The Eastern Sierra is renowned for its stunning landscapes, but there’s another side to this region that’s just as exciting for travelers: its vibrant craft beverage scene. The Sierra Ale Trail takes you on a journey through some of California’s best breweries and distilleries, blending incredible brews and spirits with the area’s natural beauty and rich culture. Every brewery you visit will give you a stamp on the Sierra Ale Trail Map. Visit all breweries and get a rad patch.
From charming small towns to mountain resorts, here’s your guide to the best stops on the Sierra Ale Trail, featuring breweries and distilleries that bring the flavors of the Sierra to life.
1. Mountain Rambler Brewery (Bishop)
Mountain Rambler Brewery offers a selection of award-winning beers that reflect the spirit of the Eastern Sierra.
Notable Brews:
• VENUSIAN Blonde Ale: A blonde ale with a 4.8% ABV and 25 IBU, awarded Gold at the 2019 California Craft Brewers Cup.
• SEVEN GABLES Scottish Ale: A Scottish ale with a 5.6% ABV and 31 IBU, awarded Gold at the 2023 California Craft Brewers Cup and Gold at the 2021 Great American Beer Festival.
• SINGING COYOTE Amber Ale: An amber ale with a 5.8% ABV and 19 IBU, awarded Silver at the 2023 California Craft Brewers Cup.
2. Owens Valley Distillery (Bishop)
As the first craft distillery in the region, Owens Valley Distillery brings a unique flavor to the Sierra Ale Trail. Their spirits are handcrafted with an emphasis on quality and local ingredients.
Must-Try Spirits:
• Eastern Sierra Gin: Infused with botanicals that reflect the region’s rugged beauty.
• Whiskey Mountain: A smooth whiskey that’s perfect for sipping by a campfire.
Their welcoming distillery offers tours and tastings, making it an educational and enjoyable stop.
3. Devils Creek Distillery (Mammoth Lakes)
Devils Creek Distillery is a must-visit for spirit enthusiasts on the Sierra Ale Trail. This Mammoth Lakes distillery specializes in premium small-batch spirits, crafted with care and creativity.
Must-Try Spirits:
• High Sierra Vodka: Crisp and clean, made with Sierra snowmelt.
• Devils Creek Bourbon: A rich, flavorful bourbon that warms the soul.
Stop by their tasting room to sample their spirits and learn about their innovative distilling process.
4. Distant Brewing (Mammoth Lakes)
Distant Brewing focuses on bringing a distinctive collection of beverages, food, and good vibes to the west coast and Eastern Sierras.
Notable Brews:
• Distant Future: A New England-style IPA with Galaxy, Motueka, and HBC 472 hops, dry-hopped with toasted coconut.
5. Mammoth Brewing Company (Mammoth Lakes)
A cornerstone of the Sierra Ale Trail, Mammoth Brewing Company has been a staple in the Eastern Sierra craft beer scene since 1995. Known for its adventurous spirit and innovative brews, Mammoth Brewing combines high-quality ingredients with a love for the outdoors.
Notable Brews:
• Golden Trout Kölsch: A light and crisp Kölsch-style beer named after the elusive California State Fish.
• Mammoth Pilsner: A crisp, easy-drinking Czech-style Pilsner.
• Yosemite Pale Ale: A medium-bodied, hop-forward beer with a golden-straw color.
• Double Nut Brown: A rich brown ale with a smooth finish.
6. Shelter Distilling (Mammoth Lakes)
Shelter Distilling is a testament to the fusion of tradition, innovation, and an adventurous spirit, offering a range of spirits crafted with pure alpine snowmelt water and grains harvested across the American West.
Notable Spirits:
• Small Batch Blue Corn Bourbon: A bourbon made from heirloom blue corn.
• American Single Malt Whiskey: A whiskey crafted from malted barley.
• Gin The Third: A gin offering a unique blend of botanicals.
• Blue Agave: An agave spirit reminiscent of tequila.
7. June Lake Brewing (June Lake)
June Lake Brewing is known for its creative and robust beer offerings, reflecting the adventurous spirit of its surroundings.
Notable Brews:
• Bang Sauce Hard Seltzer: A hard seltzer with a 7.1% ABV.
• What The Fruit Berliner Weisse: A Berliner Weisse with a 4.0% ABV and 5 IBU.
• Deer Beer Brown Ale: A brown ale with a 5.8% ABV and 24 IBU.
• Archimedes Red Ale: A red ale with a 6.66% ABV and 36 IBU.
• Hutte Double IPA: A double IPA with a 9.0% ABV and over 100 IBU.
6. Big Meadow Brewing (Bridgeport)
Big Meadow Brewing is a local brewery in the Sierra Mountains, known for its small-batch beers.
Notable Brews:
• Big Meadow IPA: An IPA with a 7.5% ABV.
• Three Stars IPA: A New England/Hazy IPA with a 5.5% ABV.
• Mango Wheat: A Hefeweizen-style wheat beer.
Why Explore the Sierra Ale Trail?
The Sierra Ale Trail offers more than just incredible beverages—it’s a chance to experience the unique culture and natural beauty of the Eastern Sierra. Each brewery and distillery tells a story, blending local ingredients and creativity to craft unforgettable flavors. Whether you’re sipping a hoppy IPA or a smooth whiskey, you’ll find that the Sierra Ale Trail is as much about the journey as the destination.
Cheers to great adventures!
DRINK RESPONSIBLY – Don’t even think about drinking and driving. Make a safe plan to trek the trail with a sober driver behind the wheel or separate your visits into different days, months or years!
