Even when it’s not my intention, I inevitably stumble across craft beer in San Diego. The County is so rich in craft beer culture that when I was roaming a Kearny Mesa industrial park, looking for Magnetic Brewing, I found Helm’s Brewing Company in the same complex. Bonus: they were hosting Global Conservation Force. Meaning that every sip I took would help protect endangered species and combat poaching.

Bryan Ruiz, Tim Johnson, Jason Mitchell and Ken Watson partnered to debut Helm’s Brewing Company in November 2012 with a nautical theme. My beertender said that Johnson has a background working on big ships. The space features white walls, a wood bar and counter, corrugated metal, twin flat-screen TVs, and 12 taps. I partook in a trio of $2 tasters, including Hop The RIPA, a red IPA hopped like an American IPA; O.G. Wheat, a savory German Gose seasoned with salt and coriander; and my personal favorite, Wicked As Sin. This 6.6% ABV rye IPA enjoyed whole cone hopping and achieved a bright, beautiful malt balance.