Brewery / taproom
Unclaimed profileISM Brewing
Long Beach, CA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
ISM Brewing's taproom is anchored by a serious beer program: Chepedelic, a West Coast IPA with GABF gold and WBC silver, and Calf Fiend, a WBC gold coffee brown ale. Beyond the medals, the menu spans lagers, guest sours from Cellador and pFriem, and Bivouac ciders. Cocktails are few but distinctive—a Michelada with chamoy rim and a Margarita built on agave wine. Wine and non-alcoholic options fill gaps without stealing focus.
- What should I order?
- Start with Chepedelic, the medal-winning West Coast IPA, or Calf Fiend if you want coffee and cocoa notes. For something lighter, Gulp of Mexico is a crushable Mexican lager. The Michelada is a house specialty with chamoy and chili con limón.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Craft beer enthusiasts will find plenty to explore, especially fans of West Coast IPAs and award-winning brews. Those seeking a quick cocktail or a glass of wine have limited but intentional options. Non-alcoholic drinkers can rely on soft drinks and a sparkling hop water.
- When should I go?
- Best for a casual afternoon or evening beer session. The taproom's focus on beer makes it a solid stop before or after exploring downtown.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Beers range from $8.25 for a Mexican lager to $14.95 for a guest sour; cocktails are around $10; wine by the glass starts at $9.75; non-alcoholic drinks from $3.25.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A brewery with genuine hardware: Chepedelic took gold at GABF 2025 and silver at WBC 2026, while Calf Fiend earned gold at WBC 2024. The tap list also features collaborations and guest taps, keeping the rotation lively.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A small but intentional cocktail list: a house Michelada with chamoy and chili con limón rim, and a Margarita made with Ola Sol agave wine, Tajin-salt rim, and fresh lime.
Menu strengths
- — House-made Michelada mix with a chamoy and chili con limón rim
- — Margarita uses agave wine and fresh lime, with a Tajin-salt rim
Standout selections
- — Michelada – house tangy mix, chamoy & chili con limón rim, $10.25
- — Margarita – Ola Sol agave wine, Tajin & salt rim, fresh lime, $9.95
Pricing: $9.95–$10.25
Wine
A compact wine list covering red, white, rosé, and sparkling. Notable pours include Field Recordings Sangiovese and Benvolio Prosecco by the glass.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of styles including red, white, rosé, and sparkling
Standout selections
- — Freddo – Field Recordings Sangiovese, $14.50
- — Benvolio Prosecco – Jackson Family Wines, $9.75/glass
- — Grandial Blanc de Blancs Brut – $26.50/bottle
Pricing: $9.75–$26.50
Beer
An extensive, award-winning beer program. Chepedelic (GABF Gold 2025, WBC Silver 2026) and Calf Fiend (WBC Gold 2024) headline a diverse tap list including collaborations, guest sours, and ciders.
Menu strengths
- — Multiple award-winning house beers recognized at GABF and WBC
- — Collaborations with other breweries and guest taps from Cellador, pFriem, and Bivouac
- — Wide range of styles from West Coast IPAs to lagers and coffee brown ales
Standout selections
- — Chepedelic – West Coast IPA, Gold GABF 2025, Silver WBC 2026
- — Calf Fiend – Coffee Brown Ale, Gold WBC 2024
- — Falling Knife Catch – West Coast IPA collab, citrus, blackberry, Sauv Blanc, $9.25
- — In a Slient Way – Cellador sour aged on apricot pits, $13.95
Pricing: $8.25–$14.95
Nonalcoholic
Basic non-alcoholic offerings: Mexican and standard sodas, house-made lemonade, and Aqualink Sparkling Hop Water (0.0% abv). No mocktails, but the hop water provides a beer-adjacent option.
Menu strengths
- — Aqualink Sparkling Hop Water offers a zero-alcohol option with citrusy, bubbly character
Standout selections
- — Aqualink – Sparkling Hop Water, 0.0% abv, $6.50
Pricing: $3.25–$6.50
How it sits with the food
The food menu includes beer mustard and beer-braised onions, which pair naturally with the brewery's own ales and lagers. The Michelada's tangy mix could complement savory bar snacks, though specific food pairings are not detailed.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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