Julian Beer Co. has award-winning beer. They also have great BBQ and if you know anything about their connection to San Diego beer royalty, you also know a little about the pizza they serve. It’s an ideal spot for Cuyamacas and Lagunas post-ride libations (wine, too) and grub, though maybe I’d opt to not be there in the throngs of people on the weekends. Go on a Tuesday afternoon, sit outside and take in the fragrance of sun-baked pines and you’ll soon be ordering a second beer.
I sent off a few questions via email to Jeremy. He sent back some quick responses. Here’s a little Q&A to get a “feel” for what JBC is about:
1. Tell us about adventures/outings in Julian. Where do you recommend?
Some pretty cool trails and canyons in the desert that some folks can overlook. A simple reddit search can reveal hidden gems. Otherwise cruising down Sunrise Highway and picking spot for a picnic isn't exactly an adventure but is certainly a great time with incredible views of the desert and mountains. Tons of trails and hikes along the way towards Cleveland National Forest in Mount Laguna.
2. Favorite trails?
There isn’t a bad hike in Julian but the Santa Ysabel East and/or West Trail is incredible in the springtime when the grass is green and temperatures are mild. Would be especially fun to cruise on a bike from east to west entrance or vice versa!
3. Pick a trail and suggest a JBC beer that goes well with the trail's character.
5 Oaks Amber to go with the 5 Oaks Trail on Volcan Mountain. 5 Oaks Amber is a deep bodied amber ale we’ve been making since year one back in 2018. Instead of the straight shot up Volcan Mountain, 5 Oaks offers a more meditative and scenic experience just like a the difference between a lager and more deep flavored ale!
4. Post-ride beer suggestion?
I would go for something light and refreshing such as the Anatomical Blonde Lager. Mild hop character and clean crisp finish. Silk and Honey would be my second choice.
5. Say anything ... what's the word ... open-ended commentary (!).
Julian is getting more popular these days. My recommendation is to come during the week when crowds are much lighter, parking is easy to find, and you can get some peace and quiet away from the city. If you have a bike its fun to cruise from town down Farmer Road to the wineries and cider makers. Vulcan Mountain trailhead is just down the way as well. Just be mindful of traffic.
Menus and such here: https://julianbeerco.com/
JBC is offering a sweeeeeet discount to Paseando MTB subscribers. First, discounts are offered by the business owners and they make them available to paid subscribers. Why? Offering discounts to everyone who follows Paseando MTB might mean that for a small business, there’d be a lot of discounts/money that they are providing. It’s about margins, y’all. It’s also about not getting a free lunch, so to speak.
Want discounts? You need a paid subscription and the lowest price that you can get for a Substack/Paseando MTB subscription is $10.20/year. Use this link to get it:
https://mtbeer.substack.com/0fd4133e
No paywall on this one. Here’s how it works. If you have a paid subscription to Paseando MTB, you can receive a free slice of pizza at JBC with the purchase of a pint of beer. It is available only on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 11 AM - 3 PM. One free slice/person/day. Again, you get the slice when you purchase a pint of beer. To get the discount, email me from the email account of your paid Paseando MTB subscription. I will confirm it and send you the email that you will show to JBC staff when you get there. If you live in/around San Diego, this is quite a deal. Click that link above and get free pizza!
Huge thanks to Jeremy/Julian Beer Co. for offering it. Cheers, y’all!
Yummmmmmm