Someone “liberated” a “tarantula” in a “common space” in “Hermosa” while a “Dojo” searches for Dankness masters, but it all flows back to the fact that it is “Chinatown.”

Yes, that was a bit of tortured prose, but references some new breweries that are planning on opening in 2018. A partial list of interest includes the following breweries.

Tarantula Hill Brewing Company will be the first brewery in Thousand Oaks thanks to a 2016 change in zoning regulations. Named after the tallest point in Thousand Oaks, this possible July opener will also serve Neapolitan pizza and homemade ice cream.

Common Space Brewery will be joining Hawthorne’s suddenly hot scene this fall, following L.A. Ale Works to the land of SpaceX.

Liberation Brewing Company adds to the growing list of Long Beach breweries when it lands in the city’s Bixby Knolls area. The brewery is fronted by Dan Regan, former member of renowned local ska band, Reel Big Fish.

Hermosa Brewing Company eschews the beach moniker and will also be serving up food alongside beer. They look to be opening earlier this year, rather than later.

Modern Times will be opening their first Los Angeles location, the Dankness Dojo, at Olive & 8th this year. This fast growing San Diego brewery has many beer halls in the air from Portland to Anaheim. Plus they will be bringing their coffee.

For me, the most highly anticipated opening will be the second location for Highland Park Brewery in Chinatown. Not only will this expand the amount of beer that the super talented Bob Kunz is making, but will probably increase Gold Line ridership as people head there for their popular can releases.

The BEER OF THE WEEK will require you to “Surge Pour.” Nitro Merlin from Firestone Walker will be in cans minus the clanky widget to give you a smooth and creamy milk stout. You will need to invert the 12-ounce can three times to agitate the nitrogen that has been carefully placed inside by a liquid nitrogen drip, and then pour down the center of your glass with no hesitation. You will be rewarded with a great tasting beer and a lovely cascading effect.

Your HOMEWORK is to figure out why January is so popular for brewery birthdays. There are anniversary parties galore. Transplants Brewing in Palmdale on January 13, Ladyface Ale Companie celebrates its Octennial on January 21, Verdugo West Brewing Co. gets in on the act on January 13 as well, and stalwart Eagle Rock will be throwing a luau on January 28 along with an 8th anniversary hazy IPA.

Find more of Sean Inman’s writing on his blog, Beer Search Party.