Docent Brewing

Meet the Founders

Docent Brewing was founded by Bryan Hendon and Scott Cortellessa, longtime hospitality professionals whose restaurant background included co-owning and operating La Sirena Grill in Laguna Beach. They built Docent around the idea that a docent is both guide and learner – someone who shares knowledge while remaining curious.

The Story Behind the Dream

The original brewery and public house opened in San Juan Capistrano in 2017. From the beginning, the goal extended beyond making beer. The founders wanted to create a community-minded place where staff could explain styles, guests could explore flavor, and house-made food would receive the same care as the brewing program.

The Carlsbad Story

Docent’s Carlsbad Village taproom at 3060 State Street brings that philosophy into the center of the Village. The location combines rotating taps with a scratch kitchen, giving visitors an accessible way to understand Southern California craft beer through both conversation and pairing.

Signature Offerings

The beer list changes, but recognized releases include Super Tonic coffee stout and Double Nickels. In Carlsbad, popular kitchen offerings include the Korean Reuben with house kimchi and chile aioli and a fried chicken sandwich with Fresno chile slaw, hot honey, and house pickles.

Behind the Scenes

Fermentation connects the brewery and kitchen. Beer requires recipe development, yeast management, sanitation, temperature control, patience, and tasting; the food program echoes that craft through house-made ingredients and fermented flavors.

Why We Love Them

Docent’s name expresses exactly what a strong culinary partner can do: welcome people, teach without lecturing, and make discovery enjoyable. The Carlsbad taproom adds another locally rooted gathering place to State Street.

Cherimarie’s Reflection

Food tours and breweries share a beautiful idea: a guide opens the door, but curiosity belongs to the guest. Docent makes craft beer feel like an invitation to learn, taste, and connect.