The vast majority of brewers in California, and the nation for that matter, began from garages and small brewing pots atop a propane burner. California has a historic role in the development of homebrewing in America. The early presence of the Maltose Falcons in Los Angeles and the spread of brewing knowledge through writers like Fred Eckhardt, and scholars from institutions like UC Davis led the first charges into the development of a nationwide homebrewing community. Charlie Papazian’s The Complete Joy of Homebrewing is another key publication that inspired many to take up the hobby; led by the credo “relax, don’t worry, have a homebrew.” The repeal of the Federal law against homebrewing, spearheaded by Californian brewers and politicians, was a boon to the young industry. The homebrewing clubs of California, with their tasting sessions, judging panels, and competitions, make up the inner circle of the beer community knowledge, where professional brewers test their skill before taking their creations to the market.
Eric Ortega, “The Golden State of Brewing; California’s Economic and Cultural Influence in the American Brewing Industry” (Master’s thesis, California State University, Fullerton, 2015), 98-99.