. The selection can be a lot to handle, but there is a staff willing and able to help you find your way. The San Diego Brewing Co. places an emphasis on beer, but there is a pleasant atmosphere and a strong menu to back it up. The menu is peppered with specialty foods such as the Jalepeno Beer Cheese Soup. Meals are reasonably priced and will satisfy your appetite, with the selection similar to other brewery/restaurants such as BJ’s or Gordon Biersch The appetizers can get a little expensive, but you get what you pay for – and you get a lot of it. The bar area is clean and quiet (for a bar). It’s ideal for conversations, and is a good place to catch up with old friends over a beer, or to watch a baseball game with your dad. There are plenty of televisions, so variety isn’t limited to beer, and the facility is rounded out nicely with dartboards and a foosball table. It may not be a party scene, or crammed full of attractive 20-somethings, but it’s an excellent place to hang out and enjoy beer, food and company. If you decide to drink one of the house or specialty brews, pass your opinion on to Ken Gowan – he’ll be glad to hear it. The San Diego Brewing Co. is located at 10450 Friar’s Road. For more information, call (619) 284-2739.