There’s a new brewery in town that is about the celebrate it’s first birthday. Barley and Sword is located in North Park alongside two other breweries in what amounts to be a beer lovers picnic area off El Cajon Boulevard. Mike Howell is the founder of Barley and Sword, which has a bit of a Medieval Times theme to it. This comes from his background in battle reenactments as well as a passion for European beers.
Barley and Swords’ menu features Irish Reds, a London Brown, an Irish Oatmeal Stout and German traditionals including Helles and Kolsch. He even features a Berliner Weisse, a traditional German Sour where the drinker can choose from a selection of syrup to add to the glass. This place is a pub crawlers paradise with its collection of Bitters, Stouts and Ales.
Howell has been running the Barley and Sword by himself as well as working full time at his traditional job. That of course was a handful to do, but he now has help with the brewing operation. “Up until recently it’s been just me,” Howell explained while pouring a amber to dark brown flight of beers for a thirsty patron. “From grain to glass, it was just me. But recently I’ve been able to add an assistant brewer, and that helps out a lot!”
Howell admits to having one and only one IPA, but he makes it in the original 80’s style before things went all dank. He also pays homage to the original Anchor Steam beer with his Sawmill Steam California Common, so both of these beers are a throwback to a time in California’s beer history that probably a lot of North Park hipsters would not know about.
Howell mans the bar every Monday evening after five so he can connect with his patrons and they can ask him beer questions. There is typically a food truck of rotating styles serving the small rooms and outdoor picnic tables that make up this unique beer compound. The area is both bike and dog friendly which makes it the perfect North Park destination no matter where you come from!
BarleyAndSword.com
