Hundreds Flock to BNS Brewing and Distillery Co. Grand Opening [Photos]

BNS Brewing and Distillery Co. was the place to be in Santee last Saturday, June 30, at the grand opening of the the brewery with attitude opened by a crew that includes two Navy Seals.

I had to park deeper in the industrial parks off Woodside Avenue than I've ever gone before- more people were on hand for the opening than could fit inside the warehouse situated just next to the Santee Drive-In.

Five partners opened Santee's third brewery in a beautifully redesigned 8,600 square foot industrial building that has a wood and metal cowboy edge that's softened by tomato plants and a pond in the beer garden out front. Brilliant details abound, from the Navy Seal insignia and cooling metal strip embedded in the bar, to the aged Napa barn wood that hangs behind the bar.

Five beers are on tap- Imperial Stout, Gunfighter, Saloon Girl, and FlintLock and Revolver, with more on the way. They have a shiny still on display, but don't yet have spirits for tasting or purchase. According to the San Diego Reader, BNS has plans to produce vodka, whiskey and gin.

These guys love America, and that's evident by the huge American Flag behind the brewing equipment, the flags stamped on the equipment, branded on barrels, even on chair seats and the fact that they use entirely American made products.

BNS has 10 barrels brewing that can produce up to 200 kegs a month, with a lot of room for expansion.

The BNS tasting room is open Sunday to Thursday from noon to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from noon to 10 p.m.

See more coverage of the new brewery at What's Going on in Santee and the San Diego Reader