Written by: Sarah Hinds Friedl, long-time Mammoth Lakes local
Oktoberfest may be over, but if you didn’t get your fill of Bavarian brews, Mammoth Lakes is the perfect place to keep the good vibes going! We’ve got a variety of craft beer born right here in the Eastern Sierra, and our breweries are some of the most popular places in town!
In this article:
- The Best Eastern Sierra Breweries
- Mammoth Brewing Company
- Distant Brewing
- Shelter Distilling
- June Lake Brewing
- Mountain Rambler
- Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza
- Where to stay for Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluseapalooza
- Frequently asked questions about beer in Mammoth Lakes
The Best Eastern Sierra Breweries
The OG: Mammoth Brewing Company
MBC has been a staple in the Mammoth beer-loving community since the 90s, when it was just a little tasting room on Berner Street. Nowadays, it’s our area’s most well-known brewing company, exporting beers all over California and Nevada, and bringing home awards from international beer competitions.
All of the brews on tap are named after Mammoth lore: Golden Trout Pilsner, IPA 395, Lair of the Bear Russian Imperial Stout, the list goes on. Make sure to try some of the seasonal varieties that showcase our area’s unique ingredients, like the Elderberry Sour. And if you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, don’t miss out on the Root Beer, which is popular with folks of all ages.
Distant Brewing
Distant Brewing, located on Old Mammoth Road, opened their doors in 2019 as the brain child of San Diego brothers (turned Mammoth locals) Drew and Kirk Wallace. It quickly became the go-to place for community events, such as the weekly pool tournament and open mic Mondays.
As far as beers go, Distant Brewing has one of the most extensive and varied menus in town. They offer a constantly changing list of in-house brews, collabs with nearby breweries and interesting selections from out-of-town breweries.
Shelter Distilling
Located at the Village at Mammoth, Shelter Distilling is known more for their excellent mixed drinks and in-house distilled spirits, but they’ve got an impressive beer menu, as well! Even though it’s not locally brewed, Shelter’s beers come straight from their brewery in Colorado. Keep an eye out for the collab they did with Mammoth Mountain, called the Last Ride Lager.
June Lake Brewing
June Lake is a cute little town just north of Mammoth Lakes where you’ll find all kinds of hidden gems, including June Lake Brewing. Their welcoming vibe and exceptional beer make the tasting room at JLB a favorite for locals throughout Mono County, but if you’re not able to make the trip, make sure to look for their beer in restaurants and bars right here in Mammoth.
Mountain Rambler
If you happen to drive through Bishop on your way up to Mammoth, you’ll see Mountain Rambler right off the 395. It’ll be the one with the always-packed outdoor patio and probably a live band! This is one of the best breweries in Inyo County, and like MBC, they’ve got a few awards under their belt: their Scottish Ale and Amber Ale won gold and silver at the 2023 California Craft Brewers Cup.
Make sure to treat yourself to a flight and something from their extensive food menu. And don’t be surprised if there’s a special event planned on the day of your visit. Mountain Rambler has one of the busiest event calendars in the area!
Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza
Clearly, there’s a beer culture here in Mammoth Lakes and our neighboring towns. So it’s probably not a surprise that we’re home to one of the most sought-out beer festivals in the state! Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza has been marrying blues music and craft beer since 1996, and it’s a match made in heaven! Every year, the event has grown, attracting some spectacular musical guests and heavy-hitters in the beer world.
This year, the festival is on hiatus, but it’ll be back at a new location in town in 2027! And in fact, we have a few condos that are ideally located for the new festival site! Check out our options at Mountainback at Mammoth and Mammoth Ski & Racquet Club, which are located within walking distance to Bluesapalooza 2027:
Mountainback at Mammoth, Unit 68
2 BR - Loft | 3 BA | 8 Guests
Mammoth Ski & Racquet Club, Unit 76
1 BR - Loft | 2 BA | 6 Guests
Frequently Asked Questions about Beer in Mammoth Lakes
Is beer served at Mammoth Mountain?
Yes! Officially, Mammoth Mountain recommends that you don’t drink and hit the slopes. But, if you’re able to imbibe responsibly or you’re looking for an apres ski beverage, you’ll find local breweries on tap at the bars at the mountain.
Does beer affect you differently at high altitude?
Yes…but not how you think.
Contrary to popular belief, being at high altitude doesn’t affect your blood alcohol content. In other words, your body is going to metabolize alcohol the same way at high elevation as it does at sea level. But, the way that you feel when you drink at high altitude might still be different! That’s because your body will already be dealing with dehydration and lower oxygen levels, which can leave you feeling lethargic and light-headed.
In general, it’s recommended that you drink in moderation while you’re still acclimating to the elevation. And, as always, hydrate more than you would at sea level!
Does beer taste different at high altitude?
Being at high altitude can dampen our sense of taste, primarily due to the fact that lower moisture in the air changes our nasal passageways and ability to detect scent and taste molecules. In other words, don’t be surprised if your go-to beer at home doesn’t taste quite as strong here in the mountains. Our recommendation? Use this opportunity to try different brews and really pay attention to tasting notes and smells.
How can you “brewery hop” in Mammoth Lakes?
Since we have quite a few different places to enjoy beer here in Mammoth Lakes, it’s important to have your transportation planned out ahead of time. If you don’t have a designated driver, your best option is to rely on our free public transit system!
Are Mammoth Lakes beers available in bottles or cans?
Yes! If you want to stock up on your favorites from Mammoth Brewing Company, June Lake Brewing, or Distant Brewing, you’ll find cans, bottles, and growlers for sale in their tasting rooms. They also ship to locations within California (and sometimes Nevada) and may be available through your local liquor distributor.
Keep in mind that beers that are brewed and bottled at high elevation may experience changes in carbonation as they move around the state (if not properly handled)! It’s always best to enjoy your favorite high altitude beers at high altitude!
What’s your favorite place to drink beer in Mammoth Lakes?
Let us know! Or, if you’re still looking for recommendations, our folks here at the Mammoth Mountain Reservations office are happy to help you find your perfect beer tasting spot!