About
Our Story…
Culture is more than just beer. Culture is an idea. An idea that we are not all that different from each other and that art, community spaces, and yes… beer too can bring us together. That is why Culture embodies the ethos of the neighborhoods we call home through monthly art shows featuring local artists, fundraisers, and community events. But also by brewing beer styles that anyone, from beer-novice to beer-nerd, can enjoy.
Awards
World Beer Cup 2024- Category: Honey Beer, Name: Kostka-busser (Kottbusser), Award: Silver
Great American Beer Festival 2017- Category: Golden or Blonde Ale, Name: Blonde Ale, Award: Bronze
Great American Beer Festival 2016 - Category: American Brown Ale, Name: Brown Ale, Award: Gold
Meet Our Team
Operations
Whitney Johndro - Director of Operations
Favorite Beer: Wildflower IPA
Former breakdancer, a one time symphony conductor, a mean yoga instructor, and a hop farmer's daughter. Being a jack of all trades, it was only natural to be the leader of excellence and culture, a number cruncher, and the day to day operator. When I am not at Culture rallying the troops, you can find me traveling the world, on a quest to grow my serious childhood sticker collection, exploring national parks in my van or dancing through my day.
Amanda Martinez - Events Coordinator
Favorite Beer: Black Lager
Small farm town girl. Probably in the desert. Former makeup artist. I run a small business- sustainable vintage shop. When I am not taking photos and/or pouring beers, I am most likely at a show or at home with my cats spinning records.
Brew Team
Jason Smith - Head Brewer
Favorite Beer: American Pilsner
Been brewing for over 10 years. Born and raised in Oceanside, Ca. When I’m not Brewing you can find me contemplating the Universe… Always learning, always growing, always a student.
Aleks Kostka - Brewer
Favorite Beer: Bahhh-ck
I like to utilize my roots as a Polish farm girl and Biochemist as much as possible when it comes to brewing beer and potions. You can find me in the brewery during the day and flying on my broomstick at night.
Tasting Room Management
Larry Soliman - Encinitas & Solana Beach Tasting Room Manager
Favorite Beer: IPL
Voted best beertender by my wife and most handsome beertender by my mom.
Donald Leverson - Manhattan Beach Tasting Room Assistant Manager
My name is Donald and I’m from New Orleans, Louisiana originally. I studied English Literature but teaching was not for me. Craft beer brought me to the great state of California. After working with a craft beer centric restaurant group for 7 years, I yearned to be in the brewery scene and Culture gave me my first big break. When I’m not at my second home aka work, I’m probably at another brewery or Disneyland.
Kelly Oelschlager - Manhattan Beach Tasting Room Manager
Favorite Beer: Imperial Sour
Relocated to the sunny South Bay to open this location and am your go-to gal for all things Manhattan Beach. When I'm not busy running the tasting room you can find me working on my creative side hustle, making greeting cards. I'm a former collegiate athlete and still run on the regular, mostly so I can drink more beer. Currently daydreaming about adventuring abroad and enjoying live music again.
Jesus, aka Junior, Espinoza - Manhattan Beach Tasting Room Assistant Manager
Born and raised in “The City of Champions” ( Inglewood, CA) Jr’s mentality is just that, work hard but also play hard.
If you don’t see Jr pouring beer at Culture, you’ll find him at concerts, Dodger games or checking out any local breweries.
