Our Story

The original SLO Brew, located on Garden Street, was established by Mike Hoffman and Kathy Ireland and featured a billiards hall downstairs, with the brewery and live music upstairs. It was the first brewpub on the Central Coast since prohibition.

After only a year in business, SLO Brewing Co became a fixture of the San Luis Obispo community. Looking to share their craft, Mike Hoffman began planning for distribution.

Ahead of its time, SLO Brewing Co starts bottling a core lineup of craft beers in 12oz 6pks and 22oz bombers for sale across the nation including the infamous Blueberry Ale.

Looking to expand brewing production in house, SLO Brew built a production brewery in Paso Robles. The facility did not work out financially and was later acquired by Firestone Walker to become their flagship brewery.

SLO Brew takes home the Brewpub of the Year award at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado. That same year we also were awarded two silver and one gold medal for our oatmeal stout, pale ale, and IPA.

Throughout the decades, the downstairs concert venue hosted countless local bands and touring acts. Music runs deep into the foundation of SLO Brew.

Our current owner Hamish Marshall – a beer loving Aussie who fell in love with SLO – stepped in and revitalized the original SLO Brew name, and has been pushing SLO Brew to better and exciting new heights ever since.

After over 27 years at its original Garden Street location, SLO Brew celebrated its last night on December 31st, 2015 before moving to the newly renovated historic Carissa building on Higuera Street.

Located upstairs from the new SLO Brew pub, the spacious SLO Brew Lofts offer the ultimate experience to travelers and locals alike, featuring five suites plus the Carissa Club boardroom and rooftop deck overlooking the San Luis Creek.

SLO Brew is back on the shelves in new 12oz cans for our core beers. Distributed across the Central Coast of California.

The Rock opens it’s doors, featuring our 30-barrel brewhouse, canning line, and taproom restaurant.

SLO Brew launches its first 16oz can, Blood Orange Cali-Squeeze.

Electric Guest headlines our anniversary party as we celebrating 30 years of brewing.

New line of canned Craft Beer Micheladas made with SLO Brew craft beer.

Premium canned wine brand Porch Pounder joins the SLO Brewing Co Family.

Our new craft distillery Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills opens at The Rock featuring California Whiskey, Cut with The Pacific.

Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills moves to distribution in 750ml bottles to show How California Does Whiskey.

The infused brand caught the eye of Firestone Walker after taking note of its rapid growth and success.

Inspired by the classic Margarita cocktails, these 7% seltzers are crafted with agave nectar, salt, and Mexican lime juice.