Unveiling Malibu Brewing: A Deep Dive with Los Angeles Craft Beer Brewery Sales Director Alan Harvey

Malibu Brewing has been making waves in the Southern California craft beer scene, and we recently had the opportunity to chat with Alan Harvey, their Director of Sales, to get an inside look at what makes this brewery so special. From their commitment to consistency to some exciting future plans, here's what we learned:

A Decade in the Industry, Four Years with Malibu

Alan Harvey brings a wealth of experience to Malibu Brewing, with +7 years in the industry, starting as a beertender at Figueroa Mountain's taproom before transitioning into outside sales. He got the call from Malibu, on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic, which would mark the beginning of his journey with the incredible LA brand. Alan has been with Malibu for four years and counting! Hailing from San Fernando, Alan is deeply connected to the local scene, understands LA beer, and accepts the challenge of growing this brand. 

Spreading the Malibu Love: Distribution and Self-Reliance

Malibu Brewing’s reach extends as far as Ventura in the north to Downtown LA and Hollywood, covering the greater Los Angeles area. What's even more impressive? Malibu Brewing self-distributes and a significant portion of this distribution is handled by Alan himself, a testament to their hands-on approach.

Consistency is Key: The Malibu Promise

One of Malibu Brewing’s core tenets is consistency. They are dedicated to ensuring that every customer experiences the same great beer every time. This commitment was reinforced by a significant brand refresh earlier this year, which we noted for its sleek, new look. Ryan, one of the brewery’s founders, is the creative force behind the brand's aesthetics, and is responsible for all the eye-catching 16oz can designs. To note: all of Malibu’s standard offerings are packaged in 12oz cans, while rotators are reserved for 16oz-ers.  

Beyond the Flagships: The Innovation Behind the Brews

While Malibu Brewing prides itself on its consistent core offerings, they’re not afraid to innovate. We were particularly intrigued by their Hatch Green Chile Lager. Inspired by Ryan's New Mexico roots and love for Hatch Green Chilis, this unique beer started as a birthday gift from the brewery's original head brewer, but has evolved into its current rendition, with brewmaster, Chaz, adding his own flair. It was a gold medal winner at the 2024 Brewers Cup of CA and is typically released twice a year, between late summer and fall, featuring a delicate smoked, roasted chili character. Try a pint next time you are in the tap room, alongside the Beachside Burrito or Not Just Another Quesadilla. 

LA Influence: Quality, Inclusivity, and Local Sourcing

When asked about the LA market's influence, Alan emphasized their dedication to high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Malibu Brewing strives to create beers that appeal to both everyday beer drinkers and "beer nerds" alike, fostering an inclusive environment. They are committed to supporting local farmers and other local businesses, which they believe sets them apart in the competitive LA craft beer scene.

Overcoming Challenges: Community Support in Times of Need

Every brewery has its journey, and Malibu Brewing has a powerful story of resilience. In early 2025, during nearby fires, despite not being directly impacted, they partnered with World Central Kitchen, a non-profit organization, to open their space to anyone needing a meal or a respite. They served over 13,000 free meals, including many for first responders, and their taproom became a crucial escape for locals. We couldn’t agree more that this pivotal moment solidified their identity as a community pillar.

Looking Ahead: Growth and New Horizons

The future is bright for Malibu Brewing. Their current expansion and a new location are just the beginning. Alan revealed that growth is a key focus, and they will continue actively growing their brand, which may include more taprooms in the future. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. In addition to progress of their second location, partnering with Brwtxt, LA’s premier craft beer delivery service, will most certainly assist with the growth goal.

The Best of the Best: Alan's Picks

When it comes to his favorite Malibu beer, Alan's choice is the Big Rock Amber Lager. And what about the best beer in LA? Aside from his additional push for a Malibu beer, Happy Days (a beer brewed with locally beekeeper-sourced honey), he recommends Lawless Blacklight, a Czech Dark Lager packed with limitless amounts of crispy notes, alongside a sprinkle of roastiness and some expressive noble hops. His LA favorites are a testament to quality, community, and innovation. 

Cheers!