Sacramento has long been known for its rich agricultural history and commitment to supporting local farms and fresh ingredients. In recent years, the city has gained recognition for another growing scene—craft beer and distilled spirits. With a wide variety of breweries and distilleries popping up across the city, Sacramento has become an exciting destination for beverage enthusiasts. The city’s mix of historic charm and modern innovation has resulted in a flourishing craft beverage culture that is now attracting locals and visitors alike.
Sacramento’s Brewing Scene: Crafting Excellence
Sacramento, California, has quickly emerged as a hub for craft beer culture, blending the city’s historic agricultural roots with modern brewing innovation. With an abundance of local ingredients and a thriving craft beer community, Sacramento’s breweries are crafting unique, high-quality beers that cater to every taste. From bold, hop-forward IPAs to rich, complex stouts, Sacramento’s beer scene has something for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular and distinctive breweries in the city, and the special experiences they offer.
1. Sactown Union Brewery
- Location: 1217 18th St, Sacramento, CA 95811
- Best Known For: Bold, hoppy beers, community events, and excellent pub food.
Located in Sacramento’s trendy Midtown neighborhood, Sactown Union Brewery is a local favorite known for its adventurous approach to brewing. Since its opening in 2013, the brewery has built a loyal following by offering a wide array of hoppy and bold beers that celebrate California’s love for bold flavors. Sactown Union stands out not just for the quality of its beers but also for its commitment to fostering community.
One of the brewery’s standout offerings is their flagship Union IPA, a West Coast-style IPA that perfectly balances bitterness with bright citrus notes. It’s an excellent representation of Sacramento’s love for hop-forward beers. However, what sets this brewery apart is its innovative rotating taps—these constantly feature new and experimental brews, which means there’s always something fresh and exciting to try. Visitors can also enjoy a lively atmosphere at the spacious taproom, often accompanied by live music, food trucks, and community events. These events add to the brewery’s appeal, making it a great spot to relax with friends, enjoy a pint, and dive into Sacramento’s local beer culture.
Pro Tip: Be sure to visit the brewery on a weekend when they host various community events and live performances, making it a fun place to grab a beer and mingle.
2. Track 7 Brewing Company
- Location: 3747 W Pacific Ave, Suite A, Sacramento, CA 95820
- Best Known For: Innovative seasonal beers and a laid-back atmosphere.
Since opening in 2011, Track 7 Brewing Company has made a name for itself in the Sacramento beer scene with its distinctive beers and commitment to innovation. As a family-owned brewery, Track 7 takes pride in experimenting with new ingredients, styles, and brewing techniques. The brewery’s core beers are solid, but it’s their seasonal and limited-edition offerings that have gained them a devoted following.
Some of Track 7’s seasonal beers like the Hop Sauce IPA are perfect for hop lovers, with a dynamic blend of pine and citrus aromas. On the other hand, their Tropical Tart sour is an adventurous brew that’s refreshing with tropical fruit notes, perfect for a hot summer day. The brewery also prides itself on producing lagers, stouts, and cream ales, providing a well-rounded selection to cater to all tastes.
Track 7 Brewing Company’s spacious taproom in South Sacramento is a relaxed and welcoming environment for beer lovers. With a sizable outdoor patio, it’s the perfect spot to sip your beer on sunny days. The brewery also frequently hosts food trucks and community events, offering visitors an opportunity to taste the latest seasonal brews while enjoying some of Sacramento’s best local food.
Pro Tip: Visit during one of their seasonal beer releases or special taproom events to try exclusive brews that aren’t available elsewhere.
3. Fort Rock Brewing
- Location: 2115 6th St, Sacramento, CA 95818
- Best Known For: Award-winning stouts and a cozy, intimate taproom.
For beer lovers who appreciate darker brews, Fort Rock Brewing is a must-visit spot in Sacramento. Located in the picturesque Curtis Park neighborhood, Fort Rock has built a loyal following for its rich and full-bodied stouts, porters, and other dark beers. The brewery has become known for its dedication to crafting complex, robust brews that satisfy those who prefer the bold flavors of dark ales.
The Stout of Sacramento, a flagship beer at Fort Rock, is a beloved brew that has won multiple awards. This stout is a beautiful balance of dark roasted malt flavors with a creamy mouthfeel, making it a standout for stout lovers. Fort Rock Brewing doesn’t just stop at stouts, though—they also offer a range of lighter ales and IPAs, allowing for a diverse drinking experience. For seasonal offerings, their Pumpkin Porter has become a fan favorite, especially during fall.
The intimate taproom provides a cozy, laid-back atmosphere perfect for quiet reflection or casual drinks with friends. The brewery’s small size contributes to its charm, creating a personal connection between the brewers and visitors.
Pro Tip: For the ultimate Fort Rock experience, visit during the fall months when their Pumpkin Porter is available, offering a seasonal treat that perfectly complements the brewery’s dark beer selection.
4. Schroeder’s Sacramento
- Location: 1200 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Best Known For: German-style lagers and outdoor beer garden.
If you’re seeking a taste of Germany in the heart of Sacramento, Schroeder’s is the place to go. This beer hall and restaurant specializes in traditional German-style beers, particularly lagers, wheat beers, and pilsners, alongside a curated selection of international craft beers. But the appeal of Schroeder’s goes far beyond just the beer—it’s about creating a vibrant social environment.
Schroeder’s beer garden is one of Sacramento’s hidden gems, offering a spacious, inviting setting for guests to sip a cold beer on a sunny day. The venue is large enough to accommodate beer lovers from all walks of life, and its lively atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for gatherings. Bratwurst, pretzels, and schnitzels are on offer, bringing that authentic German pub fare to the forefront, while seasonal and rotating taps keep things interesting for craft beer aficionados.
For those who appreciate the community aspect of craft beer, Schroeder’s is often packed with locals, and the beer hall regularly hosts beer-centric events like Oktoberfest celebrations and beer-pairing dinners. These events combine the best of beer and food in a relaxed, social environment.
Pro Tip: Come for their Oktoberfest celebrations or seasonal beer pairing dinners to experience some of the best brews paired with delicious dishes that complement each beer style.
5. The Russian River Brewing Company
- Location: 6271 24th St, Sacramento, CA 95822
- Best Known For: Their world-famous Pliny the Elder IPA.
While the Russian River Brewing Company originally hails from Santa Rosa, CA, their Sacramento location has quickly become a popular destination for serious craft beer enthusiasts. The brewery’s flagship beer, Pliny the Elder, is an iconic Double IPA that has achieved cult status and is considered by many to be one of the best IPAs in the country. With a perfect balance of bitterness, tropical fruit aromas, and a smooth finish, Pliny the Elder is a must-try for hop lovers.
However, Russian River Brewing Company is not just about Pliny the Elder. The brewery produces an impressive range of other exceptional beers, including the Consecration (a barrel-aged sour ale), Supplication (a sour ale aged in Pinot Noir barrels), and the Russian River IPA. These unique brews showcase the brewery’s commitment to crafting beers with layers of complexity and depth.
In addition to their core offerings, the Sacramento location also features barrel-aged beers and experimental brews, making it a fantastic destination for beer lovers looking to explore more niche and unique flavors.
Pro Tip: The brewery often runs limited releases of barrel-aged and experimental beers, so be sure to check out their special offerings when visiting.
Sacramento’s Distillery Scene: Crafting Distilled Perfection
Sacramento, known for its vibrant craft beer scene, has also become a prominent destination for craft distilleries. In recent years, the city has seen a surge in small-batch distilleries dedicated to producing high-quality, hand-crafted spirits. Whether it’s a smooth vodka, a flavorful gin, or a rich whiskey, Sacramento’s distilleries are crafting perfection, pushing the boundaries of innovation and creating spirits that showcase the best of local ingredients and time-honored distilling techniques. Here’s a closer look at some of the best distilleries that are making a mark on Sacramento’s burgeoning craft spirits scene.
6. Distillery 209
- Location: 2921 5th St, Sacramento, CA 95818
- Best Known For: Award-winning gin and handcrafted spirits.
Distillery 209 is one of the premier craft distilleries in Sacramento, located in the city’s River District. Since its establishment, Distillery 209 has made a name for itself as a high-end, artisanal distillery with an emphasis on creating world-class spirits. The distillery’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship is apparent in its signature product, Distillery 209 Gin.
This award-winning gin is the crown jewel of the distillery. Known for its aromatic complexity, Distillery 209 Gin combines a selection of botanicals, including juniper berries, citrus peels, and angelica root, with a smooth, refined finish. The gin offers a fresh, zesty profile that is both bold and balanced, making it perfect for a classic gin and tonic or an upscale cocktail. What sets this gin apart is its distinct Californian twist, inspired by European traditions but adapted to the unique terroir of the Golden State.
In addition to their gin, Distillery 209 also produces small-batch vodka and whiskey, expanding its range of artisanal spirits. The vodka is particularly praised for its clean, crisp taste, while their whiskey offerings are rich, smooth, and meticulously crafted, designed to appeal to whiskey enthusiasts.
For visitors looking to learn more about the distillation process and the craft behind these spirits, Distillery 209 offers tours of the facility. The tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at the distillation process, showcasing how they use the finest ingredients and age their spirits to create the exceptional drinks they are known for. The tasting room also offers guests the opportunity to sample their full range of spirits, making it an excellent stop for any craft spirits connoisseur.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on the seasonal releases and limited-edition batches that Distillery 209 offers throughout the year. These exclusive spirits showcase the distillery’s continuous pursuit of excellence and innovation.
7. Sacramento Distillery
- Location: 706 3rd St, Sacramento, CA 95811
- Best Known For: Small-batch, handcrafted whiskey and vodka.
Sacramento Distillery is another gem in the city’s distillery scene, known for its commitment to crafting small-batch, premium spirits that reflect the local agricultural landscape. The distillery’s Grain-to-Glass philosophy emphasizes sourcing the finest local ingredients and grains, resulting in a unique flavor profile that is deeply tied to the region.
The distillery is best known for its Sacramento Distillery Whiskey, which has garnered a reputation for its complexity and smooth finish. The whiskey is produced in small batches, giving it a rich, nuanced flavor that whiskey enthusiasts appreciate. The careful aging process and attention to detail in the distillation process create a spirit that’s smooth, flavorful, and perfect for sipping or mixing into craft cocktails.
Sacramento Distillery’s vodka is another standout product. Known for its clean, crisp flavor and smooth texture, the vodka is an excellent base for a wide range of cocktails. It’s produced using locally sourced grains and water, ensuring that the final product is a true representation of Sacramento’s agricultural heritage.
Located in Sacramento’s historic Railyards District, Sacramento Distillery offers a warm, welcoming space for visitors to enjoy their spirits. The tasting room features the distillery’s full range of spirits, with knowledgeable staff on hand to guide you through the tasting experience. The distillery also hosts occasional events, including private tastings and seasonal releases, making it a fun and educational destination for fans of craft spirits.
Pro Tip: If you’re a whiskey lover, make sure to try the Sacramento Distillery Whiskey. It’s an excellent choice for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in your favorite cocktail.
8. Old Sacramento Distillery
- Location: 1100 Front St, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Best Known For: Classic craft cocktails and customized spirits.
For a truly immersive experience in Sacramento’s distilling world, Old Sacramento Distillery is a must-visit. Located in the heart of the historic Old Sacramento district, this distillery blends the city’s rich history with modern craft distillation. Known for its premium, small-batch spirits and cocktail-making experiences, Old Sacramento Distillery offers a unique mix of hand-crafted products and a nostalgic atmosphere.
Old Sacramento Distillery produces a variety of spirits, including gin, rum, vodka, and whiskey, all crafted in small batches. The spirits are made with an emphasis on quality and flavor, with the distillery using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. The gin is particularly popular, with a smooth, aromatic profile that’s perfect for classic gin cocktails. Their rum and vodka also have a loyal following, known for their smoothness and complexity.
In addition to its spirits, Old Sacramento Distillery offers a range of craft cocktails made with their own distilled products. Visitors can enjoy expertly mixed drinks in the cozy tasting room, or they can opt for a more hands-on experience by signing up for one of the distillery’s cocktail-making classes. These classes are a fun and educational way to learn the art of mixology and get a deeper understanding of how to craft the perfect cocktail at home.
Old Sacramento Distillery is a wonderful place to not only taste exceptional spirits but also learn about the distillation process and discover new ways to enjoy these handcrafted products.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of the cocktail-making classes at Old Sacramento Distillery. It’s a fun way to enhance your bartending skills and discover new cocktail recipes using their spirits.
Conclusion: Sip and Savor Sacramento
Sacramento’s breweries and distilleries offer a wide range of unique and flavorful drinks, reflecting the city’s commitment to local ingredients, innovation, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re a beer lover exploring the innovative taps at Track 7 Brewing Company or a whiskey connoisseur sampling small-batch spirits at Sacramento Distillery, Sacramento has something for everyone.
The growth of Sacramento’s craft beverage scene has made it a premier destination for those who appreciate the art of fine drinking. So, grab a pint or a cocktail, take a seat at one of these popular breweries or distilleries, and experience the best of Sacramento’s craft beverage culture. Cheers!
