# Dokkaebier

> Dokkaebier is an Oakland-based craft brewery brewing Asian-inspired beers that fold ingredients like kimchi culture, yuzu, lemongrass, Szechuan peppercorns, galangal and bamboo leaves into familiar styles. Founded in 2020 by beverage-industry veteran Youngwon Lee and named after the mischievous, drink-loving spirits of Korean folklore, the company set out to build a more representative craft beer scene while making flavors that stand out. Its lineup - led by the experimental Kimchi Sour and the approachable Yuza Blonde - is sold direct-to-consumer online and has been distributed across California and beyond.

- **Founded:** 2020
- **Headquarters:** Oakland, California, United States
- **Founders:** Youngwon Lee (Founder & CEO)
- **Team size:** ~14 employees
- **Products:** Kimchi Sour, Yuza Blonde, Rice Kolsch, Milk Stout, Bamboo Pilsner
- **Notable:** Recognized as one of the fastest-growing Asian-influenced craft breweries in the U.S., Acquired Federation Brewing and opened an Oakland taproom in April 2023, Raised over $700K in seed capital via equity crowdfunding with 148+ investors

## Products & services

- **Kimchi Sour** — The brewery's most experimental beer, made with ginger, gochugaru (Korean sun-dried chilies) and kimchi culture for a tangy, funky sour.
- **Yuza Blonde** — A lighter, citrus-forward blonde ale brewed with yuzu - the brand's most approachable, gateway beer.
- **Rice Kolsch** — A crisp, light Kolsch-style ale brewed with rice for a clean, delicate finish.
- **Milk Stout** — A creamy stout with chocolate and coffee notes.
- **Bamboo Pilsner** — A pilsner brewed with bamboo leaves for a subtle, herbal character.
- **Lemongrass Wit** — A wheat beer brightened with lemongrass.
- **Experimental Batch Program** — A rotating series of small taproom-only batches (reaching batch 33+) used to test new Asian-inspired flavors before wider release.

## Achievements

- Recognized as one of the fastest-growing Asian-influenced craft breweries in the U.S.
- Acquired Federation Brewing and opened an Oakland taproom in April 2023
- Raised over $700K in seed capital via equity crowdfunding with 148+ investors
- Founder Youngwon Lee named a Council of Korean Americans (CKA) member
- Built a signature Kimchi Sour that became a talked-about entry point for Asian-ingredient beer

## Latest updates

- **2023-04** — Opened an Oakland taproom at 420 3rd St. after acquiring Federation Brewing.
- **2023-12** — Closed the brick-and-mortar taproom (last day Dec. 29), pivoting to distribution and expanded markets.
- **2024-01** — Continued operating as a distribution- and e-commerce-focused brand shipping across California.
- **2026-07** — Yelp listing marks the physical taproom as closed; brand continues selling beer online.

## Links

- Website: https://enjoydkb.com
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/dokkaebier
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/dokkaebier
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ywlee
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dokkaebier/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dokkaebier/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/dokkaebier
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-08-06