It's All in the Family at New Benchmark Brewing Co.

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The taps are flowing at the new Benchmark Brewing Co., which recently grand opened and has now settled into their regular tasting room schedule; the brewery's public hours are Thursdays and Fridays from 3 to 8 p.m. and noon to 8 p.m. on Saturdays. Their close proximity to Qualcomm Stadium means they'll open on Sundays once football season starts.

Benchmark's been a family affair since its inception; owner Matt Akin brews alongside his father Jim, while his mother Margaret oversees their marketing. And Akin's wife Rachel designed the tasting room, built with the help of Hauck Architecture (Sublime Tavern, Plan 9 Alehouse).

Akin's a well-regarded local brewer, so Benchmark's beers have been highly anticipated; his four core beers are comprised of an IPA, blonde ale, a nut brown ale and an oatmeal stout that all fall below 5% ABV yet aren't short on flavor. The plan is to can the whole lineup in six months.

In addition to Benchmark's 10 barrel brew house, Akin will also set up a small 20 gallon system designed for experimentation and seasonal releases.

The beer is just starting to be distributed, and Akin says that you can expect to see it at some of San Diego's finest watering holes, including O'Brien's Pub, Ritual Tavern and Small Bar.
·Benchmark Brewing Co. [Official Site]
·All Beer Coverage on Eater [~ESD~]