Generations of
Celebrations
For generations our family has created unforgettable experiences true to the San Diego lifestyle at our Brigantine & Miguel’s restaurants. We’ve hosted countless celebrations and poured many a round for the happiest of hours.
1969 – Brigantine
First Brigantine Opened
1982 – Miguel’s
Miguel’s Opened in Coronado
2018 – Ketch
The first Ketch beer is brewed
2018
Portside Gelato & Coffee
Gelato & Coffee in Point Loma
2018
Ketch Grill & Taps
Casual eats in Point Loma
We know exactly what makes for the best memories and the beers that capture the feeling. It was only a matter of time before we crafted our own and put them on tap.
Dr.
Sam Billheimer
Head Brewer
Our adventures into craft brewing set sail when we found the perfect mainmast in our head brewer Sam Billheimer. Sam embodies everything we love about our beer—scientifically precise yet laid back, one hundred percent authentic yet totally approachable.
For Sam, brewing is equal parts passion and precision. The passion started during off seasons as a commercial fisherman in Alaska and persisted during his Ph.D. at Scripps Institute of Oceanography. Nerd much? After pursuing an extension course at UCSD in brewing, Sam’s passion propelled him into the world of professional brewing for good. Having cut his teeth at hallmark San Diego breweries like Benchmark Brewing, Mike Hess and Fall Brewing, Sam formed his own distinct style that we knew was a match made in a barrel for Ketch Brewing. After rounds of interviews for our head brewer, Sam was the only candidate who didn’t answer our questions with the same IPA response.
This man was after more than trendy hoppiness; he was after authentic, classic brews that are unbelievably enjoyable, that make drinking craft beer fun for the casual drinker and the aficionado alike.
That’s the magic of Sam’s science. It invites and encourages everyone to leave their pretensions at the door, soak in the good times (and good beer) and cheers to the best of life.
Our Brewery
Get the complete Ketch experience in person at our Brew Pub located in Kearny Mesa.
Process
Ingredients
We source fresh ingredients from SD all the way to Germany, brewing as true to style as possible.
Water
90%+
Beer is 90%+ water so the water you use better be spot on.
Our reverse osmosis system allows us to thoughtfully match water profiles to geographic origins, contributing to the authenticity of each style of our exclusive beers.
Packaging
We brew, can and package all our beers on-site at our brewery. Packaging in small batches ensures maximum freshness for every sip.
Our Beers
We brew classic beers for a classic good time.
From beer aficionados to casual drinkers, we’ve got everyone covered with our easy-to-love (and drink) brews.
Awards
2024
U.S. Open Beer Championship
Celestial Navigation
2024
U.S. Open Beer Championship
Kamakura
2023
U.S. Open Beer Championship
Zwickelbier
2023
U.S. Open Beer Championship
Dr. Billheimer’s Magic Pilsner
2023
U.S. Open Beer Championship
Celestial Navigation
2022
San Diego International Beer Competition
Alta Mar
2022
San Diego International Beer Competition
Kamakura Rice Lager
2022
San Diego International Beer Competition
Celestial Navigation
2022
U.S. Open Beer Championship
Celestial Navigation
2022
U.S. Open Beer Championship
Zwickelbier
2021
Califorina Craft Brewers Cup
Zwickelbier
2020
U.S. Open Beer Championship
Alta Mar
2020
San Diego International Beer Competition
Ketch Kolsch
2019
California Craft Brewers Cup
Ketch Kolsch
2019