372: Ian McCall of Ism is Brewing Pint After Pint of West Coast Pleasure

Ian McCall, founder of ISM Brewing, details the technical and philosophical evolution of modern West Coast IPA brewing. Returning to the historic Long Beach location where he previously brewed for Beachwood, McCall emphasizes a "lean and mean" production strategy. This approach utilizes a clean Pilsner malt base, high sulfate water chemistry to achieve sharp, fleeting bitterness, and strategic hop additions—specifically Columbus Cryo—to build foundational complexity. Beyond technical specifications, the conversation highlights the necessity of constant recipe iteration and the "pint of pleasure" method, where brewers critically evaluate their own work to drive continuous improvement. By prioritizing community-driven values and deep relationships with hop farmers, McCall demonstrates how independent breweries can maintain high-quality standards while fostering a local gathering space in a challenging economic landscape.