Acclaimed Brewer and Restaurateur Ian McCall (ex-Riip Beer Co., Huntington Beach) has ventured out on his own with the newly launched ISM Brewing in Downtown Long Beach. In addition to a rotating selection of 15 of his acclaimed craft beers (and prominent guest beers and wine & cider) he has Chef Fonzy De Zuniga (ex-Descanso) in the kitchen crafting elevated pub food including a Salmon Melt with Confit Atlantic Salmon, chipotle mayo, onions, red bell peppers, jalapeno, cilantro, cucumber and smoked cheddar cheese served on a grilled country loaf from the OC’s Crema Artisan Bakery. Weekend Brunch has just started.

“Ian McCall has been deeply passionate about beer for nearly two decades. His journey began in 2004 at Brewbakers in Huntington Beach, where he first discovered the joys of beer making. Initially working behind the bar, Ian quickly learned the brewing process and began creating new recipes and experimenting with different ingredients. This period was not just significant for his career; he also met his future wife, Lisa, during a brewing class.”

“After leaving Brewbakers in 2009 an opportunity arose when Beachwood BBQ announced plans to open a brewery in Long Beach. Ian joined the team, working initially as a bartender. He furthered his brewing education at the Siebel Institute of Technology and started apprenticing under Julian Shrago. By 2013, Ian became Julian’s assistant brewer. During his tenure at Beachwood, the team won numerous awards, including the GABF Mid-size Brewpub and Mid-size Brewpub Brewer of the Year in 2013 and 2014, and at the World Beer Cup in 2016.”

“In 2018, Ian moved to Riip Beer Company in Huntington Beach as Head Brewer. Over five years, he enhanced the brand, assembled a skilled team, and led them to win various prestigious brewing awards, including at GABF, San Diego International, US Beer Open, LA IPA Fest, and the Bistro IPA/DIPA Fest.”

Ian McCall joins continues with us in-studio tapping the keg on all that is now Long Beach’s ISM Brewing and Tap Room on The Promenade. We’re tasting ISM’s Gulp of Mexico (Mexican Lager,) Calf Fiend (Brown Ale with Peruvian Coffee) and Western Standard Time (West Coast IPA.)

The post Show 560, January 13, 2024: ISM Brewing with Brewer and Restaurateur Ian McCall Part Two appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.